#deep gazes

JIM FAIRLEY (TOBY REGBO) AND PAULA (MARA HUF) IN LOVE

A Woman Of Substance 1x06

According to my magazine, The Doctor Who Companion (Twelfth Doctor, Vol. 1), early scripts for series 8 episode INTO THE DALEK had a much more “hands on” version of the Twelfth Doctor and Clara. Quite literally.

In the shooting script (draft 8) issued on February 20, 2014, “when the Twelfth Doctor asked Clara if he was a good man, the Doctor was to take her hands and look deep into her eyes.”

Instead we got the “Clara...be my pal.” Tell me. Am I a good man?”

Huh? WTH happened?

In a later draft, when the Doctor explained how the Dalek mutants were born hating and how they can make others hate them back, Clara took a step forward toward the injured Dalek and the Doctor stopped her. Glancing down, Clara realized that the Doctor had taken her hand. Clara said, “Is that why you asked me?” “Asked you what?” replied the Doctor. “If you were a good man?” explained Clara.

In yet another draft, when the Doctor realized how his understanding of the Dalek had been wrong, he told Clara: “I’m sorry. Stupid old man. Oldest mistake in the book. I had hope.” “I know. I saw it. It was good to see that man again.” replied Clara.

And finally, when Gretchen asked the Doctor: “Have you any sort of a plan at all?” “Yes! No! Probably...I can’t wait to find out.” replied the Doctor. “Doctor this is impossible...” began Clara. “Love that word! It gets the blood up!” replied the Doctor.

Yes, I know these are just tidbits and little gestures that can be construed in many different ways, but the idea that this writer (Phil Ford) still saw the connection between the new Doctor and his “Impossible” girl is heartwarming. Why were these scenes removed? I guess it could be that Steven Moffat altered them because he didn’t want to overplay his hand and wanted to continue the “reacquainting” phase of the 12 and Clara relationship a little longer. But I, for one, still miss the “whouffaldi” that could have been.