After six years at the helm of BBC’s cultural phenomenon “Doctor Who,” showrunner Steven Moffat (also known for his hit show “Sherlock”) will be stepping down. Chris Chibnall, known for creating the hit crime drama “Broadchurch” will be taking over. Peter Capaldi, currently portraying the Twelfth Doctor, is rumored to be leaving. The next season will not arrive until 2017. Oh, and Netflix is removing all of “Doctor Who” from its streaming services.
It’s a tumultuous time to be a “Doctor Who” fan, indeed.
As a tried and true Whovian myself, I’m having a lot of trouble sorting through my emotions about this. I suppose I’ll simply tackle these events one at a time.
####Steven Moffat
Moffat had very big shoes to fill after replacing former “Doctor Who” showrunner Russell T. Davies, the man responsible for bringing the show back in the first place. Davies was the man who created two of the most beloved incarnations of the Doctor: Nine (Christopher Eccleston) and Ten (David Tennant). His tenure produced some of the most emotionally satisfying episodes in the show’s fifty years.
Moffat’s time on the show has been problematic at its worst and brilliant at its best. His portrayal of women is a prime example of the polarization of his writing. On one hand, he gave us the female incarnation of the Master (the Doctor’s oldest nemesis and fellow Time Lord) and women such as Clara Oswald and Amy Pond. On the other hand, Clara and Amy both started out as massive flirts and Queen Elizabeth herself was turned into a lovesick, smiling damsel.
However, despite all of these issues and a tendency to build overly-convoluted plotlines with no real emotional depth, Moffat has fully come into his own throughout his six years. The wonderful universe of “Doctor Who” and its complex mythology have been deeply developed, leaving many openings for new companions and adventures. “Doctor Who” is bigger than ever. Its characters are wonderfully fleshed out, and the stories are fresh. Chibnall certainly has a lot to work with.
“Broadchurch” was perhaps one of the most realistic journeys through the state of humanity that I have ever seen. If Chibnall wants to bring “Doctor Who” into the future, he must maintain that level of emotion in the show. Of course, he is not a complete novice in the “Doctor Who” universe, he helped produce several episodes of both “Doctor Who” and its spinoff “Torchwood.”
####Stream No More
Both Netflix and Hulu announced that “Doctor Who” would be removed from their sites starting Feb. 1. This was a bit of a surprise, but the more I think of it, the more it makes sense. Rumor has it that BBC is looking to consolidate its programming onto a streaming service of its own.
I’m a wrestling fan, so when the WWE announced the launch of the WWE Network a few years back for $9.99 a month, I subscribed. They put a bunch of original content on there, as well as all of their pay-per-views streaming live. I think BBC is looking to follow suit.
Am I happy about it? Of course not, I watch “Doctor Who” on Netflix all the time. It’s certainly cheaper than buying the DVD sets, which can range up to $100 in price. However, I think I see where this is leading.
####Peter Capaldi Leaving
Now, before everyone starts sobbing uncontrollably, there is no confirmation of this just yet. But it does make sense, especially when you consider the show’s history.
David Tennant and Russell T. Davies departed together, and fresh-faced Matt Smith was a major part of how Moffat’s era became such a success. BBC likely wants a new Doctor for fans to associate with Chibnall’s era. Besides, Capaldi has had a solid reign. Christopher Eccleston was only the Doctor for one season. David Tennant and Matt Smith were both with the show for three. Season ten will mark Capaldi’s third season.
Might it also mark his last?
Overall, there is a lot happening in the “Whoniverse.” But change is part of what makes “Doctor Who” so enduring. It’s constantly reinventing itself and changing the game. In “Doctor Who,” endings are never really endings; they’re beginnings.
Let’s embrace this beginning with open arms.
