Look, real talk Doctor Who fandom. I’ve been quietly watching people talk about the new Doctor Who (you know, the Jodie Whitaker Doctor, number 13?) and I’ve been super disappointed in the fandom’s really, really harsh response to this new iteration of the show.
I’m not saying the show is perfect. There have been some iffy moments abound.
But I am applauding all of the freshness that we’re getting with the latest episodes. I had some reservations regarding having three companions back in the fray, but over time, Graham, Ryan and Yasmin (Yaz for short) have won me over.
You know who has also won me over? Jodie Whitaker! She’s fantastic as the doctor, all full of madness and brilliance and the right kind of energy for a role that constantly must keep you firing on all cylinders.
The cinematography and effects have gotten a massive overhaul and pretty much every facet of the show has been cleaned up thanks to new show-runner Chris Chibnall. The new stories feature much more educational aspects than before, which, isn’t a dealbreaker at all for me. I enjoy learning new things!
What isn’t new is the toxicity that comes with change.
I get that this is Doctor Who, and after 50 years of on and off again runs, there’s still old, diehard fans who aren’t going to like change. But the vitriol that has been flung at this is almost worse than The Last Jedi. People are constantly crying about how they’ve been there since the Hartnell days and that there’s no reason for the Doctor to be a lady (spoilers: it doesn’t fucking matter what gender The Doctor is) and that every episode is now politically correct and that they’re going to stop watching.
People also tend to forget that this is, you know, a kids show.
Look, change is scary. Change isn’t always great but that is the great thing about Doctor Who, it changes every so often, gives itself a nice little reboot, and suddenly what was old is now new again.
I’ve immensely enjoyed the new series as its come out, and I look forward to the New Years special coming down the pipeline. I’m also excited for future seasons coming and I wish Jodie and the whole Tardis gang immense success as they continue their journey. It’s been wicked.
To the fandom who is giving up on their favorite show “because it’s a lady, because every episode is PC, because blah blah blah sexism and misogyny” we don’t want you anymore.
Kindly exit the Tardis. And never look back.
