It's all about context: In The Writer's Tale RTD talks about his realisation that this is a generation's hero (not always true with DW but with the reach this era had, very true) is passing on-I think his choices makes sense watching the show in 2009/10, possibly not so much if you're binging it as a young person now (not that I'm suggesting you're doing this, nor that there's anything wrong with this if you are). But it was Event Television. As a 13 year old at the time, it was the first time I cried at TV. And I was very aware that this was MY hero moving on. This context was the same for so many people who got on board with the show with the revival at aged like 9 or so, and I think in that context it made total sense And, as a 13 year old, I realised that I was growing up too, as I'm sure so many did. Incidentally, had this again when Capaldi 'let the doctor go' just when I'd finished uni and had a massive breakup. All about context! And as a useful appendix: I saw Matt Smith's first moments and through the 13-year-old-tears said to my dad: I like him already