Saying Goodbye to Matt Smith as The Doctor

There is a part of me that wants to say, "Big deal! He's just an actor leaving a show." However, I decided to write a post about what I've appreciated most about Matt Smith as The Doctor because I've never been a fan of anything before. Not like I've become for Doctor Who. This is the first regeneration I'll get to see when it happens. I'm new to Who and have done a lot of binge watching over the last year and a half to be caught up (and then some). And most of all, sometimes it is good to appreciate the little things in life so that they are that much sweeter.

He's Physical

Some of you know that I'm an improviser. When I see photos or videos of myself I've often compared myself to a block of wood. But watching Matt Smith play The Doctor has inspired me. I've been inspired to study up (via books and video) on mime, stage movement, Charlie Chaplin and more. I often hear Matt Smith compared to Patrick Troughton for reasons associated with his physicality but it is a large reason why Sylvester McCoy is my favorite classic Doctor. Somehow Matt's physicality lives in a quantum state of being both over the top and subtle. I often find myself thinking I should practice one of his scenes just to get practice at the movement. One day (perhaps later tonight) I'll start doing just that.

I'm thankful he inspires me to better move while I'm on stage

He has a keen fashion sense (not)

The quote, joke, meme with Matt Smith is that "bow ties are cool." I hate to break it to you but they are not. Or at least they weren't until he started wearing them as The Doctor. They still aren't if you aren't a Whovian. Then there is the fez, another joke of fashion he has inserted into the show. From everything I've read he had a large part in choosing the look of his Doctor and I think he made a great choice. For such a young Doctor to choose articles of clothing that are often considered "your granddad's clothes" [INSERT MACKLEMORE REFERENCE HERE - OK MAYBE NOT] was a perfect fit. I honestly never wanted to cosplay his doctor. I've never done any cosplay but I had thought maybe the 10th and definitely Captain Jack Harkness. Then The Bells Of St. John and that purple frock coat happened. I love purple and that coat was not classic but classic made modern. The bow-tie finally looked, not goofy, but stylish.

I'm thankful he had such good fun with such dorky clothes. A fashion crime I've taken part in many times but never as successfully.

Conclusion

There are many more things to like about Matt Smith's time in the role of The Doctor. His emotionally charged scenes. His general joy and goofiness. His beautiful delivery of lines that will make you laugh the second time you watch an episode. I appreciate it but I am well prepared (thank you BBC) to move on now to the next Doctor. What will I love about your Doctor, Mr. Capaldi? I can't wait.