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.

7,053 thoughts on “Doctor Who and the POA”

  1. Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!|

  2. Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!|

  3. Hey there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!|

  4. Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!|

  5. That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise info… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!|

  6. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you should write more about this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but generally folks don’t talk about these topics. To the next! Kind regards!!|

  7. I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. This article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.

  8. It’s the best time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have learn this put up and if I may just I wish to counsel you some fascinating issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles regarding this article. I wish to read even more things approximately it!|

  9. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too excellent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous website.|

  10. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!|

  11. Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in web explorer, may test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a good portion of other folks will pass over your wonderful writing because of this problem.|

  12. Great blog right here! Additionally your web site quite a bit up very fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your affiliate link on your host? I desire my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol|

  13. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own blog now ;)|

  14. It’s appropriate 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 want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!|

  15. First of all I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Many thanks!|

  16. Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; we have created some nice methods and we are looking to exchange strategies with others, please shoot me an e-mail if interested.|

  17. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write again soon!|

  18. I really love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own personal blog and want to learn where you got this from or what the theme is called. Cheers!

  19. wonderful issues altogether, you simply received a new reader. What might you suggest about your put up that you made some days ago? Any sure?|

Leave a Reply

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