Yesterday, the man who described Doctor Who as “the triumph of intellect and romance over brute force and cynicism” announced that he’ll be stepping down from The Late Late Show in December. And just like that, American Whovians lost their greatest chat show ally.
Well, not yet. We still have eight months of CraigyFerg at 12:30am; plenty of time for him to get on David Tennant’s Gracepoint press schedule and welcome back his friend Peter Capaldi, this time promoting the eighth season of Doctor Who. But what are the chances that his replacement will keep a TARDIS on his (her?) desk or celebrate Matt Smith’s first appearance by twerking on a full-size Dalek? Well, consider this post one vote for Chris Hardwick.
Ferguson has been an ambassador of Who to this country, and his evangelism no doubt played a small role in the show’s increasing popularity here. We’ll miss his off-the-cuff references, the memorabilia casually strewn about his studio, and, most of all, his interviews with Doctors, companions, and fans, which made Who feel like a super-cool but welcoming club – one we all wanted to get into.
In honor of Craig Ferguson and his service to the fandom, let’s relive his sit-downs with some of our – and his – favorite people.
Matt Smith
Smith-dog (blame Kazza – I didn’t make it up) has been on the show several times, but his first appearance on The Late Late Show was also his very first American talk show spot. Ferguson rolled out the red carpet for him, dedicating the entire episode to the mad man with a box. Matt and Craig discuss important issues of the day such as whether the on-set Dalek is a boy or a girl (“It’s wearing a big metal dress…but it’s covered in balls.”) and have an awkward “threesome” when Hardwick shows up in a Tom Baker scarf. (Seriously, Hardwick – is your agent on this?)
Karen Gillan
Another frequent guest, Kazza always charms Craig with her tall ginger queenliness and of course, their common heritage. In this appearance, which happened right after Karen’s move to LA, he assures her that Scottish people don’t have to “get involved” in SoCal’s juicing culture and assures her that he’s not offended by her teasing. (“It’s alright, I’ve been mocked by redheaded Scottish women before now.”) Not a lot of Who talk since Amy and Rory had already had their close encounter with a Weeping Angel at this point, but Craig does call Matt “David Bowie” for at least the second time.
Jenna Coleman
Back when she was Jenna-Louise Coleman, Craig welcomed the shiny new companion to the show. He congratulates her on the gig and on being the “sauciest” in the Doctor’s long line of fellow travelers. He does not, unfortunately, congratulate her on bagging Robb Stark. Jenna throws a bit of that sauciness his way when she calls Craig out for having a not entirely up-to-date blue box on his desk. “Thanks for criticizing my TARDIS, new girl on Doctor Who.” He’s secretly thrilled.
Alex Kingston
Alex greets Craig with a “Hello, sweetie,” and this love fest is off and running. He calls her “Mrs. Doctor Who.” They confess a mutual crush on Neil Gaiman. He matchmakes new accordion owner Alex to possible accordion teacher Drew Carey. And Craig’s praise of Matt Smith’s “piney-fresh” smell leads to Alex divulging some provocative details about her familiarity with Eleven’s bathroom.
Billie Piper
In the ankle boots she wore every day at Gallifrey One and a haircut I’m taking a picture of with me next time I go to the salon, B. Pips took The Late Late Show studio to promote upcoming Showtime drama-thriller Penny Dreadful. But while that’s the official reason for the interview, Craig confirms our suspicions about his real motives when he promises to sell “Rose Tyler’s boogers” for $50 at Comic Con and outs Capaldi for dropping acid with him back in their punk days. (“Not now, that he’s a…beloved children’s entertainer.”) Also, Billie tells Craig that she’s just come from a Doctor Who “conference,” which makes us sound very important. Like we make crucial decisions there. Like it’s one step down from a Doctor Who ” summit.” I find it lovely and romantic in a way that’s probably a little bit weird.
Bonus: The Lost Doctor Who Cold Open
“Brute Force and Cynicism” Network suits wouldn’t put up the dough to pay for the theme song rights, leaving the intended opening sequence of The Late Late Show‘s Doctor Who tribute out of the actual broadcast. My predilection for the doo-wee-oooo’s and alien go-go-boys aside, I don’t understand why CBS would drop a skit that would actually prepare out-of-the-loop viewers for an episode full of geeky inside jokes. Thankfully, it has a life here on the internet, perhaps the only place where Craig’s irreproachable taste is truly appreciated.
Here’s to you, Craigyferg, nerd crusader and a pop culture Anglophile’s best friend. May the next regeneration of your career be a rewarding one.
My absolute first thought when I read the news was “it’s ok, he still has plenty of time to get David during Gracepoint season.” I’ve spent too many subway rides imagining that interview to lose it now (this is normal, yes? This is what people think about on their commutes?). Thank goodness Letterman announced his retirement and Craig was roped into staying past the summer, but I’m going to miss him! Guests always seem to have more fun with him than with anyone else.
“Also, Billie tells Craig that she’s just come from a Doctor Who ‘conference,’ which makes us sound very important. Like we make crucial decisions there. Like it’s one step down from a Doctor Who ‘summit.’ I find it lovely and romantic in a way that’s probably a little bit weird.” Bless this bit for making me laugh last night while my bed frame was wedged halfway out my bedroom door.
Apparently the cold open was cut because they couldn’t get the rights to the song, so the monologue that aired was just Craig complaining that his producers couldn’t get him the song. That bit is lost now, I think. IRONY.
I’m going to watch all of these interviews again, and then let’s call Hardwick’s people.
WHOOPS, I just assumed that was CBS being a killjoy. Can you blame me?
I NEED HIM TO HAVE DAVID ON. Can you imagine the sheer amount of Scottishness? The letter “R” is already cowering in fear. –S
Can’t even blame that a little bit. It sounds like Craig thought the network could’ve tried harder, so I think we can keep giving them the side eye.
I NEED IT TOO. So many rolling Rs and cheeky questions. America is ready.
Craig even has his own Doctor Who comic: http://www.craigywhoandmrtimeypants.com Going to miss him.
He’s the best. I hope he takes a well-deserved break and then moves on to something fabulously nerdy. –S