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How can you hate this excited face? (via the BBC)
The moment I set eyes on Jodie Whittaker at the helm of the TARDIS, I was locked in a bathroom at a family Christmas party crying tears of joy.
Let me explain… Christmas morning, I stop by my in-laws’ house. I know I’m not going to be able to to catch the Christmas special for hours. I realize (upon opening social media on a whim) that it aired hours ago on the BBC. Late afternoon, I hurry to pull up Twitter, and there she was; wide-eyed gaze, looking dapper in P. Cap’s clothes. I had to see more. Twitter crashes on my phone at that moment. (Mind you, this has never happened in the many other times I’ve visited this particular location. Just my luck.)
I have to get in the car, then. It’s my responsibility to get us to the next house. We (unfortunately) have other life obligations that don’t involve the Doctor’s latest incarnation. For the entire 15 minute drive to our destination, I’m attempting to restart Twitter, screaming at my husband that, “I saw her!” We arrive at our next destination. I say the socially appropriate greetings and run into the nearest bathroom, locking the door behind. I calculate that I have about five minutes to find footage before someone becomes suspicious and starts looking for me.
And there it was.
BBC One’s Facebook page offers a five minute clip – festively decorated title card more than adequately warning you that spoilers lie ahead.
From the moment Capaldi “let go”, I felt the tears welling up. The creative usage of a non-immediately reveal (Whittaker trying to spot her new face in the poorly reflective monitor) pushed me even further. Then, there was the, “Oh, brilliant.” Moisture fell, I sniffled, watching in surprise as The Doctor pitched forward and out of the TARDIS. It was over. I was stunned.
I wanted to jump up, shout, throw things around the room in joy...but I remind myself that I was quietly concealed in a relative’s bathroom, party continuing outside. Instead, I wiped my eyes, pocketed my phone, and walked out of that tiny bathroom.
Thirteen is here. She is vibrant, she is fierce, and I am ready to accompany her on that next adventure.