There once was a campaign in the United States for an investment broker, where the tagline read, “When <company> talks, everyone listens.” You may not have an iota of interest in the stock market, of course, but when the Doctor steps forward, takes a strengthening breath, and begins an oration, the viewing audience joins the supporting cast in rapt attention to what is about to be said. It may even be argued that within the past 3 series, the opportunities for and occurrences of these monologues are steadily increasing — much to our fascination.

This week, Keir and Haley tour a series of the Doctor’s most impactful speeches, from short but sweet consolations to a distraught listener, to the arms-wide, sermon-on-the-mount powerhouses that hold armies at bay, and give would-be gods reason to take heed. We discuss the apparent rise in the breadth and content of these speeches, and the adept way that Doctor Who writers have historically written to the strengths of each actor portraying the titular role.

Some referenced moments for your research:

• First Doctor to Susan, in “Dalek Invasion of Earth”
• Second Doctor to Victoria, in “Tomb of the Cybermen”
• Third Doctor to Jo Grant, in “The Time Monster” (thanks to Ian for the suggestion!)
• Fourth Doctor to Sarah Jane, in “Genesis of the Daleks”
• Sixth Doctor to the Valeyard and Inquisitor, in “Trial of a Timelord”
• Ninth Doctor to Rose, in “Parting of the Ways”
• Tenth Doctor soliloquy, in “The Waters of Mars”
• Eleventh Doctor to the assembled armada, in “The Pandorica Opens”
• Twelfth Doctor to Bonnie, in “The Zygon Inversion”

News Links:

• Moffat “Explains” the Return of Nardole in Series 10
• “Power of the Daleks” Animation Reported…But Only By “The Mirror”
• Spin-off Series “Class” to Air in October

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