Tag Archives: science fiction

In a bold but a move that has mixed feelings across the Whovian landscape the powers to be in the the Doctors Universe decided to make the regeneration of the 13th Doctor one that is well ...... different from what we have seen so far. In other words a woman has stepped into the role that for decades been one of a mans.And yes there has been a loud out cry from the traditional (mostly male) faithful and a rousing applause from females and more progressive minded . Who is right well that's what free will is about stating you satisfaction and dissatisfaction and in this case in a most passionate way.
So far the comments I have read are on the lines of "How dare they !!!!!! " or "I am not watching this series no more !!!!!! " to" Its about time !!!!! " or " Love the idea of a woman as the Doctor !!!!!!"  . This I am afraid is what we call change. Is it good. Don't know. I know its always hard to digest a new actor stepping into the role of the Doctor. I remember the uproar when Matt Smith was chosen and we all know how that turned out. This however is a giant leap for the franchise and a risky role of the dice.
Without taking sides I will try to look at this from a traditionalist way and how it may be a risky . And bare with me as I delve into the mind of those that don't like change which before any one barks is a part of all of us in one way or another.  First of all Doctor Who's fan base and loyal minions for many decades has been mostly male across the globe with some small concentrations of females in UK and else where. I know this how. Because during the period that I grew up (and yes I will age myself) in the late 60's and onwards when I mentioned the Doctor to anyone who would listen the response was this.  Either they had no clue , the effects were to cheesy for them , or they were just geeksnerdy males like I was. Period. If there was a girl that liked the Doctor they were well GeekyNerdy and had parents that allowed them to delve into the dorky side of the force. But I digress. For men he was a hero to the gender if you will.  Much like Captain Kirk and James Bond. But unlike the two mentioned the Doctor was unorganized, awkward , had a bit of a focus issue but but was always smart and witty . He never really resorted to violence to defeat the enemies that were abundant and seemingly invincible . In some ways he was  a cross between a knight the came to save the day and the common man who had no clue what he was doing next .  And who would not love to be like that in some way.  Also lets not forget he always had a sweet companion or two that traveled with him . I guess to many men Whovians this may be like a betrayal of years of unending faithful viewership. Might as well take themselves to the vet and have themselves neutered . They see this as a lady come lately to the Whovian world  as an affront to their universe that shall not be tolerated .  On the other hand from what I have read so far from the comments of those ladies who are are loving this. They are ruling out any such talk of not excepting a woman in the role and counter shaming anyone that says otherwise. Sounds like American politics of late. This makes for entertaining browsing of comments and opinions IMO.
Speaking of which. My opinion is as it always been. I have a wait as see approach to how it will turn out. Personally I always think its bad idea to role out radical change in characters for political purposes even if its a good actor or actress playing the character in question. Its always tend to bite the creators in the back side. Not that I am against a female character but I look at it this way people are people and when you mess with what they like then you have to be responsible for the outcome. Great examples Ghostbusters and Godzilla 98. Both changed the look and the feel of the characters which then tanked the franchises. Well that is until a reboot that erases the fore mentioned. There are other examples across the entertainment landscape when they changed the character to fit current events such as sexual orientation or racial lines where they seem to fail more times then not. Though there are exceptions to that line of thinking and you never know. But generally viewers that have their lives wrapped up in a show tend to not receive those changes well. And lets face its the Whovian world is like the Trekers and Star Wars fans. Messing with their loved characters gets you in hot water and usually means bad ratings. Though the Star Trek reboot by JJ initially did well with fans. It was the second one that they almost grabbed the pitch forks and torches and went to storm the castle of Paramount.  This is not a criticism of the change but stating a reality of the mindsets of viewers in general.
Now getting back to who they chose. Jodie Whittaker . She is easy on the eyes and looks like she can handle the role from what I have seen so far and may make a capable Doctor. However if the writers stay the course of subpar stories then you can stick Patric Stewart in the role and it will flop like a fish out of water. Just like  Peter Capaldi found out who I think given the proper scripts would of been brilliant in the role. It will be hard for her to start off with the fan base being split so heavily over the change but with good writing , very focused stories, and a strong character development.  I personally think she can pull it off. If not then there is another regeneration . Again like I have said with every actor change that has happen in the past I will reserve my opinion till the series with her as the Doctor starts and of course I wish her the best.

Jodie Whittaker Biography
Jodie Whittaker graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2005 with a gold medal in Acting. Since then she has worked continually in Film, Television and Theatre. Her TV credits include the critically acclaimed ITV drama 'Broadchurch' (for which she was nominated for ‘Best Actress’ for the RTS Television Awards), Emmy award-winning 'Black Mirror’, Sky 1’s 'The Smoke', BBC’s 'Cranford’, in which she starred opposite Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton, 'The Night Watch'(BBC), 'The Accused'(BBC), and 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' (BBC).

Jodie has recently finished shooting 'Journeyman' written and directed by Paddy Considine as well as the lead in the new BBC drama series ‘Trust Me’. Her other film credits include 'Venus', (which earned her nominations for 'Best Newcomer' at the 'British Independent Film Awards', 'Best British Newcomer' at the 'Critic's Circle Awards' and 'Best Actress in a Motion Picture' at the 'Satellite Awards'), 'Attack the Block', 'One Day', 'Black Sea', 'Good Vibrations', 'St.Trinian's', 'Get Santa' and most recently 'Adult Life Skills' which she Executive Produced as well as starred in which received a number of BIFA nominations.

Jodie made her professional theatrical debut at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in ‘The Storm’. Other theatre credits include playing the title role in 'Antigone' at the Royal National Theatre, 'Bash' at the Trafalgar Studios 'Awake and Sing' and 'Enemies' at the Almeida, both directed by the then Artistic Director, Michael Attenborough.

See BBC Ones Website on Doctor Who for more information