Next week sees the return of long running British science fiction series Doctor Who, and with it two distinct splits between fans. Clara and a female Doctor.
Clara started out as “The Impossible Girl” and was a very interesting character and her ark had an heir of unpredictability with Matt Smith. However, whilst Peter Capaldi has been every bit as good as I believed he would, he almost feels like a supporting character in “The Clara show”. I have no issue with the audience viewing the Universe of The Doctor through the eyes of his companion, a formula that has existed since the first episode in 1963. However, when the focus turns to the relationship of the companion and their world, we move away from what the show is all about - a humanoid alien traveller who has adventures in space and time.
The other problem with Clara is that she is yet another everyday, mid twenties, good looking, white, contemporary human girl accompanying The Doctor. She is no different to Rose nor Amy. Why can’t we have someone of equal or near intellect? Osgood would have been fantastic, a nod to Liz from the early 70s, but she was killed in the last season (although she is due back in the new season, but will it be the Zygon double from the 50th anniversary show?). Frank Skinners character, an engineer on an interstellar train based on the Orient Express, would have been neither contemporary and a stereotype. Maybe someone from the past, struggling to cope with technology that would be like magic to him or her (there a fair number of companions like this in Classic Who).
The second split is of course a future casting of an female in the roll of The Doctor. Since The Master changed gender and became “Misty” in the last season, speculation has intensified that the next regeneration will bring a woman to the role. A feeling that Misty was a testing of the waters on how people would react, and also a way of making it possible that Timelords can become Timeladies, without setting it in stone (The Master is mad enough to force a change of gender to try and get one over The Doctor).
Now, as my boss puts it, I’m one of those “lefty Guardian reading do-gooders,” so naturally I like to see diversity in TV and in particular the genre I love. I don’t like what happened with the “Sad Puppies” at the Hugo awards as I believe diversity in Science Fiction is a wonderful thing and some of my favourite books contain a rich tapestry of diverse and interesting characters. However, I don’t agree with diversity being forced on canon and characters being changed for non organic reasons.
People will argue it isn’t canon that the Doctor is male, however I would counter argue that there have been thirteen actors who have played the character since 1963 and all have been white and male. Regenerating to a female form would feel forced and wouldn’t be organic. It simply wouldn’t be logical. We as the audience would ask why hadn’t it happened during his previous regenerations?
If a more diverse show is needed, then go back to my points on Clara, and have a less generic companion? Or bring in a Timelady who isn’t a villain (Romana perhaps)?
Besides, I’m still waiting for a ginger Doctor.
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