Being a Doctor Who fan has been a rollercoaster of emotions, often punctuated by disappointment. The recent news that the show is effectively canceled indefinitely“>canceled only intensified these feelings. While it might ultimately be beneficial for the franchise, especially if future iterations bring fresh ideas, the prospect of no more Doctor Who on our screens for years is undeniably disheartening.
Hope on the Horizon?
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Hollywood screenwriter Dean Devlin, known for Independence Day and Stargate, confirmed to Radio Times“>Radio Times that his company, Electric Company, will be involved in discussions about the future of Doctor Who. The Times“>The Times previously mentioned Devlin’s interest in bringing back David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor. While he didn’t confirm or deny this, it begs the question: Can we move on from David Tennant as the Doctor already?
Whovians quickly fell in love with Tennant’s roguish charm when he took over from Christopher Eccleston after only one season. It’s easy to see why: he was funny, charismatic, had incredible chemistry with his companions, and masterfully balanced the Doctor’s lighter and darker sides. I still get chills watching “The Water of Mars” and seeing that feral look in Tennant’s eyes as his pride consumes him.
That said, I love Tennant as the Doctor. I also enjoyed his cameos, like his appearance in The Sarah Jane Adventures and in the 50th-anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor,” alongside Matt Smith and John Hurt. Technically, he could even appear as the Fourteenth Doctor, still kicking around London with Donna Noble.
But his time feels over. Bringing him back now risks feeling desperate to cling to an era that resonated so strongly because Doctor Who’s return after 16 years felt new and exciting – not solely due to Tennant. While Electric Company’s plans might be well-received, the actor’s popularity alone shouldn’t dictate the show’s direction.
I believe views shouldn’t define a franchise that has been a British staple since 1963. The Doctor’s ability to regenerate allows for unique interpretations by different actors. Eccleston, Smith, Capaldi, Whittaker, and Gatwa were all distinct Doctors from Tennant, likely the first for some fans. Imagining Tennant as the Doctor for years fills me with sadness at the thought of the show losing its potential for renewal.
If Electric Company – or anyone else – is solely focused on rehashing old hits without innovation, what does that say about the series’ future? The Doctor themselves knows that everything ends and something new is reborn from its ashes. This lesson needs to be embraced, or, like the Tenth Doctor, the franchise risks being consumed by its own hubris.
Source: Polygon
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