Can Time Lords Choose Their New Body During Regeneration?

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Time Lord species in the long-running British science fiction series is their ability to regenerate. But can Time Lords control the specifics of their new body?

Control and Choice

It depends on the Time Lord in question. Some are more skilled in controlling the process of regeneration, while others struggle with the transformation. For example, the character of Romana demonstrates a certain level of control, even experimenting with different bodies before settling on her second incarnation. Similarly, the Master during his regeneration from the War Master into Saxon showed a degree of foresight, insisting that he would be young and strong, reminiscent of the Doctor.

The Doctor and Regeneration

Tracing the timeline of the Doctor, regeneration has often been a random and chaotic process. The Doctor often lacks control over his new appearance and frequently experiences post-regenerative fatigue or amnesia. His reluctance to leave old bodies behind and his tendency to cause significant damage to the TARDIS during these transitions illustrate his lack of control.

However, there are instances where the Doctor demonstrates subconscious control over his new form. This choice is often tied to his experiences in the previous incarnation. For example, the First Doctor chose to regenerate into a younger, friendlier Second Doctor to keep up with his companions Ben and Polly, and the Fourth Doctor underwent a youthful transformation in the presence of his three young companions. This suggests that the Doctor's subconscious mind can shape the new body to reflect his current circumstances and the needs of his companions.

Regenerative Influences and Subconscious Choices

Not all regenerations follow the pattern of youth and companionship. The Twelfth Doctor, for instance, was given a nostalgic reminder of his past by the face of Caecilius from the Tenth Doctor's episode "The Fires of Pompeii." It's possible that his time with Amy Pond, who predicted the Scottish accent of the Eleventh Doctor, played a role in how he chose to regenerate.

This suggests that while Time Lords may not have complete control over their new body, they do have subconscious influences that can guide the choice. Their experiences, companionship, and personal history play a significant role in how they decide to regenerate.

Conclusion

While Time Lords like Romana and the Master demonstrate a certain level of control during regeneration, the Doctor often experiences more randomness and randomness in the process. Even in chaotic regenerations, however, there are subtle indications that subconscious choices can shape the new body. The process of regeneration for Time Lords is complex and fascinating, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling potential for the shows and books that feature them.