Like many, after the specials and David Tennant’s return, I held high hopes for the new Doctor Who series. Tennant’s era reminded us of the essence of the Doctor, sparking a familiar excitement. However, four episodes into this new chapter, a sense of indifference has crept in. It’s not about outright dislike, but rather a concerning lack of engagement.
This feeling is akin to a long-term relationship where the spark has simply vanished. Despite wanting to reconnect, the magic feels gone. It’s difficult to pinpoint blame on the actors; instead, the issue seems to stem from the overall direction of the show. If the intention of RTD and Disney is to cultivate a younger fanbase, that strategy might succeed. However, as a viewer whose Doctor is rooted in the Tom Baker era, and who found resonance with the reboot Doctors like Tennant and Smith, the current iteration feels distant.
Perhaps this marks the moment to gently step away from my deep connection with Doctor Who. A fondness will always remain, and occasional revisits to past episodes are likely. Yet, the commitment and fervent connection have waned. If Doctor Who is seeking a new, more aligned audience, I wish it well. For myself, reminiscing about classic adventures with Doctors like Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee on streaming services seems a comforting alternative, perhaps with a touch of wistful nostalgia. It’s a poignant realization that nothing can truly replace the past experiences, and sometimes, moving on, though sad, is necessary. Farewell, for now, Doctor. Oh, and just so you know, I’m keeping K9.
