Change, and Not a Moment Too Soon: Meditations on The Tower

Doctor Who was a staple of my childhood. When other heroes would die of their wounds, the titular Doctor instead regenerates into a brand new form — complete with brand new face (and brand new teeth). The first time I saw The Doctor, my first Doctor, regenerate — it was devastating. Gone was Tom Baker and his unfailing grin and scarf, and in his place this sporty but kind blonde fellow, Peter Davison. When he regenerated years later, I was much more attuned and adjusted to it. I even half-laughed when his new incarnation sat up and answered his…