(non-spoilery). When Jodie Whittaker was announced as the new Doctor, I freely admit I was uneasy about the choice. I didn’t have a problem with a woman as the Doctor, but the announcement somehow just felt off to me – forced, token, etc. It had nothing to do with Jodie specifically – I loved her in Broadchurch and don’t have much experience with her beyond that role. I freely admit – absolutely no fact or specific reason I wasn’t thrilled that a woman would be playing the role. I just wasn’t. I was quickly chastised for having the audacity of a fence-sitting opinion and quickly shut up about it… because I could see quickly that unless it was lavish praise, no opinions were welcome. it honestly made me less excited about the announcement. Been there once with Who fandom, got burned, not interested in playing that crap game again, thanks.
Because of that, I just fell off as far as following what was going on with Who, any spoilers about episodes, etc. I knew I’d watch regardless. I mean… I never warmed up to Matt Smith, and I watched all of his episodes. I loved Capaldi as the Doctor, but thought the writing was getting too congratulatory toward the end of his run (aside from Heaven Sent, which is one of my all-time faves). I just haven’t had the desire to watch most of them multiple times. Same would happen here if I wasn’t hooked in. I’ll watch because even if it’s not the Best Episode Ever, it’s a fun show. And given the experiences I’ve had with people bashing shows I enjoy? I would never do that to others. I’d just say it doesn’t work for me, and leave it at that.
And the premiere to me… was a fun show. Didn’t wow me, but it was fun. I’m sure I’ll watch it again in the next few days. I’m not completely sold yet on the Thirteenth Doctor, and that’s okay. Not a fan of the outfit, personally – it’s too costumey and Mork-from-Ork to me. But like I said… I’ll deal. One episode isn’t enough to warm up, honestly. I do like the mix of the new companions a lot, honestly. I’m sure it’ll grow on me. I am still a Tennant-as-my-Doctor fan, but even I can admit that some of his episodes get a little annoying now that there’s some distance between when they first aired.
Regardless, I’m glad Doctor Who is back. I’m glad that Max is now at an age where he can watch with us and hopefully enjoy it too. I needed some new TV episodes in my life… it’s been awfully quiet with the long delay on both Game of Thrones and Outlander.
