Do Fans Actually Love the New Disney-Styled Doctor Who?

With the release of Doctor Who season 14, the show has undergone a significant transformation, particularly in its mainstream Disney-style reimagining. Fans have split into two camps: those who love the new direction and those who are firmly opposed. This article explores the different viewpoints and provides a comprehensive overview of the debates surrounding this phenomenon.

Positive Reception: Love and Expectations

For some Doctor Who fans, the new Disney-style version holds great appeal. Michael, for instance, shares his opinion: 'I quite liked the specials before we saw 15 proper. They were clever in what they set up for the following season, and we got to see Wilf again, even if it was just in one scene. The Space Babies episode was not what I expected next, and I think it's the weakest episode of the season. However, after watching all the episodes a second time, I noticed several hints about the finale, and I think Gatwa is a good fit as a Doctor. His Doctor is “young” and a little naive like the end of Dot and Bubble, but he learns quickly.' His enthusiasm for the show extends beyond the initial episodes, as he acknowledges: 'Overall, I loved season 14 and look forward to season 15. How much do I like it? Well, I subscribed to Disney just to watch Doctor Who, the only streaming subscription I have, and I'm staying to watch the next.'

Negative Reception: Critiques and Concerns

Other fans, however, find the direction a step backward. Jane, for example, expresses her disappointment: 'I don't like the new Disney-style Doctor Who. It tries too hard to be clever, and the Disney sheen is the worst version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I feel sorry for the actors; they are doing their best, but it's rushed. The puns and singing are horrible, and despite the effort, it seems grating and disrespectful to the show's legacy.' Her critique highlights the mishandling of the show's characters and the overall tone of the series.

Whimsical Defenses: Climbing Back on the Bandwagon

For those loyal to the series, any shift in style can be seen as a refreshing change. John, a long-time fan, states: 'Yes, it's brilliant! I've been watching Dr. Who since it started in 1964, and the best thing about it is the fact that it brings something completely new and unexpected every series. This series doesn't disappoint, and it shows that even in the classic era, there was always something new to explore.'

Disney-Styled Critiques: Aesthetic and Narrative Concerns

For others, the Disney-style approach poses significant narrative and aesthetic issues. James, a straight, white Christian male, opines: 'As a straight white Christian male, I’m not allowed to have a negative opinion on current media. So, let me rephrase: whatever “Disney-style” Doctor Who is, I haven’t seen that yet. The picture under the question/declaration seems to be of an old Doctor with the outrageous scarf, nothing new. I’ve forgotten the actor’s name, though I’m sure some of my friends would know. I never considered it pre-Epic Mickey, though. Perhaps it’s these Guardians of the Galaxy-esque references that irk me.'

However, the most critical issue raised by James and others is the TARDIS interior design, which they perceive as an obvious homage to Disney’s EPCOT Center. Lucy notes: 'The moment I saw 14/15’s TARDIS interior, it was screamingly obvious that its design was put together in admiration of EPCOT Center’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” ride interior. And since that was designed before the production company went shopping for Disney’s financial support, it is blatantly obvious to anyone who has ever tried to get a date that they were actively prettifying themselves up for Disney’s eyes.'

Further critique centers around the narrative inconsistencies and character representation. Catherine comments: 'But then at the end of 14’s deliberately short run, one tiny point killed it all for me. And not for the reason you will likely think. Because it involves the wheelchair ramp. When the wheelchair ramp folded down, the Doctor seemingly forgot that the TARDIS is both alive and sentient. That she has her own thoughts and her own desires. The TARDIS chose to invite Shirley aboard, and the Doctor chose to ignore the TARDIS’s displayed intent. Purposeful refusal by the main protagonist to acknowledge the free will of another sentient life form. Unworthy of the name The Doctor and unchallenged in the narrative. For me, that is the moment that Doctor Who died. I have had zero desire to watch it since.'

These diverse viewpoints highlight the complex relationship between fans and the changes in Doctor Who. Whether fans love or loathe the Disney-style approach, it is clear that it has sparked intense dialogue about the future of the beloved series.