Key Takeaways
- Some fans are dissatisfied with the changes in Doctor Who, surprising former actor Matt Smith.
- Smith disagrees with the use of trigger warnings in TV shows, believing they limit creativity.
- Despite concerns about the series, Doctor Who Season 15 is expected to air in early 2025.
As a lifelong Whovian who vividly remembers the thrill of Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor taking over the TARDIS, I must admit I’ve been left a bit perplexed by the recent dissatisfaction some fans have expressed towards Doctor Who. It’s like they missed the whole point – we’re talking about an alien time lord who travels through space and time, saving civilizations! What’s not to love?
It appears that some loyal viewers of the BBC series “Doctor Who” are starting to drift away, and some have even expressed disappointment. Interestingly, one former actor who portrayed the leading character was taken aback by the fierce criticism leveled against it by fans.
As a long-time fan of Doctor Who, I’ve witnessed this iconic sci-fi series run for decades, but lately, it seems to have lost some of its luster for many viewers, who feel it has veered off course. From its debut in 1963 to its hiatus until 1989, and then the revival spearheaded by Russell T Davies in 2005, I’ve been captivated by this show. As a showrunner and executive producer, Davies has always strived to showcase the franchise at its finest for us viewers. However, it came as a shock to me when even some former cast members admitted that they weren’t entirely pleased with its current direction.
Matt Smith, best known for portraying the Eleventh Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’, had a conversation with The Times and reminisced about his time on the show that skyrocketed him to stardom. He also shared his thoughts on the criticism leveled at the series by some fans, stating that such debates unnecessarily tarnish its image. “It’s baffling to me when people lash out at Doctor Who,” Smith expressed. “This show is about an exciting alien roaming through space and time, saving civilizations. What’s not to appreciate?
Smith openly stated that he had no qualms about presenting disturbing content as he concurred with Ralph Fiennes that media should leave viewers with uneasy feelings. However, his primary concern lies in the potential effects of recent policies, which might restrict filmmakers from freely expressing their narratives and potentially diminish creativity by eliminating risks. He also expressed skepticism towards trigger warnings, arguing they could influence the audience’s perception of a show because they are already aware of potential triggers. In an earlier interview in February, Smith employed the example of Doctor Who to illustrate his viewpoint on the impact of trigger warnings. He stated, “I always found that one of the appealing aspects of doing Doctor Who was scaring children, albeit in a controlled manner. But if you were to tell kids watching Doctor Who, ‘By the way, this might scare you,’ I’m not a fan of that approach” (via RadioTimes).
Smith added about trigger warnings:
It’s acceptable for viewers to experience discomfort or be stirred emotionally when observing art like paintings or plays, yet I have concerns that the intensity is being reduced excessively. We seem to be warning the audience about what scares them before they even experience it.
While Smith commended Ncuti Gatwa for his impressive portrayal as the Fifteenth Doctor, it’s not just about him that people are talking. In fact, there’s been a lot of discontent regarding the changes in “Doctor Who,” with many viewers expressing dissatisfaction. The series hasn’t managed to draw a broad audience in the U.S., leading to speculation that Disney might cancel it after two seasons because of low ratings. Even the announcement by Russell Davies about incorporating more breaking of the fourth wall and music didn’t sit well with some fans.
When it comes to content warnings, “Doctor Who” may come off as unsettling or even terrifying at times, but this was a key aspect of its classic style, featuring episodes intended to provoke fear due to their horror undertones. Essentially, the show is a blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror with comedic elements. For example, the “Boom Town” episode features a humorous moment where Christopher Eccleston (the Ninth Doctor) reacts comically to crashing teacups, while the “Runaway Bride” episode includes numerous funny scenes featuring the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). The show’s long-lasting appeal comes from its unique combination of elements. While Smith suggests that not providing trigger warnings can make a show more impactful, this is a topic up for debate. Shows that leave lasting impressions are often those that conclude tragically or leave viewers feeling uncomfortable enough to keep thinking about the experience.
Doctor Who Season 15 will likely air in early 2025.
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2024-09-09 22:24