Fandom, TV

Doctor Who and the POA

8,940 Comments

I’m now starting to feel that the new Doctor Who series has disturbing parallels to the Alfonso Cuarón era of the Harry Potter movies.

When Cuarón helmed the third movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, fans rejoiced. Most fans rejoiced. I did not. The tone of the entire series darkened, most strikingly, visually. Figurative darkening was a necessity, as the source material was becoming more dangerous and entangled, but visually, the movie felt as if it had been shot through fog and the world seemed dim as a result. The sets showed the darkness, too. Everything began to look dilapidated and uninviting, even Hogwarts, which had seemed magical and bright in the previous films. This hazy, dark look continued throughout the films and was the primary reason I stopped watching them.

Steven Moffat, similarly genius in his storytelling, appears to be doing the same to Doctor Who. His Series 3 episode “Blink” is universally considered one of the best episodes of the modern era. As a standalone ep, I agree, it’s striking in its difference. As the tone of a series, it’s depressing and dull. I allowed the thought that Series 5 was a bit less colorful because of the transition to our Eleventh Doctor. I, like all of fandom, was feeling him out along with the new sassy companion. I was pleased. As this season began, we were hit with too many cliches and teases in the first two episodes. Following the convoluted story of the opener, we were treated with two dark, dank episodes that did little to harken back to the glory days of FUN Doctor Who, and I fear we will not return.

My fear is that I am alone in my distaste for the new style. I was completely isolated in the HP fandom as someone who preferred that a children’s story (and regardless of what is said, Harry Potter is a children’s story) remain a bit fantastic and bright. The response to last night’s cheerless episode “The Doctor’s Wife” written by Neil Gaiman has been exceedingly positive. Having several scenes of suffering and misery seems to appease fandom, and on that count we differ. I accept and appreciate darkness in the right fandom (BSG, GoT) but this is still, at heart, a show for younger fans with a fifty year tradition that should be respected.

8,940 thoughts on “Doctor Who and the POA”

  25. I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

    Reply

  33. What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads.
    I am hoping to give a contribution & help other customers like its
    aided me. Great job.

    Reply

  34. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

    Reply

  37. Really liked your article. I was searching on google about this topic and found all informations that i was seeking. Thank you so much for your share…

    Reply

  46. I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this website. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal blog now 😉

    Reply

  49. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

    Reply

  50. I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this website. I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own blog now 😉

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Freddiezom Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *