What Do You Hate About Doctor Who?

Doctor Who has been a beloved science-fiction series for decades, capturing the imaginations of viewers across generations. However, it has also faced criticism from a minority of fans. This article explores some common complaints and grievances from both classic and modern series fans, offering insights into the factors that might make them dissatisfied.

The Sour and Bitter Attitude of Many Fans

One of the notable criticisms is the sour and bitter attitude expressed by some fans of the series. Despite Doctor Who's premise often revolving around progression and change, there are a significant number of individuals who actively work to tear the show apart. This attitude can be traced back, in part, to the period where the show gained mainstream popularity around 2009-2010. As Doctor Who became more popular, some long-time fans felt that they had an inherent right to the show, despite it being a purely fictional entity.

Hate-based Complaints

Two specific complaints frequently surface when discussing both the classic and modern series of Doctor Who.

Insufficient Production and Engagement

Many fans are disappointed by the fact that Doctor Who is not in constant production. They express frustration that the show doesn't immerse them in a story like the Matrix or Neo's experience. Some viewers have considered other shows like Robot of Sherwood and The Twin Dilemma, which they can "slough off," as examples of how stories can be more engaging.

Classic Series Criticisms

One of the major complaints about the classic series concerns the padding of stories to fill time. The 45-minute and 60-minute episodes often required padding to meet broadcast standards. For example, in the first Dalek story, an entire episode was spent crossing a crevice in a cave, which could have been condensed. Similarly, in "The Time Meddler," companions spent a whole episode looking for the Doctor, which seemed to detract from the core story.

Another common complaint is the heavy reliance on corridors and small sets. This can create a claustrophobic feeling, which some fans find off-putting. Earth-based stories often suffer in this regard, as the characters rarely venture beyond their small set locations. The classic series also featured repetitive settings, such as rock quarries on various planets, which some viewers find tiresome.

The leadership of John Nathan-Turner as producer also garnered negative feedback. Nathan-Turner's tenure is often cited for a decline in the quality of the show, influenced by his cheese-filled synth incidental music and his interpretation of the '80s Doctors.

New Series Criticisms

Among the new series, fans often complain about the pacing and focus on character development over story development. While the classic series focused on clever and intricate stories, the new series tends to emphasize the Doctor and his companions. This shift in focus towards character arcs and relationships has been met with mixed reviews.

The new series is also criticized for confusing stories, particularly those involving Steven Moffat, whose works are often complex and difficult to follow. Additionally, the portrayal of the Doctor as overly powerful has been a point of contention. The modern Doctor is often described as God-like, contrasting starkly with the first Doctor's more fragile and luck-based approach to navigating timelines.

Furthermore, the increase in sexuality and provocative characters like River Song and Captain Jack has alienated some viewers who prefer the show to be a family-friendly experience.

Conclusion

While Doctor Who remains a cornerstone of science fiction television, it is not without its detractors. The criticisms range from narrative structure and production quality to the personal choices of individual creative teams. Understanding these complaints can provide valuable insights into the evolving preferences of fans and help in crafting stories that satisfy a diverse audience.