Slap me silly and call me Mary: the Doctor is a woman. Doctor Who? Not the question you should be asking, but yes we are talking about BBC’s beloved Doctor Who. And the Doctor in question is now a lovely lady played by none other than Jodie Whittaker.
(Click above for a little preview.)
A little on the nose, but I love it?
For those who watch Doctor Who, Jodie’s Doctor seems to be a lot like Matt Smith’s Doctor. If you don’t know what I’m saying I’ll turn back time just for you.
Doctor Who is a British science-fiction television programme produced by the BBC since 1963. The programme depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called “the Doctor”, an extraterrestrial being, to all appearances human, from the planet Gallifrey. The Doctor explores the universe in a time-travelling space ship called the TARDIS. Its exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Accompanied by a number of companions, the Doctor combats a variety of foes while working to save civilisations and help people in need.
Ok, now we’re on the same page. What’s important to note is that while Doctor Who has been a very important show to me and my love for British culture, the Doctor has never been a woman. For the first time in 55 years Jodie Whittaker will be taking up the first female Doctor and I love it. She’s fun and charming, confused and sassy in just the right ways. Jodie’s Doctor will hopefully bring us back to a more light and fun Doctor persona. Peter Capaldi’s Doctor, the one before her, was getting sad and dark, many losses, many existential moments, all teetering towards ‘uh, are the writers ok?’ feelings. I loved Peter’s Doctor, a lot, but I’m ready to get back to a lighter and shiny new Doctor Who era.
Immediately I enjoyed the companions I believe will be with us for the rest of the season and got used to Jodie’s wacky personality. Finally seeing a character I’ve loved for so long be a woman is very exciting for me and other female fans. This of course was met with backlash when it was announced, but from the first episode, I would say most people have settled their discord and got excited for another season of Doctor Who. 82% of viewers have said they like Jodie’s Doctor, just after the first episode!
While I wouldn’t say the first episode was perfect- they hardly ever are- I’m welcoming Jodie Whittaker’s portrayal with open arms. And if you haven’t watched Doctor Who and have access to BBC America: give it a try! This is the perfect time to jump in. Every few seasons they do this thing where they make it so you don’t really need to watch the seasons before- though I highly suggest it- and this reincarnation seems to be like that.
Watch Doctor Who on BBC America at 7pm Central time!