In 2011, I heard about this really cool British sci-fi show called “Doctor Who” and was told that I should really watch it. I was quite skeptical, even though I love sci-fi and fantasy shows. I started watching the 11th Doctor’s series – with Matt Smith.
What a delightful surprise – I was hooked! The weird mix of Matt’s fish fingers and custard and little Amy Pond. Since then I’ve watched Christopher Eccleston’s 9th doctor series with Rose Tyler and the wonderful 10th doctor, David Tennant. My whole family also got enthralled by Doctor Who (Who wouldn’t, pun intended). Later on, we also watched the older series and even the movies “An Adventure in Space and Time” and the 8th Doctor’s movie (eish not good, although I love the actor Paul McGann!).
The beautiful music by composer Murray Gold, the excellent writing of Russel T. Davis and later on Stephen Moffat, and the wonderful actors – we can honestly say we love Doctor Who. With the 50th-anniversary show stopper with the fantastic actor – Richard Hurt as the War Doctor and later on all three doctors together– what more could any fan ask for?
This created such anticipation for the next season…
However, I must be honest and say that I am quite disappointed in the new season 8 with Peter Capaldi.
Why am I disappointed? It’s not so much the Peter Capaldi factor, but an issue I have with the storylines. I don’t know if it is on purpose, but goodness me – overall they are terrible. Out of the entire season 8, I must admit I enjoyed “Enter the Dalek” and “Flatline” episodes. They really watered the other episodes down. I was also thinking – where is the fantastic music, the fanfare, the excitement, the amazing monsters? What happened? With the grand finale episodes – it was ok but not WOW!
SPOILERS AHEAD
What’s the deal with Missy as The Master? Are they now preparing the way for a female Doctor Who?
I have a theory – we’ve been spoiled by wonderful doctors and stories the past few years – 9th, 10th, 11th and the War doctor – perhaps this is a strategy to boost the next “real” doctor – in season 9? Make season 8 okay-ish and then fire it off with a bang with Season 9 – with a doctor that people can relate to. Although Peter Capaldi is an excellent actor, the persona they are trying to carry through with this doctor is boring and does not fit in with the stories. I am thinking they are trying the Wibley Wobley Timey Whimey stuff with him (like in the Robin Hood episode and the spoon fight) and it really doesn’t work.
I’ve spoken to many other Whovians who feel the same. I honestly hope this will not be a repeat of the 7th Doctor – almost letting the whole series fail.
Even though this series is not great – I will still keep on watching. Once a Whovian, always a Whovian!
Some good news for Whovians, BBC Africa, mentioned that Doctor Who series 8 with Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor will premiere as an all-day marathon on BBC Entertainment South Africa on Saturday 27th December 2014 (at the time of publishing).
See the official Christmas teaser trailer here:
