The new season of Doctor Who starring Matt Smith officially started filming yesterday. The BBC released the first pictures of Matt Smith in costume as the Doctor, along with Karen Gillan playing his companion Amy Pond.

Notice Gillan’s shoes in the picture below. It sure looks like she’s wearing David Tennant’s red Converse high-tops. Wonder if that’s coincidence or a plot point.

Smith’s new costume is being described as “Science Teacher Chic”. Since they originally described David Tennant’s look as “Geek Chic”, perhaps this is just an extension of that concept. When I first saw Smith’s costume on Monday, it didn’t sit well with me. Now after some time has passed, it’s growing on me. The 1950s styling is a nice contrast to Matt Smith’s youthful appearance. It sort of works. Additionally, Matt Smith has a very friendly face, which is encouraging.

If your initial reaction to Smith’s new costume is apprehension, then just consider how people probably felt the first time Tom Baker’s costume was revealed.

What’s up with the TARDIS appearance below? That design is straight out of the premier episode of the original series in 1963. Huh? Is the chameleon circuit going to reset or something? Have they changed the design inside as well? I guess we’ll have to wait and find out.

I heard one person liken Matt Smith’s look to Crispin Glover’s George McFly in Back to the Future. I can’t say they were wrong. “Amy… you’re my density.”

A return to Bad Wolf Bay. Hmmmm… curious.

I’m miserable that David Tennant is leaving the series. However, that’s a reality us Who fans have to face. With that said, I’m officially getting anxious for the new season in 2010! I can’t believe how fast time has flown since they announced the abbreviated season five and Tennant’s departure!

Photos from the Daily Mail online. Click here to read BBC’s Press Release on the new Doctor Who.