These words turned me into a sobbing mess a few years ago.  David Tennant was leaving Who, and as far as I was concerned there was no way anyone could ever equal his fantasticness (yes, that is totally a word).  In case you have no clue what I’m talking about, here’s the clip:

So, yes, it was incredibly dramatic, and it took me quite a while before I would watch any of the new episodes with Matt Smith.  However, my love of the story won out, and eventually I caved and got sucked into the Amy/Rory/River story.  Honestly, I was never the biggest Amy fan, but I loved Rory and River, so it was okay.  Then Clara came along, and I absolutely adore her.  I’ve really enjoyed the stories in the last 3 seasons, but I’ve never turned into a huge Matt Smith fan.  I think he’s done a good job, and has certainly gotten better as time has passed.  However, I’ve been ready for the next regeneration since the end of season 5.

If you can’t guess, I’m in the minority on this one.

See, there’s a lot of people who are experiencing the emotions I felt when Tennant left.  I’ve read everything from “NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” to “The show must be cancelled, because there’s no other reason Matt Smith would leave.”  Well, all I can say is, “Welcome to Doctor Who.”

Up until a few years ago most people weren’t aware of the quirky little show.  Sometime between season 1 and season 5 (Doctors 9-11), the majority of the world realized there was this fantastic, absurb, wonderful show made by the BBC.

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This is why everyone is so upset.  For them, Matt Smith was the first Doctor.  Sure, they know that there were loads of other Doctors.  They may even be able to name them (number and corresponding actor).  However, none of those other Doctors introduced them to the TARDIS, and Daleks, and Cybermen, and Weeping Angels, and Ice Warriors, and the Sonic Screwdriver, and well, you get the idea.  Matt introduced so many to Who, and that’s absolutely fantastic.

However, for those that are about to experience the regeneration of “their” Doctor, this is going to be an incredibly difficult rest of the year.  So, if you’re like me and this isn’t your first rodeo, sit back and enjoy the ride.  If, however, this is your first time to experience this, let me tell you…It will be awful.  It will actually be worse than you prepare yourself for.  However, in August 2014 (I believe that’s when the season 8 is due to premiere), grit your teeth, tune in, and watch the episodes.  Yes, the next Doctor will not be Eleven.  It will be someone new with a completely different take and approach to our favorite Time Lord.  It will be hard.  Then, it will get a little easier.  Eventually, you’ll either find yourself in the boat I’m in currently (enjoying the show, but anxiously awaiting the next regeneration), or you’ll come to love the new Doctor almost as much as you love Eleven.

Now, onto the super important question.  Who’s my pick for the 12th Doctor?  Well, I doubt that it would ever happen, but my pick would be Robert Carlyle.

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He’s currently doing a fantastic job as Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin on Once Upon A Time, and that seems like a gig that’s going to keep going for a while.  True, he’s not as young as Matt Smith or David Tennant, but he’s got a charm and a darkness that would be perfect for Who.