two and jamie + text posts because i'm deranged about them

bonus:

Now I said that the show would not have happened without William Hartnell, but the show would not have survived with Patrick Troughton. Because it was an incredible risk to introduce a new actor as the face of the main character and not only allow that to be a thing the show, but for him to play the character completely different and have it work out. And not only did Patrick Troughton volunteer to take this risk, he pulled it off and made the show what we love about it today.

The Doctor was always mysterious and eccentric, but Patrick’s performance turned the Doctor from some grumpy old grandfather to an eccentric clown, with a clever mind. He brought more physical characterization to the Doctor with his brilliant facial work and also action work that brough more life and energy into the character. Often pretending to be stupid in front of his enemies or situations that he wanted to learn more about, he turned the tables on many of his foes by using this against them to learn how to defeat them. And because of this introduced a level of manipulation the Doctor possesses that later incarnations use far more craftily.

But the Doctor now truly embraces his destiny to fight evil, constantly giving speeches to those that just sit by or intend to do harm that this is something he will never let pass. In truth behind all his clowning, this Doctor truly becomes the hero we know and love about the Doctor. Plus he brings a seriousness to scientific study and invention and was the perfect actor to set up the lore the show has been missing since it was brought to television. Quite a feat for such a gamble in the world of television.

It’s hard not to love the second Doctor though. And part of that can be seen through his companions eyes. Because even though he carries around a 500-year-old diary, he travels with young people only and allows them to take charge or make decisions until situations becomes too dangerous. He also shows that he can be young at heart or the father figure when needed. For instance with Ben and Polly they were truly his friends and though they were mesmerized by the Doctor’s transformation, you can tell that they took to the Doctor and enjoyed his new found energy more before they leave. With Victoria, he was able to soothe her and care for her when her father dies and with Zoe he finds a colleague who can intellectually compete on his level.

However, the second Doctor travels with one companion longer than the rest and even to this day is the longest running companion on the show. That of course is Jamie McCrimmon, 17^th century highland boy who the Doctor takes along and shows the wonders and dangers of the universe. The two immediately bond and joke with each other, but ultimately they are protective of each other too. And while at times their relationship gets strained by some of the Doctor’s action, he ultimately cares for Jamie and tries to reassure him that when Jamie has to leave it will be better for him, but while he puts on a brave face, I think the Doctor is sad at the way the Timelords treat Jamie and betray the Doctor’s promise to him.

Enjoying his time while fighting evil, you can see from the Doctor’s quotes just how loveable and take charge he was:

I am not a student of human nature. I am a professor of a far wider academy of which human nature is merely a part.

When I say “run”, - run!

Oh yes, I can when I want to. And that’s the point, really. I have to really want to, to bring them back in front of my eyes. The rest of the time they… they sleep in my mind and I forget. And so will you. Oh yes, you will. You’ll find there’s so much else to think about. To remember. Our lives are different to anybody else’s. That’s the exciting thing! There’s nobody in the universe can do what we’re doing.

An unintelligent enemy is far less dangerous than an intelligent one, Jamie. Just act stupid. Do you think you can manage that?

All these evils I have fought while you have done nothing but observe. True, I am guilty of interference, just as you are guilty of failing to use your great powers to help those in need!

Taking away the feebleness and giving the Doctor more emotion adds such a richness to the character and with the great physical acting and facial expressions, Patrick Troughton elevates the character and truly paves the way for his predecessors to have their own unique spin on the character. And truly as said, the show would not have survived without him, so overall this a great era of the show and while a great many episodes are missing, I think every fan should still experience his time in the TARDIS as one of the best. Because to me, he will always be one of the best doctors.