Davin News Server

AI review the Fan disstatifaction with Doctor Who 2023 to current

Google Gemini

Fan dissatisfaction with Russell T. Davies's (RTD) return 
to Doctor Who in the 2023-2025 period appears to stem from 
several key areas, as indicated by recent online discussions and reviews:

Creative Direction and Tone:

"Campy" and "Family-Friendly" Focus: Some fans express 
disappointment that RTD's current era leans too heavily 
into a "fun, campy, and family-friendly" style, believing 
it has lost the "heavy plots" and "horror" elements that 
previous seasons (including his own first run and those 
of Moffat and Capaldi) balanced. Critics argue that 
the show now feels "too safe and prescriptively wholesome" 
and that the Doctor sometimes behaves "like a human 
who woke up with superpower and can't wait to see 
if he knows how to use it."

"End of the Universe" Stakes vs. "Monster of the Week": 
There's a desire for more self-contained, character-driven 
"monster of the week" episodes and less of the "never ending 
end of the Universe crap" or "visual spectacle" that some 
feel only appeals to young children.

Musical Elements: The inclusion of musical interludes, 
particularly in "The Devil's Chord," has been a point 
of contention for some, who found 
it "self-indulgent and unnecessary."

Storytelling and Narrative Choices:

"Timeless Child" Arc: Despite significant backlash 
to the "Timeless Child" storyline from the previous 
showrunner (Chris Chibnall), RTD not only kept 
it but reportedly "doubled down on it" 
in the 60th Anniversary Specials 
and "The Church on Ruby Road." This has 
alienated some long-time fans who wished 
for a clean break from that controversial retcon.

Lack of Setup to Payoff: Some critics argue 
that the finales in RTD's second era lack 
sufficient setup for their payoffs, feeling 
"wishy-washy" or "self-indulgent."

Underdeveloped Characters: Characters 
like Rose Noble and Shirley Bingham have 
been criticised for not being fully developed 
or meaningfully integrated into the narrative, 
sometimes feeling like they "lack narrative purpose."

"The Message" vs. Story: A recurring complaint 
is that the show has become "preachy" 
and "always has some message to tell," 
with some fans feeling that it prioritises 
"agenda's" over compelling storytelling, 
similar to criticisms leveled 
at other Disney-backed franchises.

Production and Episode Count:

Fewer Episodes: Despite an increased 
budget from the Disney+ deal, the number 
of episodes per season has reportedly 
decreased (e.g., eight episodes compared 
to 10 or 13 in previous eras). This puts 
"undue pressure on each episode" 
and leaves fans feeling they don't 
get enough time with the new Doctor.

Budget Allocation: Some question if 
the increased budget is being spent effectively, 
with reports suggesting much goes towards 
upscaling for 4K HDR, rather than producing 
more episodes or improving other aspects. 
Some visual effects choices have been perceived 
as "bad VFX" or "skill issues" in 4K.

Audience Engagement and Ratings:

Falling Viewing Figures: Despite RTD's 
stated goal of attracting younger audiences 
and his claim of "massively successful" 
engagement with the under-30 demographic, 
some reports suggest that viewing figures, 
even among this group, are declining, 
indicating the show "clearly isn't 
growing its audience."

"Toxic Fandom": There's an acknowledgement 
within the fandom that a "vocal minority" 
or "toxic fandom" exists, where some 
fans "only find the negative" 
or "enjoy creating friction and arguments," 
regardless of the showrunner. However, 
even some of the show's biggest fan 
sites have expressed significant disappointment.

Perceived Lack of Adaptability:

Some fans believe RTD is "pig headed 
and just doubling down" on creative decisions, 
not reflecting much on criticism, especially 
given his continuation of the Timeless Child arc.

It's important to note that fan reactions 
are diverse, and many viewers still enjoy 
RTD's current run, defending its tone and themes. 
However, the points above represent common areas 
of dissatisfaction expressed by a segment 
of the Doctor Who fanbase during the 2023-2025 period.

ChatGPT

Alright - let’s unpack this carefully 
and honestly, because it's a big topic 
in the *Doctor Who* fan community right now.

---

## 📺 **Background**

**Russell T Davies (RTD)** was 
the showrunner who *relaunched* *Doctor Who* 
in 2005 after its long hiatus. His era (2005–2010) 
is beloved by many: it’s seen as a golden age 
of *Doctor Who* with David Tennant 
and Christopher Eccleston, strong 
emotional storytelling, popular companions 
like Rose, Martha, and Donna, and huge mainstream 
success in the UK and worldwide.

