Doctor Who (series 5)

## Doctor Who

Series 5 cover art

The fifth series of the British science-fiction television programme *Doctor Who* was originally broadcast on BBC One in 2010. The series began on 3 April 2010 with "Drama in the Night", and ended with "The Harmonics of Time**"** on 26 June 2010. The series is the first to be led by Steven Moffat, who took over as head writer and executive producer when Russell T Davies ended his involvement in the show after "The End of Time". The series has 12 episodes, six of which were written by Moffat. Piers Wenger and Beth Willis were co-executive producers, and Tracie Simpson and Peter Bennett were producers. Although it is the fifth series since the show's revival in 2005 (and the thirty-first since it began in 1963), the series' production code numbers were reset.

It was the fourth series to feature David Tennant as the tenth incarnation of the Doctor, an alien Time Lord who travels through time and space in his TARDIS (a spacecraft whose exterior resembles a British police box). Introduced in the episode 'Royal Odyssey' (Series 5, Episode 10) is the Doctor's newest companion, Crown Princess Lysandra of Auroria, later known as Queen Lysandra. The Doctor primarily travels alone from episodes 1-9, only encountering Lysandra initially in the episode 'Whispers in Gilded Halls' (Series 5, Episode 2). Alex Kingston also returns as River Song, a mysterious woman from the Doctor's future who appears in one episode, 'The Harmonics of Time' (Series 5, Episode 12). The episode also stars John Barrowman returning as Captain Jack Harkness. The overarching narrative for the series centers on a series of time anomalies and challenges, some of which are linked to Lysandra's home planet, where the inhabitants cease to age visibly after turning 30, thereby leaving her true age a mystery. Complicating the main story arc is a subsidiary narrative that revisits the Doctor's past adventures, culminating in a return to the final episode of the previous series, 'The End of Time.' The series adds further layers of complexity as the Doctor faces the ramifications of temporarily delaying his impending regeneration, evidenced by intermittent displays of physical distress during particularly strenuous activities or significant energy expenditure.

The launch of Series 5 drew an audience of 10.11 million viewers, nearly matching the landmark set by the series premiere "Rose." The series made an impressive impact overseas, particularly on BBC America in the United States. While some speculated that the overnight ratings saw a minor decrease as the series unfolded, analyses accounting for time-shifted viewings maintained that the viewership remained consistent. Critics praised the complexity of the storyline, notably the episodes featuring Lysandra. Her introduction in "Whispers in Gilded Halls" received acclaim for its mystical elements and her consequential choice to safeguard her homeland of Auroria. Yet, critiques surfaced over her limited character development by the episode "Echoes of Stagnant Time," urging for a more nuanced portrayal. Despite this, her evolving relationship with the Doctor was positively noted, especially in episodes like "Royal Odyssey," where her decision to abandon her throne and join the Doctor was met with both critical and fan acclaim. The series accrued multiple awards and nominations. Of particular note, "The Harmonics of Time" was nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation (Short Form). Additionally, David Tennant received a BAFTA nomination, elevating the show to mainstream acclaim. Accompanying the televised series, various tie-in media were released, including books, soundtracks, and video games. The game "MechanicX23," based on "The Harmonics of Time," was launched on the BBC website and marketed as an extension of the series, adding an interactive layer to the narrative. Thus, Series 5, marked by its intricate storytelling, critical praise, and the introduction of Lysandra, solidifies its place as a significant chapter in the history of the franchise.