The Series (aka Season) finale Doctor Who airs later tonight! And while my review of last week's episode is not up yet, expect reviews for both it and the finale later next week. Aside from noting that the finale is tonight, I want to briefly discuss the series' popularity, or lack thereof. At least in this part of the fanbase, Series 9 is severely lacking in popularity. Very few people are reviewing each episode, and there is a lack of general discussion. According to fellow reviewer, Child of the 70s, in the UK, Doctor Who aired at different times. However, that does not explain the lack of US fans. My guess is that Capaldi is just not nearly as popular as Smith, although the series itself has been strong every episode, yet rarely more than "very good," but I will leave my thoughts on the season as a whole for another day. Are you still watching Doctor Who? What do you think? Please comment below and let me know!
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Still watching! And I've actually come to like Capaldi's doctor in this season. His first season he wasn't defined enough and seemed to flounder around to find his distinctive qualities, but now he has them, and it works. The brutal truth of the matter though, is, that no matter how complex and well acted and high-energy and Doctor-like he is, the fact that he's not young and attractive like 11 and 10 is probably hurting the show more than it should. I know a couple people at least who quit watching because he's old and "creepy looking." :P
ReplyDeleteAnd this season has been pretty fairly entertaining. Some of the concepts from the episodes are as good as some of the great episodes of 10 and 11, but somehow, they're not pulled off as well. They're made kinda boring, actually. The last ep is a prime example. A super-neat idea, but only really exciting for a fraction of the run-time. So I would say that it's the writing that's getting stale, and not so much that it's Capaldi's fault.
It's really amazing what incredibly low expectations can do -- I've actually not totally detested this season! :D
That is my thought as well. He isn't attracting the same type of superficial viewers like the previous ones, but as much as that sucks, making TV is a business. :(
DeleteI agree. The episodes all have great concepts, yet the execution is missing. I think it is partially because Moffat's style works better with the high energy of a Matt Smith, rather than the gravity of Capaldi. He is definitely great; he just needs writing that plays to his strengths. However, I personally like "Heaven Sent," but as I will explain in tomorrow's post, it is the type of story that I enjoy.
LOL, about the last part! :D
-James
Still watching as well! Capaldi has actually become my favorite Doctor, so I find it annoying that some might not watch him for superficial reasons rather than valid ones.
ReplyDeleteDespite this, though, I haven't had the time to review any of the episodes, although I may eventually write a review of the entire season after it's all over.
Wow, your favorite huh? Interesting! And I agree, it is annoying that people don't like him for superficial reasons. He is not my favorite, but he is certainly an excellent actor.
DeleteThanks for commenting, and let me know if you review the season if you would. :)
-James
I still watch. Some of the recent episodes are pretty confusing or not as good as previous episodes that the Steven Moffat has written.
ReplyDeleteI don't really have any time to review them, because I am very busy and I have a ton of books that I have to read and review on my blog . . .
I agree. Some of these episodes are not on par with Moffat's earlier work, although it doesn't look like he will ever top "Blink" though. Thanks for commenting!
Delete-James
I love Capaldi but I'm an old fan when they were old and funny looking! I just don't think Moffat's writing is as inclusive as Russell T Davies. I know a lot of casual viewers I know switched off once his plots kicked in and you needed a flip chart and twenty different markers to work them out. It's meant to be for kids!
ReplyDeleteTonight's finale was further evidence - too long, too convoluted, too fannish and mush less than the sum of its parts.
DeleteHaha, that is true. The previous were "old and funny looking." Actually, in the US at least, Doctor Who's hit its highest popularity with Moffat and Smith, so I'm not sure if Moffat's writing is that much of a turnoff for most people. So far, I think that his writing style just does not fit Capaldi all that well. I really hope someone takes over as the head writer sooner than later. Heck, bringing back Davies might be good at this point, haha.
Delete-James
Thanks everyone for the input! I was hoping for some discussion about season as a whole!
ReplyDelete-James