We loved the return of The Doctor in Doctor Who‘s “Revolution of the Daleks.” In fact, we loved it so much that we’re probably going to spend the entirety of this review defending The Doctor against the misogynistic shit show that she’s been put through time and time again. Because scrolling through Twitter and reading reviews for “Revolution of the Daleks,” it’s men after men talking about how boring Jodie Whittaker’s The Doctor is, how emotional she is, how PC she is. And again, we’re sick of it.
“Oh, but Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor is too emotional.”
Have you not been watching the same show we have? Also, you’re telling me you’ve never cried while watching Doctor Who? Because let me tell you, we’ve cried plenty of times with a variety of Doctors and cried when Graham and Ryan left too. Also, who wouldn’t be a little twisted up after finding out their life is a lie? It isn’t just a Jodie problem, like you try to play it out to be. Emotion is part of life, it’s the depth that keeps us attached to Doctors and companions across time, space, and the show in general. And this complaint about her being too emotional is bullshit.
“Oh, but we’re sick and tired of political correctness.”
Again, have we been watching two different shows? Doctor Who is a BBC property, paid by its subscribers. By saying you’re tired of “political correctness” you’re basically saying you’re tired of representation and experiences that aren’t like yours. People come in a variety of colors, races, genders, sexualities, cultures, etc. Did you think that it would stay white and bland forever? I don’t think so. Also, are you saying that Ryan and Yaz’s storylines aren’t worth telling because they might not be like your experiences? If this is a show for the people then it sure as hell is going to represent ALL THE PEOPLE, not just the ones who’ve had advantages throughout time based on the color of their skin.
“Oh, but that’s not what Doctor Who is about.”
That’s what Doctor Who has always been about; change, growth, understanding, and acceptance. If you’ve learned anything about Doctor Who, its that it’s a show where you learn things. You learn about different people, their experiences, their lives, and how to coexist together. Because it’s not all about you, people who have always had it all. It’s about the experiences of all and how we can become a more welcoming, kind, and strong world if we come together and have empathy.
“Oh, but this show has become too campy and predictable.”
Doctor Who has always been campy. Since day one, so don’t try to play this off as a Jodie Whittaker problem that happened when Chris Chibnall came around. It was campy when Russell T. Davies was around and it was certainly campy when Steven Moffat was around too. To think that this show would stop being campy anytime soon is a complete and utter lie. Also, you didn’t complain when John Barrowman was being campy and fun with previous Doctors. What makes this one different?
Seriously, what makes Jodie Whittaker different? Because all the complaints we’re hearing are baseless piles of needling about how this show is too PC, too emotional, too predictable. Doctor Who is clean, good, fun that everyone and their mama can enjoy. And just because it’s different from what you’ve experienced or loved, doesn’t mean you have to shit on it. In fact, if you don’t like it, then go. Wait until a Doctor you like (and who isn’t female, because we all know that’s your real problem) and come back.
Do what we did when we didn’t click with previous Doctors because of their arcs, demeanor with companions, or storylines. Skip it. Stop watching. And let the rest of us, the ones who know what Doctor Who is truly about, enjoy the show and love it to bits. Because we do. And there’s nothing you can do to change how wonderfully complex, diverse, fun, campy, and brilliant this show is.
*mic drop*
What did you think of Doctor Who‘s “Revolution of the Daleks? Share with us in the comments below!
Doctor Who will be back for more adventures in season 13 on the BBC.
WOW. So glad I missed all the hateful comments! I really like Jodi Whittaker’s Doctor…maybe its her emotions but I liked that about David Tennant and Matt Smith on occasion too. I was very sad to see Graham and Ryan leave. So glad Yaz is staying! And you are absolutely right, Doctor Who has always been campy! Can’t wait for the next season!!
I was so excited when the gender swap was revealed, but ultimately I think it’s time to admit that Jodie Whittaker was the wrong choice. She doesn’t quite have the spark of charisma you need to carry the role. The BBC should replace her asap with the Jo Martin Doctor we saw in Fugitive of the Judoon. And get rid of Chibnall at the same time. His show-running and stories are godawful boring. I used to so look forward to each new Doctor Who, but aside from the Fugitive of the Judoon there hasn’t been a single recent episode that I haven’t fast-forwarded to skip the 3rd rate dialogue, am-dram acting and tired retreads of yesteryear’s glories. Doctor Who needs a far more radical reboot to make it fresh, vital and fun again. It’s just boring. Sorry if I spoiled the party.