Jodie Whittaker IS the Thirteenth Doctor

[Gorn Captain]

I took it as more of an allegory against automation, sort of like a retelling of the Luddites. Not that it was a complicated plot, just I didn't feel like it was an obvious slam against Amazon.

I agree, it was mainly about the warning against automation. I picked Amazon because the workers here in Amazon Europe are getting a very raw deal with superlow wages and more and more automation. It almost felt as if the writer had been watching the same documentaries and news items as me. I don't mind that, it's important to know, but it felt a little "spoon-fed".

[Gorn Captain]

If the rumors are true, it's a bit stupid to accept a role (especially the first female Doctor) and already think about leaving.
But let's just wait and see. Still rumors.
I'd be happier with a new writing staff and leave Whittakere where she is.

[toothaction]

My 77-year-old mom is a fan of the new series, as it turns out. We watched Demons of the Punjab and Kerblam! together over Thanksgiving, and both were more enjoyable with her at my side.

[palitoy]

I took it as more of an allegory against automation, sort of like a retelling of the Luddites. Not that it was a complicated plot, just I didn't feel like it was an obvious slam against Amazon.

[Mikey]

From what I understand Whittaker's departure has little to do with Chibnall ..... Whittaker is married to an American -- Together they have a VERY young child and Whittaker wants to move back to the United States.

Above could be all BS too

[Gorn Captain]

After just a few minutes, we all knew what was coming. "Amazon is bad. Workers revolt!"
It's hard to root for your team when you already figured out the simplistic plot from the beginning. Kind of felt like an early McCoy.

I do hope change is on the way, I really do, but why would Whittaker leave so soon? It's like shooting the messenger!

[toothaction]

Could be the media is foisting a 10 upon them:

[palitoy]

Yeah I read that too, I'm batting about 50/50 with Who rumors so it's hard to say. Also, with so many people trying to force a narrative, I suspect anything until it's announced.

[LonnieFisher]

RUMOR:
Chibnall and Whittaker are going to leave after season 12, which will be a short season.
I don't know if there is any truth to this, but this is what's being reported.

[palitoy]

Just watched Kerblam! it had the feel of an early RTD episode complete with "easy button" fix.

At least the Doctor was given more to do but the show seems determined to make her somewhat bad in a crisis.

Usually, i can't wait to rewatch a season around Christmas time, I think this year I may watch 1 or 2 and go do something else.

[Bruce Banner]

I do agree that we're suffering from the "too many companions" syndrome with this season.

(Sure, the Doctor has had three companions before, but back then each story was an episodic multi-parter which allowed time and room for each of their characters to breathe and play a relevant role in the story as required... for the most part.)

[johnnystorm]

Agreed...the Doctor is getting shorted screen time in favor of the rest of the gang. Ryan should go, he's the least interesting of the new companions.
I'm not sure where they need to go with this version of the Doctor. It's a fine line now between cranky and shrill, if they head toward the First Doctor. If they go lighter they risk her not being taken seriously enough. She can't be too maternal as the male doctors were never fatherly figures to the companions (except for #1).
I think best bet is:
1). They have her face a threat that only the Doctor can defeat. Daleks, Cybermen, Original Master, some other villain from the deep past. A run-in with UNIT.
2). She needs a better costume. Something elegant and respectable. Maybe something Pertwee-esque. That current outfit makes her look like she's off to the playground to ride the see-saw.

[palitoy]

Yeah, that's in line with what I was thinking was probably the case. What was that tag line for Time Bandits? Something like, "Intelligent enough for children and exciting enough for adults." Not quite hitting those marks this year, huh?

The new series has always focused heavily on the companions and Chibnall's strengths is in crafting characters, that's what makes Broadchurch work so well.

When you had one companion, you would get to know them and the Doctor but with a team, it's a juggling act.

All this character development has come at the cost of middling adventures and a slightly undercooked Doctor.

Whittaker's Doctor seems fun and I like her empathy but she needs to have the spotlight more. It's her show now!

[toothaction]

Well, I am watching it with a wife and two kids and while mileage varies, I think every single one of us wishes for improvements in the stories themselves.

Yeah, that's in line with what I was thinking was probably the case. What was that tag line for Time Bandits? Something like, "Intelligent enough for children and exciting enough for adults." Not quite hitting those marks this year, huh?

[palitoy]

I'm wondering if I'd feel differently about this latest series as a whole if I was watching it with my imaginary family of wife and two kids.

Well, I am watching it with a wife and two kids and while mileage varies, I think every single one of us wishes for improvements in the stories themselves. I haven't seen this week's episode yet but wow, you folks are selling it