This weekend saw the end of Doctor Who‘s ninth series since it was brought back in 2005, and if you ask me, it had 11 of the best episodes they’ve ever done (plus one that was horrible). In the finale, “Hell Bent,” the Doctor reestablished himself as Doctorish by donning his red velvet jacket again. He ALSO got a brand new sonic screwdriver, after leaving the Matt Smith model for young Davros and using exclusively Sonic Sunglasses throughout the year. Getting a new sonic is a huge deal and nobody knows that more than series star and longtime fan, Peter Capaldi, who introduced his new toy in the video above.
The new sonic is TARDIS blue and features lights not dissimilar to the flashing bulb that’s sat atop the time and space machine itself. Capaldi himself isn’t quite sure of all the capabilities it might have, since the prop wasn’t finished when they shot the finale. Oh, television magic.
The Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is a very important piece of equipment to our favorite Time Lord. First showing up during the Second Doctor’s time, it was merely a metal pen with a light at the end that could, you guessed it, drive screws using sound. The device got a facelift during the Third Doctor’s era when it was used to blow up land mines and stave off giant monsters, and again during the Fourth Doctor years when it became a most-of-the-time door-opener. Early in the Fifth Doctor regime, the sonic was destroyed and only brought back in earnest with the Ninth Doctor. It’s been invaluable and highly identifiable as part of the Doctor’s whole aesthetic ever since.
Personally, I think this one’s got a cool design, but it looks a bit bulky. I’m not even really sure where one would grab it. I’m still definitely going to buy the replica when it comes out, though. I’m not a monster.
What do you think of the Doctor’s brand new sonic screwdriver? Which version has been your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
—
Image: BBC
Kyle Anderson is a writer and editor for Nerdist.com and knows ALL THE THINGS about Doctor Who. Follow him on Twitter and ask any and all questions you might have.
