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 BBCās 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, Jodieās Doctor seems to be a lot like Matt Smithās Doctor. If you donāt know what Iām saying Iāll 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.
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Ā Ā Ā Ok, now weāre on the same page. Whatās 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. Sheās fun and charming, confused and sassy in just the right ways. Jodieās Doctor will hopefully bring us back to a more light and fun Doctor persona. Peter Capaldiās Doctor, the one before her, was getting sad and dark, many losses, many existential moments, all teetering towards āuh, are the writers ok?ā feelings. I loved Peterās Doctor, a lot, but Iām 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 Jodieās wacky personality. Finally seeing a character Iāve 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 Jodieās Doctor, just after the first episode!
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While I wouldnāt say the first episode was perfect- they hardly ever are- Iām welcoming Jodie Whittakerās portrayal with open arms. And if you havenāt 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 donāt 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!