All right now. I’m back with Doctor Who: Infinity. And this time I’m talking about a new doctor. And a new topic. Indeed. If you follow IndieGala’s blog then you probably have read my previous Doctor Who post.
In the last year’s post, I wrote about David Tenant’s portrayal of Doctor Who. And some of the reasons why I think the 10th was the best Doctor. It’s a mix of things, so if you’re interested to know more about him then you should click here. You’re welcome. However, in that very same post, I also mentioned that I’m not a huge fan of the 13th doctor. The latest and so far the only female doctor. And in this post I’ll do my best to elaborate my claims. Here I go…
Doctor Who: Infinity: From One Woman To Another
Look, I have nothing against the fact that Doctor Who has a female actress in the role. In fact, I’m all for it. But what I’m against is the low quality that this regeneration contains. And with the whole concept/depiction of the character. But more on that later in this post.
What’s Doctor Who: Infinity All About?
Developed by Tny Rebel Games, Seed Studio and published by Tny Rebel Games, Doctor Who: Infinity is a new platform. For what you might ask? For experiencing the Doctor’s stories, with 6 new tales. And each story features a different Doctor from the 55-year history of the show. Including both modern and classic Doctors, companions, monsters. As well as entirely new characters to discover!
It’s a great strategy game for all the Doctor Who fans out there. And of course, it’s available for purchase here at IndieGala. Just click, scroll and take your pick. I mean here are some of the Steam comments about the game:
– I don’t usually like match-3 games but I like this one. Is a bit different on its puzzles and the stories are great! – according to devil_woman_24
– Under-rated, if you like Dr. Who and puzzles then it’s a must-have. Adds MrL0G1C
And Why The 13th Doctor?
Well, as I mentioned in my November 2020 post, I don’t particularly like the 13th Doctor. Moreover, I don’t like the way it’s written, developed and the direction the TV show is heading. First of all, let me take address the elephant in the room. The main criticism of the show is that it has become too political. Too woke even. And too preachy as well. However, I disagree with the political/woke criticism.
The truth is The Doctor has always been political. Woke if you will. At times more and at times a bit less. But there’s no denying that The Doctor didn’t stood up for social justice. And in the political sense, the show has always leaned towards the left. Why? Because it fell into the narrative of the Doctor being the protector of humanity. He will always stand for progress. And most notably that’s the case with my favorite. The 10th Doctor. He understood us and protected us like no other. The 10th doctor fought for us and defended us. He had passion, nuances and flaws. Just like most of us. But that’s because he understood us. 13th however doesn’t.
The Flaws Really Diminish The Potential
And at the start, it had potential. Even with the female doctor. Jodie Whittaker is a very talented actress, so I blame the demise of the Doctor on the show runners. Most notably on Chris Chibnall. My beef about the decline in quality stems from him, and his inability to write the series. Perhaps he doesn’t understand Doctor Who’s mythos. Or perhaps he’s so inclined on pushing his weird agendas down our throats. Here comes the preachy part I mentioned. Yeah, there’s a sense of that, and it clearly has an effect on everything. A negative effect. Critical reception and ratings are plummeting and it most will likely end the show. Look, even Matt Smith needed some time to settle into the role I might add. To get comfortable. But he did it because he had good writing to lean on. Jodie however, doesn’t.
Bland Doctor Who?
When I mention the writing, I don’t merely mean about the quality (or lack thereof) of the storylines. No, they’re terrible, and it shows. But I’m more concerned about the Doctor and her companions. Oh and the villains too. However, the villains deserve a separate post, don’t you think?. But for the time being, can I just mention how bland this Doctor is? There’s hardly any character depth or development in her. Look, the purpose of any character is to change. And to develop. Regardless if it’s a TV character or movie character. And regardless if it’s for the better or worse. We need to see his growth, transition, or decline.
Furthermore, he/she needs to change in a creative and dare I say it… intellectual way. To overcome real hardships and struggles. To show us a glimpse of his intimacy, or his thoughts and emotions. But we see none of that in the 13th Doctor. She’s all style and no substance. And again. I blame that on the writers. Hey even her monologues are not meaningful. With the exception of the one in The Haunting of Villa Diodati episode, they’re more or less bland and meaningless. I mean just take a look at the monologue in The Doctor Falls or the monologue in The Pandorica Opens episode. I still quote some of them on a daily basis. They have a strong message. At times even nuance, and always always timeless quality to them.
And Bland Companions As Well?
If the lack of creativity in the development of the 13th doctor is evident, then the companions are the second biggest offender. Oh my god! Where to even begin with the companions? Look, a Doctor’s companion needs to be complementary to the Doctor’s purpose. They need to have a drive, a purpose and a passion for what they do. Not just chemistry with the Doctor. Clara, Rose, Donna, Amy and Martha had all of that. They had spunk and most importantly they had character.
The 13th doctor’s companions sadly don’t. Ryan and Yasmin are perhaps the biggest culprits here. Except for maybe Graham. Yes, he’s a refreshing choice since he’s yes… A male and much older character on top of that. But he’s a prime example of having better results if you put some effort into the whole process. Graham is a bit sarcastic and comes with the much-needed wisdom from time to time. And as much as it pains me to say it… He gets the most room for growth. Well compared to the rest. Not to mention, his everyman likable character works like a charm for the most part. But yeah. The rest of them don’t impress all that much.
Doctor Who: Infinity And The Future Of Doctor Who
At the start of 2021, it was reported that Jodie Whittaker will leave the show, and thus the role of The Doctor. There is still no official confirmation, but yeah. Things are not looking good. However, I don’t think that her departure will change anything in terms of quality. She’s OK for the most part. The writers need to go if you ask me, and perhaps then and there could be hope for the show. Especially Chris Chibnall. He’s the first in the line for sacking. But yeah. These are my two cents of the 13th Doctor. And on the long and painful death that it’s experiencing.
Are you a fan of Doctor Who? And on the 13th Doctor? Let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it.
This is really all you need to know:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/doctor_who/s12
Look at the _MASSIVE_ differential between “critic” reviews and actual, real _audience_ reviews of Chinball Who.
Some people think Doctor Who may always have been woke, but the fact is – it previously managed to be _ENTERTAINING._ Or at least interesting. Now, it’s just annoying, like a smarmy, whiny, sanctimonious schoolmarm.
It just isn’t very good anymore, and that’s a tragedy, because the present cast have such untapped potential. (Even with Whittaker’s nonstop gurning. j/k XD)
Chinball and the cult-cadre of “writers” riding his, er, coattails need to _go_ for this show to have a hope in hell of resurrection. As it stands, it’s got one foot in the grave.