Matt Smith or Peter Capaldi: The Better Doctor?
The age-old debate: who is the better Doctor in the Doctor Who series? Matt Smith or Peter Capaldi? The answer is not straightforward and depends on one’s own personal preferences, but we can examine the factors that contribute to a great Doctor: performance, memorability, popularity, and physical appearance.
Performance and Characterization
When asked who is the better Doctor, the question itself is often more about preference than objective quality. It's important to remember that the Doctor, played by numerous actors over the years, is a character with a timeless essence, despite the distinctive portrayals of different actors. Each Doctor teaches us something new, contributing to the rich tapestry of the series.
Matt Smith: Matt Smith, as the 11th Doctor, brought a fresh and youthful energy to the role, balancing his dark side with child-like curiosity and experimental adventures. His eyes could convey more depth and wisdom than Peter Capaldi's physical aging. Smith also knew how to channel the gravitas of the character, ensuring the Doctor remained a figure of authority and wisdom rather than falling into the role of a spiteful misanthrope.
Peter Capaldi: While Peter Capaldi, as the 12th Doctor, brought a different flavor to the role with his acerbic humor and a more mature approach to the character, his portrayal was often criticized for its darker and more ironic tone. Capaldi was perhaps too focused on the darker aspects, which detracted from the character's authority and mystique. However, his performance as the monk in the Time War was excellent, showcasing his range and ability to portray the depth of the Doctor's past.
Making an Objective Case
When we consider the better Doctor in a more objective sense, several factors come into play:
Distinctive Memorability: The Doctor should have a unique and memorable presence that stands out from their predecessors. Both Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi brought their own interpretations to the role, but Smith's portrayal was often more universally beloved and recognized for its distinctiveness.
To Remain the Same Yet Different: At the core, the Doctor is fundamentally the same, but each incarnation brings new nuances and traits. Capaldi's Doctor channeled aspects of Tom Baker's portrayal, but perhaps didn't do justice to the full range of Tom Baker's Doctor.
Popularity and Fan Appeal: The Doctor needs to be likable and engaging to retain fan support. While Smith was incredibly popular, possibly second only to Christopher Eccleston and possibly David Tennant, Capaldi's popularity grew as time went on. This trend has led to Capaldi often scoring higher in "Best Doctor Polls" in recent years, although both are consistently outshone by Christopher Eccleston.
Physical Appearance: The Doctor needs to look the part. Matt Smith's face is often cited as one of the best for the role, with no one looking quite like him. Peter Capaldi, on the other hand, had fantastic hair and costuming, yet still retained a resemblance to classic Doctors like Richard Hurst and Patrick Troughton.
Conclusion
Moving forward, personal preference does play a significant role in determining which Doctor is better. Newer fans may gravitate towards a younger, more relatable Doctor, while others may appreciate the wisdom and gravitas of a grizzled Time Lord. Peter Capaldi's 12th Doctor was a compelling and multifaceted character, but Matt Smith's 11th Doctor brought a more youthful and experimental angle to the role, creating a unique and lasting legacy.
Ultimately, the debate of Matt Smith or Peter Capaldi as the better Doctor is a testament to the series' enduring appeal and the diverse interpretations that ensure each Doctor remains a beloved and iconic figure in fan culture.