The Initial Reactions: F NO!!!

As the anticipation for Jodie Whittaker's portrayal of the Doctor was building up, my initial reaction was not favorable. I remember feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment. The months leading up to her first episode, "The Woman Who Fell to Earth," were marked by resistance. At the heart of my disagreement was her choice of costume and what I perceived as a discrepancy between her appearance and the traditionally masculine Doctor.

During this time, my thoughts were, 'You've always wanted a female Doctor, right? A pretty one with a clown costume?'

From Disappointment to Acceptance

However, as the premiere neared, my attitude began to change. I chose to give her a chance. And by the week preceding her first episode, I found myself eagerly anticipating the experience. On reflection, I have to say that Jodie did a commendable job. She captured the eccentricities of the Doctor, much to my satisfaction.

She didn't indulge in overly dramatic introspections about gender or her past self, which was a relief. For instance, during the episode 'Twice Upon a Time,' her character does not go on tangents about being a white-haired Scottish man a half an hour ago. Instead, she focused on the immediate narrative and her character's development. It's clear that Jodie has embraced her role and is bringing her own unique flair to the franchise.

On Script and Design Changes

While Jodie's performance has been largely positive, my frustration lies in the changes made to the show, such as the new scripts and design decisions. It feels as though the writers were catering to a demographic that might not have any prior knowledge of the show. This prioritization seems to have overshadowed the needs and opinions of long-term fans, including myself and other dedicated Whovians. The concept of the Eternal Children, in particular, has been a source of irritation for me.

The new concepts introduced often feel like reactionary measures rather than organic extensions of the series. These changes are unfairly impacting Jodie, as someone who I believe has no control over the writing or creative direction of the show. While changes are necessary, they should be handled with more sensitivity to the franchise's loyal following.

Thoughts on Davies and Moffatt's Return

In my opinion, the BBC should seriously consider bringing back Chris Ch slavery, Steven Moffatt, or a combination of both to possibly regain control of the show. Their creative minds could breathe new life into the series and restore balance to the narrative. While I'm not opposed to Jodie's performance, I can't help but wonder if she would have a better role without such setbacks to the script and storyline.

Furthermore, I would have preferred introducing a different female character, like Jo Martin. Her portrayal of the Doctor in the episode 'The Fugitive of the Judoon' was an unforgettable experience. Jo embodied the snarky, confident, and fiercely independent side of the Doctor. Jodie, in comparison, seems to be playing the role to please everyone, which often results in a more generic and less dynamic character.

A Final Note on Jodie's Suitability

Despite my reservations, Jodie has proven herself to be a sweet, funny, and likeable addition to the Doctor Who family. She's clearly a talented actress with her own unique strengths. There's no denying that she's playing the Doctor to please everyone, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. In the end, she is the Doctor and she's more than good enough for the role.

My hope is that the series can find a way to balance new introductions and creative changes with the long-standing traditions and loyal fanbase. The future of Doctor Who is in the hands of both the creators and the audience, and it's exciting to see where Jodie will take the franchise next.