Skip to main content

A Message to Haters of the 13th Doctor

Last Sunday it was announced that Jodie Whittaker would take on the role of the 13th Doctor replacing Peter Capaldi. While most of the reactions have been positive, it’s alarming how many have been equally as hateful. And it’s baffling because it all has to do with gender.

I confess that I’m a bit of a newcomer to the Doctor Who fandom and I have a lot to learn, especially with looking at the classic series. However, I’ve seen enough Doctor Who to recognize when people are in the wrong about casting choices. So let me clarify a few things for those haters:

One, the Doctor is an alien. Unless you are not familiar with the series or living under a rock this whole time while watching, it means not human. It means that he doesn’t abide by our understanding of being, what gender is. As far as I understand it, the Doctor has never said that he is a man. He is just a being from a different world. And while he has up to this point been played by all male leads, it doesn’t automatically make him a man. His companions, generally are the ones who make the distinction and from what I see the Doctor just plays along. It’s no different when the Doctor and his companions land on an alien world and blends in just so they can help save the day.

Michelle Gomez took over as the Master in series nine of the new series, a role that had been portrayed by male actors. It gave a fresh take on the character and allowed said character to have different avenues to explore and play with. Her Master or “Missy” as she was called was more diabolic and evil than her predecessor, John Simm.

Two, if you are a true fan of Doctor Who, who he becomes is part of the show’s appeal. He has evolved so much from the bumbling space hermit. Just from watching the new series, I can track how far the character has come. From “Rose” the Doctor has been battle scarred and broken from the events of the Time War. He has changed from being closed off and broken to someone who is willing to step in and speak up when something is wrong.

And finally three, the real reason there should be less hatred among fans is that the Doctor stands up for all people, all creatures, regardless of creed or belief. In the episode “New Earth” the newly minted 10th Doctor says to Rose Tyler after she makes a fuss about cats in robes, “Now, don't stare. Think what you look like to them, all pink and yellow.” This emphasizes the Doctor’s ideology that all creatures need to be treated with equal value. The Doctor believes in peace, in doing what is right.

In closing, a woman as the Doctor should have very little impact as long the character continues to stand up and take action against enemies that threatened the universe. I will be watching Doctor Who with Jodie Whittacker as the Doctor and I can’t wait. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Loving Vincent-Can't wait to check this out!

I have been reading articles about this film for a little over two years and I can't wait to see the end result. I will confess that I am not an expert on art, but I can already tell that this is going to be something special. Loving Vincent is truly going to be a cinematic experience. In a world where practically every film has some sort of CGI effect to it, Loving Vincent is taking a completely different approach. It's animated, but not in the usual way one might think. It uses the style in which it's titular character Vincent Van Gogh painted his paintings. Each of the 65,000 frames was oil painted and was painted by over a hundred artists skilled in the replication of Van Gogh's style. Awards season will be upon us very soon. I suspect that this might be one on the list. In the meantime check out the trailer below.
Post a Comment
Read more

The Mindy Project Season 6 Episode 1

Well, that escalated quickly. If you do not want to have the season premiere of The Mindy Project spoiled, then I suggest you stop reading this post right now, watch the premiere then get back to me. That being said, let's get cracking. Episode 1- Is that all there is? Episode 1 time jumps us several months into Mindy's marriage to Ben the nurse. A time-lapse ensues showing the couple engaging in happy cliche married life. Which if you are an avid watcher of The Mindy Project, that spells trouble and boy trouble develops early. Ben is worried that Mindy is spending too much time at the office, and in turn getting caught up in office drama. There is plenty to be said on that, but I want to focus on this main plot thread. However, not is all that it seems. Ben just wants to have a romantic evening with his wife. But Mindy is oblivious to him that she doesn't even notice that he was gone. She is fooled by a mound of pillows under the covers that she thinks is Ben sleepin...
Post a Comment
Read more

This is Us Season 2 Episode 1-Recap

I must preface this with a warning. Please come with a box of tissue. Any veteran of the show's first season will tell you that the Kleenex is a badge of honor. And you will need them for the premiere of This Is Us's Season 2 Episode 1. If you have not watched the season premiere of This is Us, please for your sanity stop reading this post and watch the episodes. Return to me when you have done so. You armed with your tissues? Good. Now let's get to the highlights before I can no longer type due to the flood of tears raining down my face. Episode 1 entitled "A Father's Advice," has us catching the Big Three as they celebrate their 37th. Kevin is in the middle of shooting the Ron Howard film and he learned that Sophie won't be able to join him for his birthday due to her mother's illness. He goes forward with plans for a fancy birthday dinner with Kate and Toby. In the end, Sophie manages to make it to LA to surprise Kevin on his birthday. I wis...
Post a Comment
Read more