Reader Request: Let’s Talk About Who
Grab your seats, class is in session.
And by request, no less. Maybe not from me, per se, but let’s be honest. There isn’t anyone on this site who knows Time Lords better than I do. I’ve been a fan since I was but a wee lad, starting with the likes of Jon Pertwee (Doctor #3), moving straight into possibly the all time best Doctor, #4, Tom Baker, and on into #5, Peter Davison. I didn’t see much beyond that as I didn’t really care for #6 and #7, but I did suffer through the movie (even though I enjoyed Paul McGann as #9) so I think that counts. I was extremely skeptical when the series was rebooted back in 2005, but was very gladly proven wrong and have watched everything since it started back up at least twice.
So yeah. I can talk some Who.
My feelings on the current version of the show? I’m hoping it didn’t peak with David Tennant (also arguably the best Doctor. He and Baker are 1 and 1a on my scorecard.) While I very much enjoy the show, I haven’t been the biggest fan of the writing for the last few seasons. I believe they’ve had some strong actors in place playing the Doctor, but the stories have been pretty rough. Yes, there have been some brilliant episodes over the last few seasons, I would never argue that. However, I do feel like there have been some real clunkers too. I am among those who believe it may just be time for Mr. Moffett to step down as show-runner, let some new life get in there and see where we can go. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed Peter Capaldi as he is very much a throwback to old school Doctor’s, but I do not feel he has been given much to work with. I’m hoping that turns around as this season goes on, but only time will tell.
So let’s get things started. What shall we discuss? The current state of the show? Who you think Missy might actually be? Will this season be the last of Clara? You let me know, I have thoughts on it all.
Until next time…
Class dismissed.
What up, Prof!
I’ve only been a Whovian since 2010 or 2011 when my friends introduced me. And I can’t thank them enough for bringing the Doctor into my life! I haven’t seen much of the original run of the show, just an episode here or there, but I’ve seen the entire reboot at least twice (some of my favorite episodes – like Blink and Van Gogh and The Doctor’s Wife – I’ve seen more times than that). Matt Smith was my Doctor and I’m still adjusting to life without him. I’m trying to give Peter Capaldi a real chance, and I started to connect to him in the episode entitled Listen, but it’s just not the same. I get that he is a darker Doctor than Matt Smith, but he feels very abrasive to me and like sometimes even he doesn’t know who he is. The other Doctors might not have known what they were doing, but they knew who they were. Then again, him not knowing who he is gives us, the audience, the chance to discover it alongside him.
I love Stephen Moffat and I want him to be around forever, but I can see what you mean by wanting there to be some fresh life in this beloved series.
As far as Clara goes, she seems unhappy and I really thought she was going to leave – I even WANTED her to leave! – but it seems she’s addicted and is sticking around. It felt cheap to have a whole episode saying “Goodbye” then have her say, “Just kidding! I want to stay!” I actually lost a little respect for her because I don’t like how the current Doctor treats her and I really like Daniel Pink. But would I be able to say goodbye to the Doctor knowing I may never see him again? I don’t know. But that’s part of the deal. All the companions have to say goodbye at some point. If they don’t do it willingly, then they do it tragically.
And lastly, I don’t know who Missy is and I’m scared to find out. Scared…and thrilled. =)