To mark the sixth anniversary of Jodie Whittaker’s first full season as the Doctor, Rigel Ailur takes a look back at her three series, beginning with 2018’s opener.

A masterful lead actor undercut all too often by the scripts . . .

It is almost as if the writers and/or producers were intimidated or frightened by Jodie Whittaker’s incredible, powerful talent. (Yes, I know the producers hired her.) Either that or they didn’t trust in their own decision to make the character a woman. A whole bunch of people have pointed out that it simply shouldn’t matter. This is a centuries-old alien with two hearts who routinely changes bodies. What’s the big deal? (Correct answer: nothing.)

Whittaker herself makes for an engaging Doctor: charming, energetic and full of good humor. As per the norm, she has a rough start after regenerating, including amnesia and falling out of the TARDIS. Not an auspicious beginning, but she swiftly rebounds and sets off on her new adventures after acquiring not just one or two but four companions.

The four companions personify one of the most frustrating dichotomies of the show. Individually, each one is great: a well-rounded, distinct, and appealing character well-played by the lovely cast. Kudos also for the diversity, because representation always matters and is worthwhile. The problem is that, well, there are four of them. It’s a common theme of the franchise that the Doctor doesn’t do well alone. The companions can often be one of the best parts of the show. But, four? Rather than giving the Doctor a team (fam) to lead, it too often comes across as if someone thought she needed the backup and couldn’t carry more of the show on her own shoulders.

In the very best episodes of the season, Whittaker more than ably proves her doubters wrong. “Rosa” and “Demons of the Punjab”, giving particularly poignant, heartfelt performances. Even in the likes of “Arachnids in the UK” she conveys the Doctor’s anger and sadness. Another excellent – particularly Whovian – scene was her talking to an entire sapient universe in “It Takes You Away”. Again hampering her, however, these strong emotions seem to be shown less than for the previous incarnations.

Perhaps this is a Year One thing and will improve. But it leaves the impression that they don’t want viewers to forget she’s a woman, and a woman can’t be angry, or sad, or arrogant (another trait the Doctor often shows). It’s a testament to Whittaker’s skill and charisma that she elevates situations as silly as those involving bubble-wrap-bombs, and convincingly makes mud scary.

Overall, I love Whittaker and the entire cast. The scripts, not so much. Making the character fallible can be gripping and well done. Crossing the line to making the Doctor uncharacteristically stupid (i.e. forgetting about the ankle monitors the second time), not so much.

I look forward to spending more time with this wonderful cast. Hopefully the scripts will begin to be worthy of their talent.

Verdict: Plenty of great potential here that I hope subsequent seasons live up to. Whittaker 9/10; Overall 6/10

Rigel Ailur

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