#NCUTI IS IN THE SAME UNIVERSE. it's still his universe! what are we even putting a button on here? are you going to tell me that every time

[cipher-fresh]

Idr if you’ve mentioned before, but what was your opinion on the whole “bi-generation” thing in the new dr who specials? Ive heard alot of differing opinions on it

I'm split- ha, ha- on how I feel. I don't like it from a Doylist perspective, but I can appreciate it Watsonianly, if that makes sense? I'll go with my negative feelings first.

One one hand, it feels like a very obvious "Bring David Tennant Back" button that RTD can press at any time. A generous interpretation would be that it feels like RTD got too attatched to David Tennant as the Doctor and is too afraid to kill his darling, and only killed him last time because someone was going to showrun after him. Bi-generation denies Ncuti being the focus of his own introduction- (while I do think he stole every scene he was in, its the principle of not having to share his introduction with anyone else, you know?). It's also left semi-unexplained why this even happened, how did the Doctor's body decide the regeneration after 13 was the one where it was official he needed to settle down, and then bi-generate so he could live with Donna and her family? I hate that Fourteen didn't really even "die", and while it seems like he will at some point in the future and merge back into 15, and then become 15- it breaks your immersion and feels super obvious that RTD did this so David Tennant didn't have to die. I'm also not a fan of RTD saying that there are bi-generated versions of every Doctor out there somewhere, all existing at the same time. I like how regeneration acts as death, and that the Doctor has to face that, but here we never get the catharsis of death and rebirth. A less kind interpretation of this decision could say that this might have happened because Disney didn't want RTD killing off the most profitable and popular version of the Doctor from the 21st century, so they can keep using him in spin-offs like that UNIT one that appears to be confirmed.

But in terms of in-universe storytelling, it's really sweet? 14 and 15 are overjoyed by each other's presence and go for that hug immediately, and are wonderfully in sync. David and Ncuti interacting was the absolute highlight of the episode, they bounce off each other perfectly and seeing 15 assure 14 that he'll be okay was very touching. 14 settling down and living with Donna is really nice in a fanfictiony way, you know? I'd love to write about 14 starting to live a human life while still being himself, becoming a part of the Noble family and working on healing from all of his scars, the dead companions and all the people he's failed to save. 14 healing from his trauma and taking a break also gives 15 a blank slate for the show's narrative to get new viewers, and face new threats.

To summarize- bi-generation so 14 can live a domestic life is nice fanfiction, I kind of wish it wasn't canon, but also this is the single most joyous hug I've ever seen in my life

[ID: Four screenshots of 14 and 15 hugging immiediatwly after the bi-generation, then holding each other's faces. 15 says "So good to see you. Oh, so good!" as Mel looks delighted.

Two screenshots of 15 comforting 14 after the defeat of the Toymaker, 15 puts an arm around 14's shoulders as 14 puts his head on 15's shoulder. 15 then kisses him on the forehead.

The two final screenshots are of 14's disappointed face after 15 stops hugging him, then smiling when he hugs 15 again. /End ID]

[doctor-john-smith]

Hello there! I wanted to wish you the best holiday season! 🎄❄️

Merry Christmas! I hope you're having a lovely holiday. I apologise for my absence, the last few weeks have been hectic. I loved 'The Giggle', the bi-generation was a thing of beauty and Ncuti knocked it out of the park in that episode. I already love his Doctor, 'The Church on Ruby Road' was a wonderful first story for the Doctor and Ruby and I can't wait for May and the continuation of this fantastic new era! What a time to be a Doctor Who fan! 🎅🎄

* * *

The brand new Doctor beamed the most infectious smile towards Ruby Sunday as he leaned calmly against the bright white Tardis console, his arms folded, his legs crossed. Ruby couldn't help but smile back, mesmerised by the impossible man that stood before her, in his equally impossible time machine.

So many things had happened within such a short space of time. Scary things. When I say scary, I mean time travelling, baby eating, coincidence-obsessed goblins. That kind of scary. It's definitely the last thing you want at Christmas.

On the other hand, though, she had met The Doctor. Throughout this incredible, mayhem fueled chapter in her life, he had always been there for her, guiding her by the hand and protecting her like a guardian angel, even at times she hadn't realised. This day had made absolutely no sense whatsoever and yet.. somehow, at the same time, it made perfect sense. There was a paradox of thoughts competing inside her head as she stared into his warm, comforting eyes, which sparkled like the stars in the night sky.

Ruby had no idea what was going to happen next now she had made the daring leap of a decision to travel with The Doctor into territories of time and space both known and unknown. All she did know, at that exact moment, was that she wouldn't have it any other way.

Two foundlings, two new friends bound and brought together by the universe, navigating the vast reaches of reality like an endless ocean.

Ruby cleared her throat. "Doctor Who, exactly? I mean, do you have a name or is it just 'The Doctor'?"

"Just the Doctor," he responded, his eyes still fixed on hers. "I mean, I used to have a name before I took the title of The Doctor, but, it's really long and complicated. Only children and cats can pronounce it. Besides, I've more than earned this title. I've put a lot of work into your universe, hun."

Ruby mused The Doctor's response. "You've put a lot of work into the universe..of course you have.. I mean, everything you've done, rescuing Lulabella and me, defeating a flying pirate ship full of goblins.. it was literally like something out of a fantasy movie. To top it all off, you even have a time machine! I'm still trying to decide if this is a dream or not.."

The Doctor moved away from the console, towards Ruby, resting his hands firmly, reassuringly, on her shoulders. He emitted a chuckle, the grin refusing to vacate his lips. "It's completely real, Ruby. Everything you've experienced, all those extraordinary moments, are what I deal with on a day-to-day basis. You're about to witness all the possibilities this universe has to offer, by stepping through those doors. Take, for example, what happened to me and a good friend of mine, Nomad, after we made out escape from an old enemy of mine, The Cybermen.."

@musesreunite