The lowest ever viewing figures, an identity crisis for the show and a confusing Billie Piper-based cliffhanger – whoever takes on the BBC fantasy drama has quite the job on their hands …
And even more, the TV landscape is still changing. Streaming is not a Klondike for companies or viewers anymore. I have no idea what’s going to materialise further down the road, but the stage is definitely being set for a change. That’s why it’s so bad for BBC shows like Who that the broadcaster is stuck in a '90s understanding of viewerships.
As for RTD… I’m sure he was hired to work the same magic as he did in 2005, and I think he tried. But he’s twenty years older now, and at a completely different place in his life and career. It was almost inevitable that this return would have a “How are you doing, fellow kids” feeling both on screen and in his press/social updates. And AFAICT his understanding of modern viewing habits is as poor as the BBC leadership’s.
I would have much preferred if he’d stuck to the 60th anniversary specials and then taken a step back to coach his replacement from an executive or advisory position. But that’s just wistful thinking, and rear view mirror rationalisation.
And AFAICT his understanding of modern viewing habits is as poor as the BBC leadership’s.
Honestly, I don’t think he cares much. And to the extent that he does care, I think it’s pretty solidly on the side of “Doctor Who is for kids,” and so he’s unafraid to get very silly with it.
I would have much preferred if he’d stuck to the 60th anniversary specials and then taken a step back to coach his replacement from an executive or advisory position.
Yeah…I had extremely mixed feelings about him coming back, and the outcome was really worse than I imagined. But he still managed to produce a few top-tier episodes in all that mess.
Yep. The show is a bloody mess right now, but my hope is somebody will turn out a fresh take within the next couple of years. There has to be somebody who can build from here and focus on making fun/scary/weird time travel stories without being bogged down by the history of it all.
And even more, the TV landscape is still changing. Streaming is not a Klondike for companies or viewers anymore. I have no idea what’s going to materialise further down the road, but the stage is definitely being set for a change. That’s why it’s so bad for BBC shows like Who that the broadcaster is stuck in a '90s understanding of viewerships.
As for RTD… I’m sure he was hired to work the same magic as he did in 2005, and I think he tried. But he’s twenty years older now, and at a completely different place in his life and career. It was almost inevitable that this return would have a “How are you doing, fellow kids” feeling both on screen and in his press/social updates. And AFAICT his understanding of modern viewing habits is as poor as the BBC leadership’s.
I would have much preferred if he’d stuck to the 60th anniversary specials and then taken a step back to coach his replacement from an executive or advisory position. But that’s just wistful thinking, and rear view mirror rationalisation.
Honestly, I don’t think he cares much. And to the extent that he does care, I think it’s pretty solidly on the side of “Doctor Who is for kids,” and so he’s unafraid to get very silly with it.
Yeah…I had extremely mixed feelings about him coming back, and the outcome was really worse than I imagined. But he still managed to produce a few top-tier episodes in all that mess.
Onward and upward. I hope.
Yep. The show is a bloody mess right now, but my hope is somebody will turn out a fresh take within the next couple of years. There has to be somebody who can build from here and focus on making fun/scary/weird time travel stories without being bogged down by the history of it all.