My Tumultuous Relationship with Doctor Who and Hope for a Disney-Fueled Future

For the better part of a decade, the world of Doctor Who has been a fascinating but elusive landscape for me. I’ve circled its edges, eager to join the devoted fandom, but never quite able to fully commit. The primary obstacle? The frustratingly staggered release schedule. Those of us in the United States were forced to patiently wait while viewers in the UK enjoyed episodes weeks, sometimes months, in advance. As a result, my Tumblr feed would inevitably be flooded with spoilers, robbing me of the joy of discovery and dampening my enthusiasm.

However, the tide began to turn with the announcement of the partnership between the BBC and Disney. The promise of a unified, global release schedule ignited a spark of renewed excitement. The appeal was further amplified by the casting of Ncuti Gatwa, a talent I greatly admired from his work on Sex Education, as the new Doctor. Here was a chance to finally dive in, unburdened by spoilers and propelled by genuine anticipation.

Of course, there was some necessary catch-up involved. The five episodic specials, acting as a bridge between the Thirteenth Doctor’s regeneration and the arrival of Gatwa’s Fifteenth, felt a bit like homework. These episodes chronicled the unexpected return of David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, a version of the Time Lord bearing the familiar visage of his Eleventh iteration. Yet, even this felt enjoyable. The dynamic between the Doctor and Donna Noble, played with their usual charm, provided a convenient and engaging way to re-establish the show’s lore. Moreover, these episodes gave the Fourteenth Doctor a unique identity before he ultimately split into Gatwa’s Time Lord, a crucial piece of the narrative puzzle.

Once Gatwa’s Doctor was properly introduced and partnered with his first companion, Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson), the series took off. The early episodes were a rollercoaster of thrilling adventures, ranging from historical mysteries to intergalactic races. The "Bridgerton" inspired episode, featuring Jonathan Groff as the charming Rogue, stands out as a particular highlight. Not only was it a delightful and unexpected twist, but it also hinted at a romantic connection for the Doctor, enriching the character’s development and expanding the show’s lore in intriguing new ways.

However, the new season hasn’t been without its flaws. At times, the series seems to fall back on familiar tropes and storylines that have been explored by previous Doctors. Certain narrative threads feel unresolved, and some recurring elements, like Mrs. Flood, are becoming overplayed. I also feel like the show has been holding back on fully embracing Gatwa’s potential as the first Black Time Lord. While there have been attempts to address the societal implications of this casting choice, some episodes feel constrained or hesitant to fully explore the complexities of how humanity perceives him.

Recent events at Disney have further complicated my feelings about the show’s future. The company’s seeming retreat from representation, highlighted by the removal of a trans storyline in Pixar’s Win or Lose, casts a shadow of doubt. This shift feels particularly relevant given Disney+’s role in distributing Doctor Who. I’ve noticed a concerning trend: Doctor Who seems to be getting buried on Disney+’s landing page. When I go to watch new episodes, I often have to search for the show, and the lack of promotion feels disheartening.

This is a shame, because Gatwa’s magnetic performance truly elevates this era of Doctor Who. He embodies the Doctor’s charisma, intelligence, and boundless curiosity, making him instantly captivating. Every time he meets a new companion or forms a connection, it feels as if he could be your friend too. It’s disappointing to see Doctor Who not receiving the same level of attention as other Disney juggernauts like Marvel and Star Wars.

So far, Disney’s efforts to integrate Doctor Who into its broader offerings have been minimal. Last year, the TARDIS made a brief appearance at Disneyland for photo opportunities. This made me wonder if Disney’s "Imagineers" were aware that Doctor Who’s presence at Disneyland predates their involvement. I fondly remember my first, albeit indirect, encounter with the Whovian world. About thirteen years ago, I was on the Mark Twain riverboat at Disneyland when I saw a group of people dressed as Doctors and companions running around Tom Sawyer’s Island. Intrigued, I learned that it was an unofficial Doctor Who meet-up coinciding with Gallifrey One, the Whovian convention in Los Angeles. This was long before Disney considered acquiring the show, and the encounter inspired me to start watching.

I’m surprised that Disney hasn’t made more of an effort to connect with the existing Doctor Who fanbase, particularly those who were drawn to the show long before its acquisition. Other theme park destinations have begun hosting after-dark fandom events, leveraging their various IP partnerships, including major science fiction properties. It makes me wonder if Disney might finally recognize Doctor Who as a valuable asset to include in its own fandom offerings.

Imagine the possibilities! Disney could feature the Doctor during Halloween’s Oogie Boogie Bash, allowing fans to meet costumed characters inspired by the Fifteenth Doctor and his companions. They could even re-engage older, hesitant fans by alternating meet-and-greets with the Fourteenth Doctor and Donna.

I remain hopeful that Disney will see the potential of Doctor Who and commit to amplifying the show’s reach. Ignoring the opportunity to bring the show to life in tangible ways would be a missed opportunity to attract new fans and reignite the passion of existing ones. I’m weary of the internet discourse already fueling rumors of cancellation. This new chapter is exciting, and Gatwa’s performance is captivating; it deserves a chance to flourish. The recent episodes with the Doctor’s second companion, played by Varada Sethu, highlight Gatwa’s chemistry with his co-stars.

Even with a platform as vast as Disney+, it feels as if many people are unaware of the show’s return and its place in the cultural conversation. Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor is so compelling, his glee and joy shines through. Every episode is an appointment viewing experience. If any of the Doctors were to show up outside my door, it’s the Fifteenth I’d want to dance with.