After a period with Steven Moffat 
and Chris Chibnall at the helm, 
RTD returned as showrunner 
for the 60th anniversary specials (2023) 
and Series 14/Season 1 (2024) starring 
Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth {Real 14th} Doctor 
and Millie Gibson as companion Ruby Sunday.

---

## 📌 **Why some fans are dissatisfied (2023–2025)**

Not *all* fans are unhappy - there's still 
huge goodwill for RTD. But here are the main 
points of *criticism* and frustration voiced 
in fan circles (Reddit, GallifreyBase, YouTube, social media):

---

### 1️⃣ **Tone and Style: Lighter, “Disneyfied” Feel**

* Many fans feel RTD's new era is 
more *family-friendly* and "Americanised" compared to his original run.

* Since the BBC partnered with Bad Wolf Productions 
and Disney+, there's a sense that episodes have 
a “glossier” but safer vibe - less dark or weird 
than classic *Doctor Who* or even RTD's own earlier era.

* Some stories (like *Space Babies*) were 
seen as *too childish* or goofy compared 
to the more mature or scary stories fans loved in the Tennant era.

---

### 2️⃣ **Inconsistent Writing Quality**

* Some episodes in the 2024 season 
(*The Church on Ruby Road*, *Space Babies*, 
*Boom*, *Dot and Bubble*, etc.) received mixed 
reviews - fans liked some ideas but found 
the plots slight, pacing rushed, 
or resolutions unsatisfying.

* RTD is known for big emotional payoffs, 
but some feel the new season's arcs didn't 
hit as hard or feel as fresh as expected.

---

### 3️⃣ **Nostalgia Overload & Familiar Tropes**

* Some fans think RTD leans too much on nostalgia 
or familiar plot devices: bringing Tennant back 
for the 60th (which was fun, but very safe fan service); 
using familiar companion types; and "mystery girl" arcs 
similar to Clara, Amy, or Bad Wolf.

* Ruby's arc felt like another "companion with 
a hidden backstory" instead of something truly new.

---

### 4️⃣ **Pacing & Episode Count**

* The season was short (8 episodes in 2024). 
Some fans feel episodes are too quick, 
with big ideas not fully explored.

* Critics say this makes *Doctor Who* feel 
more like "Marvel-lite": fast, quippy, but sometimes shallow.

---

### 5️⃣ **Disney's Influence**

* Some hardcore fans worry that Disney's money 
means creative compromises: less political edge, 
fewer risks, more "international appeal"
 at the cost of British quirkiness.
 
* RTD himself says Disney doesn't interfere 
editorially - but the higher budgets 
and global streaming expectations 
do change how the show is marketed and written.

---

### 6️⃣ **Underused Doctor**

* Many love Ncuti Gatwa's performance - but 
some feel the Doctor is written too passively 
or overshadowed by Ruby's mystery arc.

* Some fans miss the "Doctor-as-lonely-god" vibe 
from Tennant or the mad genius of Smith/Capaldi.

---

## ✅ **Important: Not all bad!**

It’s worth noting:

* Many fans *do* love Ncuti Gatwa's charisma 
and see huge potential for him to grow into the role.

* Some episodes (*Boom*, *73 Yards*) were widely praised as standouts.

* RTD's new era has expanded representation, diversity, and production values.

* Younger and newer viewers, especially kids, often love it.

---

## 🗣️ **The Big Picture**

A lot of the frustration is a mix of:

* **High expectations** (RTD is returning 
to *his* classic era, so fans want *perfect*).

* **Change in audience** (the show now needs 
to attract kids, families, Disney+ subscribers, 
and hardcore classic fans all at once).

* **Modern TV realities** (shorter seasons, 
streaming competition, more "bingeable" vibes).

So the *Doctor Who* fandom is divided: some think RTD 
is playing it too safe, while others think he's exactly 
what the show needed to be fun again.

---

## 🔮 **Looking ahead to 2025**

RTD has said he plans for big swings in 
future seasons - more new writers, 
more experimental episodes, and longer-term arcs. 
So the current criticisms don't mean fans have lost 
hope - it's more of a "we love *Doctor Who* 
and want it to feel essential again" vibe.

---

If you’d like, I can share:

* A quick *fan ranking* of the 2024 episodes so far
* Or break down how RTD’s return compares to Chibnall and Moffat
* Or how fan reactions differ between UK and global audiences

Just say *yes* and I’ll expand! 🟦✨🪐

Well ChatGPT and Google Gemini,  RTD needs to go!
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