The Decline of Doctor Who and the Controversial Regulatory Shift

As of May 2024, the viewership of Doctor Who has declined significantly to 2.04 million viewers. This downturn raises critical questions about the state of the series and the methods currently employed by the show's creators.

Attacking the Fans: A Deficient Strategy

The renewed era under Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall has not fared well, despite the initial optimism brought about by Peter Capaldi's era under Russell T. Davies. Instead of addressing Chibnall's perceived incompetence and focusing on the creation of a more entertaining and engaging storyline, the show is being overtly critical of the fans and delving into controversial issues. This approach fails to address the core issues at hand and risks alienating the very audience that once embraced the series.

Putting Ideology Over Storytelling

The recent seasons of Doctor Who have shifted away from traditional storytelling and character development in favor of a progressive or leftist agenda. This shift is evident in the 6th season with Mandip Gill's tenure as the Doctor, where the narrative frequently veers into ideological preachery rather than providing a rich, engaging plot. This focus on ideology often at the expense of entertainment can be detrimental to the series' long-term success.

The Gatwa Season: A Let Down for Many

Mandip Gill's season as the Doctor, often referred to as Gatwa, was met with considerable disappointment by many fans. While the dialogue maintained a baseline of quality, the overall script was greatly lacking. The final episode of the season, "The Timeless Child," is often compared to the ending of Game of Thrones for its poor handling of a major plot point. This suggests a significant drop in quality as compared to prior seasons, which often had standout episodes.

The Role of Russell T. Davies

It is important to note that Davies reignited Doctor Who in 2005, which earned him widespread acclaim. However, his influence appears to have shifted towards a more politically charged direction in recent years. Davies' shows have often contained progressive elements, but the current portrayal of this politicization is seen as a push towards a more explicit and forceful incorporation of progressive ideologies. This is often viewed with mixed reactions, with some fans welcoming the diversity and others feeling that it overshadows the entertainment value of the show.

The Woke Agenda and its Impact on Fan Engagement

The ongoing push towards a 'woke' agenda in Hollywood, particularly in Disney properties, has impacted how fan favorites like Doctor Who are reimagined. This trend involves not just the subtle inclusion of progressive themes, but an overt, sometimes forced, imposition of these ideas upon beloved characters. The intent is to align these characters with specific progressive ideologies, regardless of the original context or fan reception. This approach often leads to convoluted and sometimes contradictory storylines that alienate viewers.

The Argument Against Wokeness in Established IP

There is a growing sentiment that when progressive writers and producers take over beloved franchises, they do so not to enhance the storytelling but to impose their own agenda. This is seen as a form of censorship and a creative hindrance. Examples of this include demands for diverse casts, inclusion of progressive themes, and outright directives about how characters should behave. The focus on these progressive ideals can overshadow the quality of the writing and the enjoyment of the show for many longtime fans.

Science, Logic, and Reason: The Way Forward

The entertainment industry must strike a balance between progressive ideals and the core principles of entertainment. When creators prioritize political correctness over quality storytelling, they risk creating a disconnect with their audience. Fans of established franchises like Doctor Who deserve engaging narratives, relatable characters, and thought-provoking, but not exclusively ideological, content. By focusing on these aspects, the show can regain its former glory and once again captivate its fans.

Conclusion

Doctor Who, once a beloved franchise, now faces significant challenges due to the shift towards a more overtly ideological storytelling approach. This change has led to a decline in viewership and a loss of fan engagement. The focus should be on reviving the show's quality through collaboration between writers, directors, and producers who prioritize entertainment and storytelling over ideological crackdowns. Only through such an approach can the series regain its relevance and appeal in today's dynamic media landscape.