(Canon to the BLC AU) The McGann Years (2004-2007) "I'm the Doctor. I won't fight in your war." Paul McGann's name had been attached to the series twice, first to succeed McCoy, & then to succeed his former Withnail & I Co Star Richard E. Grant. This Doctor would try to find light in the darkness, trying his best to help those in need. Controversialy, the Doctor would not have a full on companion this era, but rather a series of guest stars in the Tardis. It was decided that after so many years on the air, Doctor Who needed a refresh. This was the era of darker reboots. 2005 saw the release of Christopher Nolan's Casino Royale, starting Michael Fassbender, & 2006 saw David Fincher's Batman: Year One, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as the titular Dark Knight detective. A new arc was created, co credited to frequent guest writer Russel T. Davies, known as the Time War. The Time Lords & the Daleks where at war, the war acting as a backdrop to the seires. There would be unconnected stories, but most where connected in some ways. The 11th Doctor would try his best to avoid fighting in the war. He would be on the run from both the Daleks & the Time Lords, slowly feeling their influence effect the Galaxy. The series would delve into high concept sci-fi & cosmic horror, showing the horrors of the war in full force. The series introduced many recurring foes including the Weeping Angels, the Vashta Nerada & the Judoon. Along with John Jules's Master, It also saw the return of the Rani, played by ER star Alex Kingston, & the introduction of a new time Lord, the Corsair. The Fracion Paradox would return for the first time since the Capaldi era, being shown as the result of one possible future of the war. 2006 also saw the launch of the popular UNIT: Earth Defence spin off, starring Jemma Redgrave, Russel Tovey, & Freema Agyeman & featuring Nicholas Courtney in guest appearances. It would run for 4 series. McGann's series finale was the darkest the show had done to date. As the Time War came to its boiling point, the universe itself started to unravel. The Doctor was forced to make the ultimate sacrifice, he destroyed the Daleks, but was forced to lock Gallifrey in a pocket universe, effectively becoming the last of the Time Lords. The Doctor regenerated, broken but with hope that he could reach them again one day, as the Tardis fell to Earth. Gaiman would depart the role of show runner. Russel T Davies would be offered the role, but turned it down to pursue other ventures. Instead the role would go to Life on Mars creator Matthew Graham. The new Doctor would be announced at the end of McGann's final episode, it would be a familiar face to British sci-fi fans, & one connected to the new show runner.
