Doctor Who and the POA

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.

7,469 thoughts on “Doctor Who and the POA”

  1. Hi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web site, and article is really fruitful designed for me,
    keep up posting such articles.

  2. This blog is obviously interesting and informative. I have picked many useful things out of this blog. I ad love to go back every once in a while. Thanks a lot!

  3. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you
    hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where
    u got this from. thanks a lot

  4. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would certainly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Appreciate it!|

  5. I used to be suggested this blog via my cousin. I’m no longer positive whether or not this submit is written by way of him as no one else realize such distinct approximately my trouble. You’re amazing! Thanks!|

  6. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be
    happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to
    suggest you few interesting things or suggestions.

    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

  7. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.
    I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back at some point.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your
    great writing, have a nice morning!

  8. Howdy, I do believe your website could possibly be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet
    Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I
    simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, great blog!

  9. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really know what you’re
    speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please additionally
    consult with my web site =). We can have a hyperlink trade agreement among us

  10. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand.

    It seems too complex and extremely broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I will
    try to get the hang of it!

  11. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I came across this during my search for something concerning this.

  12. Admiring the commitment you put into your website and in depth information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Fantastic read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.|

  13. My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!|

  14. Excellent pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hey there, You’ve performed an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it
    and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this website.

  15. It is the best time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I could I wish to recommend you some attention-grabbing issues or suggestions. Maybe you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I desire to read even more issues approximately it!|

  16. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much
    about this, like you wrote the book in it
    or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead
    of that, this is great blog. An excellent read.
    I will definitely be back.

  17. I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.|

  18. When I originally commented I clicked the „Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks!

  19. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am going through difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!

Leave a Reply to Kandy Cancel reply

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