Because of the woman at the bottom of the cover
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Who’s that? I can’t say I recognise her
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Seeing as how we’re still going to be getting Fifteen stories for a while hopefully, I kinda hope that we finally get to see Ncuti face off against the Daleks soon. He’s already faced the Cybermen (sort of) in the Titan Comics series which I loved, so maybe a second series of those to meet the Daleks would be awesome. How would you like to see him face them now that his televised run is all said and done?
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Details for the latest Fifteenth Doctor novel were released today - it looks like another interesting one:
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They’ll be the big bads of the first 15DC season in 2032, trust
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I’ve posted elsewhere that I really had a lot of fun with Fifteen’s era, and that many of the individual episodes were outstanding; however, a part of me wishes that they’d either stop trying to do serialized, mystery-box storytelling altogether (or for a good while, at least), or that those involved from the showrunner to the leads would remain for the duration of the arc (no leaving early) and in the case of the showrunner, had an actual plan for how the story is to end (and that said plan is, you know, good).
I can enjoy these serialized finales well enough with my internal bar lowered to accommodate the inevitable dip in quality; I just have fun with it usually. But I can acknowledge that, moving forward, something needs to change. Do what you’re good at, but please employ others to do what you’re not so good at.
That said, Ncuti was brilliant.
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I realise this is slightly off topic, but in response to the point you raised here…
I appreciate that arcs can be magnificent. The Bad Wolf arc was a contributory factor to the success of series 1, genuinely getting people talking and speculating. Similarly, the crackin th the wall arc tied together rather beautifully across season 5. I’ve enjoyed others too, but I really don’t see the necessity of using a full arc (especially the puzzle box form) every season. Arcs can (and often are) more about character than grand revelations. Moreover, there could be thematic arcs that link the stories rather than an overriding plot. All in all, provided the individual stories are good, people would likely keep watching (barring the usual fluctuations in casual viewing figures across a season). All a finale needs to be is a fitting end to the season. Thus, it could feature a crowd pleasing element, it could mark a landmark moment in the show (e.g. a companion leaving, regeneration) or any one of a number of other approaches.
I love the idea of a thematic arc where none of the stories are connected in terms of a larger plot, but that each explores a key theme in a different way (changing genres, settings, perspectives etc.). Some stories might seem unconnected thematically until the finale highlights a small and easily overlooked (yet, ultimately, significant) element that shows how that episode DID tie in. This could also increase rewatchability for some, elevating elements of previous stories.
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I agree with a lot of this - I like arcs in general, but it seems like they’re trying to force one every season either without the full commitment of cast members (again, I haven’t delved too deeply into the BTS drama, as I don’t care for that sort of thing), or without a clear plan for the denouement.
I’ve loved a lot of the RTD2 era thus far, as my enthusiasm for (and rating of) many of the individual episodes will attest; I’m just not sold on these grand arcs. As you pointed out, when they work, they work. I just feel it’s time to give that a rest for a couple of seasons or so. Just my opinion, of course.
Back to Ncuti, though - what we received from him was a joy to watch. Sure, his character arc felt a bit rushed and not entirely earned at times due to the limited number of episodes, but he always gave everything of himself to the role, and I’m thankful we had him.
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Thank you. Just to be clear, I don’t dislike arcs. Aside from the two I highlighted, I also think there’s plenty of merit in the Mr Saxon arc, and I really enjoyed the missing planets of series 4. As for Moffat’s tenure (I’ve already mentioned series 5), the ‘good man’ arc of series 8 has merit and I’m rather fond of the Missy thread in series 10. In terms of Chibnall, I really respect that he tried something new with series 11. Series 12 - I’m one of those who loves the finale (despite some minor niggles). Oh, and I’ll ever be grateful that Flux exists. It’s bonkers, it’s full on, it’s a riot and I love it!
That said, like you, I just don’t see the need for a full plot based arc every season (there are other approaches). I think the showrunners are continually trying to outdo themselves and this causes them to lose focus - hence diminishing returns and disappointments.
I agree. As I’ve said previously, I really love that he brought something different, something fresh, to the role. I’ve loved every iteration of the Doctor over the years. Nonetheless, Ncuti helped me to see things in the character that I haven’t seen in quite the same way before. A stunning performer.
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I found it to be the most extremely up-and-down era of nuwho yet. It’s the first time I’ve had a 0.5 and a 5.0 episode in the same series. Fifteen was an interesting and very different take on the doctor, really pushing a more extroverted and human energy more than any previous. I really liked the actor, though these aren’t really my favourite aspects for a doctor so they rank fairly low overall for doctors. Still firmly in “I liked them” land though. Ruby I found pretty average whilst Belinda I liked a lot the few times they got to do anything. The overarching stories were a huge mess, but I pretty much expected they would be, as I haven’t really been a fan of most of the attempts at overarching stories. I think there was a bit too much focus on making things self-consciously camp with too many comedy episodes. I love camp but its best when it feels more natural. I feel like its going to be nostalgic to look back on though as it is VERY 2020s feeling. Overall I felt everything balanced out into an “alright” era, not the worst but also not anywhere near the best.
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A new Fifteenth Doctor story from Titan Comics was announced today: The Prison Paradox - featuring Belinda!
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