Technically it is the same man; but the fact that Eleven says that Hurt's regeneration doesn't deserve the title of "Doctor" indicates that whoever Hurt is playing isn't a part of the previous Doctors and we're supposed to treat this person as a different entity. (Which is explains why the numbering system of Doctors won't be effected.)
In truth, I find this potion plot-point ridiculous. I don't understand why Moffat couldn't have brought McGann back and have him be the Time War Doctor and explore how the war turned TV movie!Eight into the Doctor willing to kill all the Time Lords and Daleks. I feel like that character arc would be more interesting than focusing the attention on the one-off regeneration Hurt is playing.
Really? But... surely that doesn't make sense?
I'm not saying it makes sense; I'm saying how it was presented. Nine looks in a mirror, makes a comment about his appearance as if he's seeing himself for the first time, and goes on his merry way. The presentation says that it's McGann's Doctor (Eight) to Eccleston's Doctor (Nine). Most fans figure that McGann's Doctor is the one who fought the Time War and either regenerated within the War or after the War. (I believe the Big Finish audios support this, with Eight's adventures leading up to the Time War.)
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2013-11-14 09:19 pm (UTC)In truth, I find this potion plot-point ridiculous. I don't understand why Moffat couldn't have brought McGann back and have him be the Time War Doctor and explore how the war turned TV movie!Eight into the Doctor willing to kill all the Time Lords and Daleks. I feel like that character arc would be more interesting than focusing the attention on the one-off regeneration Hurt is playing.
Really? But... surely that doesn't make sense?
I'm not saying it makes sense; I'm saying how it was presented. Nine looks in a mirror, makes a comment about his appearance as if he's seeing himself for the first time, and goes on his merry way. The presentation says that it's McGann's Doctor (Eight) to Eccleston's Doctor (Nine). Most fans figure that McGann's Doctor is the one who fought the Time War and either regenerated within the War or after the War. (I believe the Big Finish audios support this, with Eight's adventures leading up to the Time War.)