It's impossible to imagine Russell T. Davies' Doctor Who without the large population of gay characters he included. The first season of Steven Moffat's Doctor Who for many a huge success with a brilliant new Doctor, new companion and awesome new storylines. It was criticised by some though because of the absence of gay characters.
Series 6 opened with the two part The Impossible Astronaut/Day of the Moon which guest starred Mark Sheppard as FBI Agent Canton Everett Deleware III. In the plot, Canton was important because he helped the Doctor, Amy, Rory and River in their battle against the Silence and later confirmed the Doctor's death to his companions. In the Doctor Who mythos, Canton is important for another reason.
President Nixon: This person you want to marry. Black? Canton: Yes. Nixon: Hmm. I know what people think of me, but perhaps I'm a little more liberal- Canton: He is. NIXON: ...I think the Moon is far enough, for now, don't you, Mister Delaware? CANTON: I figured it might be.
Canton is the first gay character in the Moffat era and the emphasis on this reveal shows his intention to continue the show's commitment to homosexual representation. The show's first lesbian kiss, and LGBT companion Bill Potts are just two examples of how Moffat continued to develop the show's commitment to representation.
Canton's importance to the story is perhaps overstated in the episodes, when you look at what he actually does. His presence at the Doctor's death is only to say " That most certainly is the Doctor. And he is most certainly dead" and to provide gasoline to burn the body. The younger version is a memorable guest star, thanks to the as-always brilliant performance from Mark Sheppard, but does not contribute to the season arc anywhere near as much as the build up to his introduction might suggest. He's a good character, and one of my favourite one-off 'companions' but that's it.
Canton's importance to Steven Moffat however is as a statement of his intent for the show's future, and how he responds to criticism. The emphasis on him in the episodes, also emphasises this point to audiences paying attention. And that is the real reason Canton Everett Delaware III matters.
Comments