D: “I’m the Doctor, by the way, what’s your name?”
R: “Rose.”
D: “Nice to meet you, Rose. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!”

When I was 12, and just about to become a socially ostracized nerd at Homelands Senior Public School deep in suburbia, I stumbled upon a British science ficition program on PBS that had me transfixed. It had lousy production values, buta charismatic protagonist who wasn’t afraid of being smart or standing alone against overwhelming odds. Which described the hole I was disappearing into pre-high school. Beyond being a fan of the science fiction elements (including a way for the main character to change actors, which he’s needed to do 9 times), I think it grabbed me so hard because it held up hope for intelligence and trailblazing in that period of hormonal soup (which could refer to adolescence or the seventies).

The show was not in any way camp, but it did not take itself too seriously. The Brits talk about the behind-the-couch factor it held: Mum and Dad would watch it sitting on the couch and the kids would watch it from behind it. Just the right level to add some solid scares for 8 year-olds, and wit and more complex themes for the adults.

The series had it’s ups and down, and may well have lost its focus (I had drifted away by then) and it was cancelled in 1989.

Well, almost 30 years later after my bond with The Doctor was forged, the Beeb has brought him back, with wunderkind Russell T. Davies leading the writers, and Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor. The episodes started playing in Britain a couple of weeks ago and the first one airs on CBC tonight. I’ve seen a trailer and a clip or two (require RealPlayer) at the BBC, and I’m finding myself quite excited again. It looks like they are setting down to doing it right.

Yes, there’s already a new kerfuffle in the press: the new actor had an agreement with the BBC for a single season and to keep it quiet, but the BBC not only leaked that he was leaving, but made up quotes about him be afraid of being typecast. Sigh. But that’s all background.

On Tuesday at 8:00, I’ll be 12 years-old again. The Doctor is back.