AsDoctor Whoreturned to screens with the first of three special episodes, in celebration of the show’s 60th anniversary, fans were treated to not only the return of familiar facesDavid TennantandCatherine Tate, as the titular Time Lord and companionDonna Noblerespectively, but also of showrunnerRussell T Davies, who helped revive the series for a new generation back in 2005. As the show heads into a new era, in a very different cultural and political landscape than that of 18 years ago, Davies has opened up about his efforts to makeDoctor Whoinclusive “and to reflect more of society.”
While the recent special episode, titled ‘The Star Beast’, was generally well received by critics and audiences alike (garnering a score of 90% on review aggregator siteRotten Tomatoes), the show received some backlash in claims that it had “gone woke” on account of its inclusion of a trans character; trans actressYasmin Finneyappeared in the episode as Donna’s daughter Rose Noble, with hertrans identityplaying an integral part in the episode’s plot. Despite any backlash, Davies toldSFX magazinethat there was no conscious choice “to be progressive”, and that instead this was “part of my make-up” as a writer.
A New Perspective for a Classic Show
He said, “I’m obviously aware that this stuff has been weaponized in a culture war and used by the right-wing, so clumsily, but actually with a lot of power and strength, no matter how clumsy they are. It feels so ridiculous to be fighting over something that’s so beautiful and heartfelt and for some people absolutely vital. But I think in the end, it’s a shame that, because we are deemed to be in a culture war which does exist, that therefore these things are framed as battles and fights and victories and losses, and it’s surrounded by essentially violent language.” In reference to the inclusion of thecharacter of Rose, he added “if you simply meet any trans person anywhere, you will meet one of the gentlest, the most insightful, and open people you could possibly hope to meet, because they’ve been through so much just to live the life that they’ve lived. So it’s a shame that it’s a battleground. As ever, this fear and anger is born out of ignorance.”
While critics may suggestDoctor Who’s inclusion ofLGBTQ+ charactersis something new, it’s worth noting that they have been in the show right from the beginning of Davies' run; season 1 which premiered back in 2005 featured the sexually fluidCaptain Jack Harkness(John Barrowman) who made no secret of flirting with characters of any gender (or species!)Doctor Whois available to streamwithin the UK on BBC iPlayer, and on Disney+ worldwide.
Doctor Who
The show follows the adventures of a Time Lord, “The Doctor,” who is able to regenerate, and the Doctor’s human friends. The Doctor and his companions journey through time and space in the TARDIS – a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box – saving the universe with a combination of wit, bravery, and kindness.
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