Am I a fan of Dr. Who?
The answer is both “yes” and “no.” I am a fan in that I have watched and loved the show since the mid-1970’s. There was even a time when my old PBS station played every episode from “An Unearthly Child” as a Saturday afternoon Dr. Who movie. I enjoyed every minute of it.
However, the answer of “no” is also valid because science fiction and fantasy have been my “go to” genres for stories as long as I can remember. My love is not specific to Dr. Who, but to the genre as a whole. I have also had a love for Star Trek which predates my ability to fully appreciate the plots or the intended point of the stories (I was younger than 6 years old at the time). Over the whole franchise, I was enthralled by the exploration of honor through the Klingon culture. The Ferengi Rules of Acquisition and their culture has been a fascinating discussion on how we can put money as the central concern. Having been a fan for so long, I naturally interpret show concepts and characterizations in the greater light of issues universal to humanity (as well as within the confines of the show canon).
Concerning Dr. Who directly, it was announced that Jodie Whittaker is cast to be the next incarnation of the Doctor. The show has long established that Timelords have a certain amount of control in directing how they regenerate. It would be strange for the series to make such a direction and not address why the Doctor made this sudden change after so many male incarnations.
Sure, it has been long established that Timelords can make the shift. This has been mentioned several times in different ways on the show. However, nothing (biological or social) operates in isolation (especially something like a person's sex). Often times, both can impact the other. We, however, know very little of Gallifreyan culture, especially on this issue. What are the social, environmental, or biological conditions which lead to that change? Without knowing this information, selecting a female Doctor risks being “preachy” on gender identity politics instead of exploring an alien culture. How many Timelords make the shift and how often? Are there ever Timelords who regret making this change for personal reasons? What are the risks in doing so?
However, the producers decided not to have this change (for varied reasons over the course of the show). Exploring his home culture's view on this change could have given an excellent counterbalance (within the show) for why he didn't. Then, when they decide to make the shift, they could have had a few adventures which establish a change in his mind on the issue. Having an established reason for making a choice can also help lay the groundwork for establishing reasons for a reversal on that decision.
However, the producers decided not to have this change (for varied reasons over the course of the show). Exploring his home culture's view on this change could have given an excellent counterbalance (within the show) for why he didn't. Then, when they decide to make the shift, they could have had a few adventures which establish a change in his mind on the issue. Having an established reason for making a choice can also help lay the groundwork for establishing reasons for a reversal on that decision.
Part of this sense of “preachiness” could also come from what the BBC has not done. There has been a call for spin-off series involving Susan (the Doctor’s granddaughter), Romana (female Timelord who traveled with the Doctor during his Fourth Regeneration), River Song (his wife, and her story is complicated). Were these ideas for t.v. shows (no objection) rejected because they would somehow diminish the Doctor becoming a female (politically charged)?
While this decision has definite support now. It also risks coming across as a gimmick in the long run. Without having the roots of knowing this change in Gallifreyan culture, (and considering the social climate we live in today) in the long run it could come across as bowing to political or social forces in operation today. The real test for this move will be the nature of the stories and how long they last. Will they be as strong seasons down the road? Will they be as strong when Ms. Whittaker’s replacement’s replacement announces leaving the show? We are often told “time marches on” when our favorite actor for the show leaves. However, what are the politics that will develop when the novelty of having a female Doctor has evaporated? Only time will tell.
UPDATES:
Wed 19JUL 2017 Included the paragraph "However, the producers decided not to have this change..."
