What Are the Biggest Issues Affecting Modern Doctor Who?
Doctor Who, a longstanding and beloved television series, has faced a sea of challenges in recent years. The 13th Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, took over in 2017, presenting a new era marked by controversy and criticism from long-time fans and critics alike. One of the largest issues plaguing the show is the emphasis on being politically correct or 'woke' at the expense of traditional storytelling. Chris Chibnall’s tenure as showrunner has been tumultuous, with many viewers and critics voicing their dissatisfaction with his writing and the direction of the series.
Writing Quality: An Uneven Experience
Chris Chibnall, the current showrunner, has been widely criticized for his writing abilities. His style is often seen as repetitive and uninspired, failing to capture the essence and excitement that previous showrunners, such as Steven Moffat and Russell T. Davies, brought to the show. According to many, Chibnall's episodes fail to engage viewers in meaningful ways, instead opting for dialogue and storylines that feel forced and repetitive.
One notable example of Chibnall's poor writing is in the episode Spyfall: Part 1. In this episode, the dialogue between the Thirteenth Doctor and Stephen Fry indelicately comments on the Doctor's gender: “I've had an upgrade.” This response not only dismisses the complexity of gender identity but also creates a detrimental impact on the character of the Doctor, who is meant to be an advocate for equality. Chibnall's refusal to address such issues in a nuanced way has led to a soporific viewing experience for many fans.
Character Development and Acting
Another significant issue with modern Doctor Who is the lack of robust character development and subpar acting. The TARDIS crew, which includes the Doctor, Graham, and the companion Yaz, often feels overburdened and stiff in their performances. This contributes to the overall feeling of an underdeveloped cast that fails to connect with viewers on a deeper level. For instance, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole, playing Yaz and Graham respectively, are often criticized for their wooden performances that feel more like mouthpieces than fully developed characters.
A notable example of this is in the episode Fugitive of the Judoon, where Yaz’s lines of dialogue (“Yeh. A lot!”) are often criticized for sounding inauthentic and insensitive to the audience. This is not an isolated incident; many episodes repeatedly struggle with character consistency and development, leading to a plot that feels artificial and contrived. Characters like Graham, at least, are more relatable and stable in their performance compared to others.
The Impact of the Timeless Child
The introduction of the Timeless Child as a key plot point in Series 12 has also been a divisive topic among fans. While the concept of a child who can regenerate is intriguing and has potential for further storytelling, the execution has been divisive. The reveal that the Timeless Child is ultimately the Thirteenth Doctor serves as a major plot point and changes the established narrative in a way that many fans find unsatisfactory and disappointing.
The idea of the Timeless Child was once mysterious and enthralling, with the possibility of introducing new dynamics and character development. However, the way it was handled in the show felt like a letdown. It contradicts the established legacy and essence of the Doctor, reducing them from a renegade Time Lord to a godlike being central to everything. Such changes undermine the uniqueness and character development that make the Doctor a beloved and iconic figure in television history.
Conclusion
While Doctor Who remains a cultural phenomenon and continues to captivate audiences, its current struggles with writing, character development, and political correctness have led to a diminishing of its former glory. Time will tell whether the show can recover and regain the trust and passion of its viewers. In the meantime, the issues surrounding the show’s current direction will continue to be a topic of discussion in fan circles and academic analyses.
Peace and Love.
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