This week, Doctor Who premieres Episode 4, "73 Yards," on Disney+.
Unashamedly, I'm a long-time Whovian. I recall catching a few early episodes in the mid-60s, but I was first intrigued with the excellent Doctor Who series when Tom Baker appeared as the Time Lord on PBS in 1978. Over the decades, I have introduced the character to three generations of my family. No, I don't get dressed up in the Who gear and don't frequent the conventions, though my kids and granddaughter have.
The new episodes feature the standard blend of sci-fi adventures and character-driven storytelling, but I like what I've seen so far. The current season is distinguished by introducing a dynamic and delightful Black actor, Ncuti Gatwa, in the titular role.
The suggestion of casting a Black actor as Doctor Who has been discussed in fandom for quite some time, like the calls for Idris Elba to be the next James Bond. I recall fans calling for Paterson Joseph or Chiwetel Ejiofor back in the weeks following the announced departures of David Tennant and Matt Smith. Alas, we wound up with the tepid performances of Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker instead.
Capaldi's Doctor was a darker, more brooding incarnation, a significant shift from his predecessors' more playful and energetic portrayals. Whittaker's take was lighter and more whimsical, aiming to capture the Doctor's adventurous spirit. Still, it often fell flat due to inconsistent writing and a lack of compelling story arcs.
Gatwa brings needed energy to the role. His first appearance as The Doctor came in the 2023 special episode "The Star Beast," in which he emerged from David Tennant's body like a burst of new life. In fact, Gatwa exudes so much charisma and excitement that he virtually electrifies every scene he's in. He's a welcome addition to the series that had begun feeling stale.
Gatwa, who hails from Rwanda, started acting through various stage productions and eventually transitioned into television and film roles. His diverse background and experiences likely contribute to the depth and authenticity of his performances. He rose to fame, flashing his signature pearly whites, playing a young, anxious queer teen on Netflix's "Sex Education" and one of many Ken dolls in "Barbie."
When Rolling Stone Magazine recently asked him about the significance of casting a black actor as the titular Time Lord, he remarked, "It's about time."
GATWA EPISODES SO FAR
EPISODE O (special): THE CHURCH ON RUBY ROAD
Years back, a baby is abandoned in the snow on Christmas Eve. Jumping forward, Ruby Sunday encounters the Doctor and goblin-napped babies, and the stage is set for new adventures between The Doctor and his latest mystery companion.
EPISODE 1: SPACE BABIES
Beginning their time and space odyssey, The Doctor takes Ruby to the future in the Tardis. There, they encounter a baby farm under the control of babies. The Doctor breaks the fourth wall, wondering aloud if babies could be trending this season. But the answer will have to wait. There is a more immediate concern—a boogeyman lurks below.
EPISODE 2: THE DEVILS CHORD
The Doctor and Ruby cross paths with The Beatles and learn that the all-powerful Maestro—a scary God-like villain played to the hilt by American drag queen Jinkx Monsoon—is changing history. Once again, the future of humanity is in Doctor Who’s capable hands.
EPISODE 3: BOOM
Trapped, after stepping on a landmine on Kastarian 3—a planet ravaged by war—The Doctor must save himself, Ruby, and the whole planet—without moving a twitch.
Gatwa's casting and showrunner Russell T. Davies's return have sparked renewed enthusiasm and anticipation within the Doctor Who fandom, promising an exciting new era for the beloved series.
I haven't watched an episode in some years, because the only channels that carry the program appear to be "premium" channels. However, *Dr. Who* was on the Sci-Fi network and/or on public TV for some decades. [Personal aside: I still think Tom Baker was the best Doctor Who!]