Reflections on Russell T Davies' Doctor Who Missteps: A Critical Analysis
Overview of Russell T Davies and Doctor Who
Russell T Davies is a renowned writer, director, and producer of several successful television series, including Queer As Folk, Lost, and most famously, the modern revival of Doctor Who. His tenure as the head writer and executive producer of the show (2005-2010) brought about significant changes to the series, turning it into the critically acclaimed and commercially successful program it is today. However, his work is not without its controversies and shortcomings, as we explore in this article.
Analysis of Russell T Davies' Mistakes
The Story "Love and Monsters"
One of the most criticized efforts by Russell T Davies during his tenure on Doctor Who is the story "Love and Monsters." Originally broadcast in 2007, this episode has garnered widespread criticism for its poor writing, clunky dialogue, and lack of engaging plot. The narrative follows the Tenth Doctor, Rose, and Amy as they encounter a monster from the Doctor's childhood, only to find that he is no longer a monster but instead a lonely and self-destructive being in need of love.
The storyline is heavily criticized for being unrealistic and overly simplistic. The characters' development is often seen as underwhelming, and the pacing is slow, allowing for little tension or excitement. The show's focus seems to shift unnecessarily from the monsters to the Doctor's childhood, detracting from the overall narrative.
The Episode "Fear Her"
Russell T Davies also allowed "Fear Her" to be produced, another work that did not meet the high standards set by the series. "Fear Her" aired in 2007 and garnered significant criticism for its bizarre premise and lack of coherence. The episode centers around the Torchwood team as they must deal with the growing powers of a psychic girl named Nina.
Complaints about "Fear Her" include its confusing storytelling, disjointed character arcs, and lack of depth in its cast of characters. While other episodes from the series are praised for their ensemble casts, "Fear Her" is often singled out as a disappointing entry that fails to provide a compelling narrative or character development.
The Chibnall-Era Episode "42"
While Russell T Davies himself did not write all episodes of Doctor Who during his era, he allowed Chris Chibnall to pen "42," a story that aired in 2010. The episode, while better than "Love and Monsters" and "Fear Her," still falls short of the standards Davies had set.
Chibnall's "42" addresses the concept of a living star, which is an intriguing idea. However, the execution of this concept is problematic. The central premise of taking mass from a star's surface to use as fuel is not scientifically plausible, leading to significant narrative inconsistencies. These issues take the audience out of the story, making it difficult to suspend disbelief. Despite this, the episode has its strong points, with standout performances from David Tennant and Bill Murray, and Murray Gold's score adds to its charm.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Russell T Davies
While Russell T Davies is undoubtedly a talented and influential writer, his work on Doctor Who is not without its flaws. Episodes like "Love and Monsters," "Fear Her," and "42" highlight areas where the series could have benefited from further refinement and attention to detail. Despite these missteps, Davies's overall impact on the show remains significant, and his contributions continue to shape the rich legacy of Doctor Who.