Four episodes into the new era of Doctor Who, and after the initial excitement brought by the specials and the return of David Tennant, a sense of unease has settled in. It’s not about outright dislike, but rather an increasing feeling of indifference towards the “nu-nu-who.” This isn’t a sudden change, but a gradual realization, much like a relationship where you slowly drift apart.
The attempt to recapture the spark feels forced. Despite wanting it to work, despite the effort invested over the years, the connection seems to be fading. This isn’t a blame game directed at the actors; the issue appears to be with the overarching direction of the show.
If the strategy under Russell T Davies (RTD) and Disney is to court a younger demographic, perhaps they will succeed in building a new fanbase. However, for long-time viewers, those whose “Doctor” was rooted in the classic era – perhaps a Tom Baker, or even embracing the reboot with Tennant and later Matt Smith – something feels amiss. Smith, with his quirky charm, might just edge out Tennant for personal preference, but even that fondness feels distant from the current series.
The time has come to contemplate ending this long-standing love affair with Doctor Who. The affection remains, a nostalgic corner in the heart reserved for past adventures. Occasional revisits might happen, a dip into familiar stories, but the deep commitment and connection have dissipated.
To Doctor Who: go forth and find a new companion, a fanbase that embraces you as you are now. There’s no need to worry about this departing fan; memories of great times will linger. It might be time to move on, perhaps to solitary viewing, reminiscing about the golden days with Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee on streaming services, maybe even adopting an eleventh cat for company.
It’s unlikely anything can truly replace the place Doctor Who held, but sometimes, parting ways is the necessary path. It’s a melancholic acceptance, a “these things happen” moment. Wishing the show all the best for its future endeavors. And on a parting note, this fan is keeping K9 – a loyal companion through all the regenerations.
