BW Media Spotlight

Whatever else I may say, as a fan or as a critic…the intro is nice. It’s the first time it felt like an updated classic Who intro. I think it’s the theme song that helps but even the visuals match up. I just watched this overkill mash-up of Doctor Who intros over the years (I’m surprised they didn’t work in the theatrical movies) and despite the slight dubstep (which may actually add to the otherworldly feel the theme song should have) and their taking out the Doctor’s face again, it’s closer than any new Who intro. I applaud that. the logo however is still a font with a few lines thrown in, as shown by the other credits, and it still disappoints me.

As for the gender change…I think I’ve made my opinion clear. My main problem isn’t the change itself but why it was changed (not to benefit the character so much as make a particular group happy whether it makes sense or not) and if it was ever given a good explanation I haven’t heard about it. I’d even accept “you know how different traits take over for each regeneration…well, sometimes the estrogen levels boost up and there you go”. Simple, easy, works, done. Although I’d have to question if it happens more than once. Yes, I know they’re alien but there are times that excuse works as well as “it’s magic, we don’t have to explain it”. And yes, short research says that the idea was floated around during old Who with even dumber explanations considered. It wouldn’t have worked for me then either, and the reasoning wasn’t as weak as it is now, but I’ve already gone over this enough times. It’s my opinion and we’re both welcome to ours.

I should also note that I haven’t watched a lot of new Who. Between cable companies, sickness, and other projects taking up my time I haven’t really kept up as much with the show as I wanted. It also never really had the same charm classic Who had. Both versions had their good and bad stories, and I’m not condemning the quality of a show with an actual budget, but it doesn’t have that same feel. No short serials, the history has been played with far too loosely for my tastes (we already lost science during the classic era, and this show started off as a way to teach kids science and history), and some other issues that may or may not come up in this review. I want to get caught up but if I had the choice I’d rather see all those old shows I missed or haven’t seen since my youth.

Now that the full disclosure is done let’s get on to assessing the 13th Doctor since BBC America finally let me watch the second episode. Despite all the misgivings above I tried to come into Jodie Whitaker and Chris Chibnall’s with an open mind. Whatever my concerns are Whitaker has a chance of making a good Doctor. I also really wanted to see what the new TARDIS console room would look like, which is why this has taken so long. Also note that this is only looking at the first two episodes, “The Girl Who Fell To Earth” and “The Ghost Monument”, because this article is late enough. With that, it’s time to get into this incarnation of The Doctor.

Continue reading →