Doctor Who

This is not it.

I think back to 'Rose', 'The End of the World', 'The Unquiet Dead', etc. And this just doesn't match. I feel a very strong Disney influence here, like the recent MCU and live action remakes, the thinly veiled political statements and the concerted effort to include some kind of musical number and numerous dead-end references, also known as 'key jangling' and 'member berries'. RTD said he wasn't going to bend the knee to the mouse, but I don't believe that. This is not the kind of quality I expect from the man who gave use DW2005, It's a Sin, Cucumber, etc. This is a mess. Get rid of Disney. Worst thing they ever did. Aside from Chibnall of course.

I've watched the first two episodes, and must admit that I'm rather underwhelmed by both of them. No criticism of the new Doctor or his companion as the acting was fine, but the stories just weren't very engaging. It seems to be obsessed with image projection these days instead of attention grabbing story lines and real drama. If it is a trying to be a reflection of modern culture, with its superficiality of identity politics, obsession with fashion and much else that is about appearance and nothing more, then it succeeds quite well. But that is a long way from what Dr. Who used to be about in his glory days.

The story is pointless, flat, contradictory, boring and embarrassing. The healing and wise Doctor known as the preserver of values, life and the saviour of the Earth and the universe has mutated into a leading figure in a third-rate Punch and Judy show. Just as the Doctor has completely lost his grandeur and wisdom, the story has lost its brilliance. Where has the genius gone that in the series' heyday manifested itself in brilliant speeches, in exposing social and societal inequalities (when he uncovered the Ood scandal, for example) and ultimately through the wit, charm, cleverness and compassion of the main character? The Doctor has degenerated into a puppet, a shadow of his former self.

Many are being unfairly dismissive of the whole season, and some just can't take anything speaking to any wrongs. Not all of the episodes are bad. Many do seem incomplete and lack some of the "edge of the seat" type feelings.

Ncuti and companion have good chemistry. However the Doctor has cried too much and it's ridiculous. The writing has the Doctor running away more than seems usual, and being overly scared. He is missing some of the qualities that make him a strong and resilient Time Lord, that has come against some of the most powerful beings.

The writing is a little heavy on the Doctor being sexual and his attractions. The episodes and the character need more work, but there are often growing pains. The actors appear to be doing the best with what they have been given.

I have no issues with the cast and they have a good vibe, I'm particularly enjoying Ncuti in the role. I wasn't actually aware of him before this but he really does have some good energy. Too early to tell regarding the writing so I'll reserve judgement. It's been better than Chibnall but that's not a difficult accomplishment. My biggest issue is the overall feel of the show. They say Disney has no real input so why does it feel like a Disney show? If it doesn't pick up I may just give up and go back to watching the older seasons. Given the recent performance of Disney shows this really isn't a good start and I hope beyond all hope it finds it feet because this isn't what the majority want.