Doctor Who: Joy To The World Proved The Doctor Doesn’t Have To Save Everyone

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Summary

  • Doctor Who breaking the ‘save the day’ stereotype in Christmas special
  • Importance of allowing the Doctor to fail, making him more relatable
  • Current Doctor’s struggles make character development essential for show’s success

Nearly every episode of “Doctor Who” revolves around the main character, the Doctor, striving to rescue someone or even an entire group from a particular danger. This could be anything from an alien, a Dalek, or even a toy-maker. The Doctor is usually present to try and offset the evil in the universe, offering aid to those in distress. While it’s common for the outcome of the situation to seem dire, the Doctor often manages to outsmart his adversaries in “Doctor Who.

In the Doctor Who Christmas special, he didn’t manage to perform the expected action, which took viewers by pleasant surprise. Even though The Doctor is a renowned science fiction hero, this doesn’t necessarily mean he has to save the world, and it’s an aspect that the show can delve into in future episodes.

How The Doctor Failed

In the Doctor Who Christmas special, the Doctor embarked on a mission to safeguard an unstable star from causing global destruction by exploding. He delved into various possibilities and battled against the odds all through the storyline, generating a lot of tension that viewers found engaging. However, contrary to expectations, the Doctor didn’t manage to prevent the star’s explosion or save everyone involved in this particular adventure at the end.

Joy played an unexpectedly significant role during the episode, becoming a beloved figure due to her charming personality. However, she surpassed expectations when she took center stage and saved the day. She selflessly sacrificed herself by taking the star within herself, transforming into a star in the process. This emotional climax allowed her to shine brightly for the world below and be present for her mother’s final moments. Had the Doctor resolved the situation himself, this poignant moment would not have occurred, making it a clever narrative choice that underscored Joy’s imperfections, demonstrating that she isn’t infallible.

Why It Makes The Doctor More Realistic

The Doctor, a globally adored figure, captivates audiences due to his exceptional heroics, consistently rescuing situations. This quality resonates deeply with people, as it mirrors the appeal of comic book heroes like Superman or film characters such as James Bond. However, the Doctor’s unique abilities sometimes make it challenging for viewers to identify with him. It’s hard to empathize with someone who consistently defeats villains and can traverse the globe fixing problems with a handheld device like an electric screwdriver.

In other words, his minor setbacks and failure to save a life in this instance will make the Doctor more relatable to viewers in future episodes. Although Joy remained composed during this emotional scene, it effectively demonstrated the Doctor’s imperfections. It is humanizing for audiences to see that even the Doctor isn’t flawless all the time, and this episode successfully portrayed that aspect of his character.

It Suits This Current Version Of The Character

It was smartly planned for this specific portrayal of The Doctor to make mistakes. Each incarnation of the character has had unique traits, such as varying levels of self-assurance and charm, and skills in their roles. Ncuti Gatwa’s interpretation is one that lacks complete self-confidence and clarity about navigating this world, especially since Ruby Sunday is no longer a constant companion on their journeys. This aspect was emphasized in the episode, as The Doctor’s loneliness was a significant theme, a topic that will likely develop further.

It’s crucial that the Doctor character has relatable struggles that we all face in our daily lives as this will make them more compelling moving forward. This human touch will only enhance the appeal of Doctor Who, making it even more impactful as a series. If they can consistently explore these themes, the upcoming season could be the most powerful yet. While viewers love the monsters and humor, the core strength lies in crafting a deep and relatable Doctor character for each episode.

In the forthcoming series, we can expect the Doctor to resume his usual role, rescuing many in each episode. Yet, the suspense lies in the fact that viewers will anticipate potential lapses from the Doctor. This anticipation heightens the enjoyment of watching Doctor Who, as it introduces a sense of increased tension. It’s important to note that the show is designed for all family members, but this added layer of drama promises an even more captivating viewing experience in future episodes.

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2025-01-06 01:33