Lyle M

I’ll toss a log on this fire too. Why the heck not? I’m just simple country folk, so I can’t offer any of that highfalutin jibber-jabber Who-vian analysis. I’m no super-fan and I don’t memorize every detail of every episode. What I can say is I really enjoyed the 2005 reboot up until the entrance of Peter Capaldi. The preceding doctors had their lovely quirks, enthralling mysteries, and their lurking darkness. The stories kept my interest. The companions tugged at my hearts (um, er, heart). But, with Capaldi’s doctor I just felt like I was hanging on with the hope that the next regeneration would restore my interest. Meanwhile, an elemental change was occurring. It took a bit and then I realized - social commentary is no longer a subtle part of the story, it’s the whole story and I’m increasingly getting bludgeoned with it. I couldn’t connect with Capaldi or his “co-traveler.” That’s part of it right there. I feel like I’ll be called some kind of -ist or -phobe if I call her a “companion.” Do I even have the pronoun right? I just wanted to watch some science fiction FFS! Then, finally, another regeneration! Hope on the horizon. A female Doctor? Okay, I’m game. If it furthers the story I’m open for a new take. However, it didn’t further the story. It felt like a complete reset. For me, it wasn’t Doctor Who any longer. It was a full force continuation of the social-justice-for-the sake-of-social-justice meme that infiltrated the Capaldi era. Like I said, I’m a simple man with simple needs. I like science and fantasy fiction with good stories, good acting, and relatable characters. This is supposed to be my escape from the real world. Doctor Who is no longer that for me. It’s just another cookie-cutter, smear it in your face, social justice vehicle that’s wearing the skin of my dead friend.