There’s been a plot line left dangling ever since the end of Series 6 of Doctor Who– although one could argue it’s been technically a plot point since the beginning of the show– and that is: Doctor Who exactly? That’s right, the Doctor’s name has been teased by Steven Moffat for some time now and fans have been wondering if it would ever actually be revealed. Well, judging by the newly released poster for the finale and the bluntly named episode title, “The Name of the Doctor,” it sure seems like it.
Moffat has seemingly teased the Doctor’s name ever since Series 2 in “The Girl in the Fireplace” when it’s described to be “more than just a secret” by Madame de Pompadour. It was later brought up again in his Series 4 two-parter, “Silence in the Library” and “Forest of the Dead” when the Doctor himself tells River Song, “there’s only one reason I’d ever tell you my name, there’s only one time I could.”
At the time, it just seemed like he was adding to a mystery that would probably never be revealed, but once it was established as a plot point by the end of Series 6, fans didn’t know what to think. Should they actually go there, or leave it as it is? We’ll only know if it’s a good idea once we get there but knowing Moffat, it’s not as simple as it seems and I bet there’s some clever twist in there somewhere. I mean, even though they may market it that way, who’s to say that the Doctor’s greatest secret is actually his name?
The plot has only been referenced in the current Series so far through the many ‘Doctor Who?’ puns spread throughout the episodes, some worked, others didn’t. I’d have preferred them to do something new each time to remind the audience of the plot rather than doing the same thing all the time, but if it ends well, I guess all can be forgiven.
Series 7 has mainly been focused on the Clara storyline so far and finding out who she is; it will be interesting to see how that leads to the Fields of Trenzalore, the Silence, and the Doctor’s name. It’s also interesting to note that the Series has been teased to lead into the 50th Anniversary special, and I have no idea how they are going to do that with everything we know and what’s happened so far. That’s how you craft a proper mystery.
The beautiful poster for the finale confirms the return of River Song too, who was last seen in “The Angels Take Manhattan.” Considering future-River knows the Doctor’s name, it’s only fitting that she’s in this episode. And besides, it’s time that she met Clara.
Let’s not forget that we still have a few episodes left till we get there as posters for those have all been released. These are all designed with the highest level of talent as I am more than impressed with how beautiful they look. My favorite one is the poster for “Journey To The Centre of the TARDIS,” as it gives off a very magical vibe. The Cybermen look like a formidable threat again in the poster for their episode, while the finale is wrapped in mystery. It seems we’re only just getting to the good stuff.
Doctor Who continues Saturday nights on BBC America. Check out the posters below, and let us know what you think in the comments:
