Doctor Who

[Cassia Tuna]

BBC News is reporting the story:

Screenwriter Russell T Davies is to take charge again of Doctor Who, the sci-fi show he helped revive in 2005.

Davies, who was the fantasy drama's showrunner until 2009, will take over when Chris Chibnall departs next year.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58682472

[Amber Avenger]

Saw an interesting comment on Twitter, that Russell, Julie Gardner and Phil Collinson once made a pact on a DVD commentary to return "if the series is ever in distress again".

Now, that might just be a bit of fun, but it does seem that this appointment is a bit of a statement on where things are for Who at the moment, and hopefully it'll be a much needed shot in the arm. Looks like it's been well received, and I'm certainly excited for the show again

[Blubatt]

I just hope it isn't a rehash of the 2005-2010 era of the show. But I am glad that he's back.

[CameronYoung]

Now, that might just be a bit of fun, but it does seem that this appointment is a bit of a statement on where things are for Who at the moment, and hopefully it'll be a much needed shot in the arm.

I think it also needs a consistent series start time - it's been kicked around the schedule like a football.

[jamied]

I just hope it isn't a rehash of the 2005-2010 era of the show. But I am glad that he's back.

I think RTD is smart enough to know that a whole load of DW history has happened since his original run and will be sensitive to that. I certainly would like to see some aspects of his original tenure return but other aspects should be very much left back in the 00s!


This is great news, though. The Chibnall era, in my opinion, has just been boring to watch.

[adamiow]

Saw an interesting comment on Twitter, that Russell, Julie Gardner and Phil Collinson once made a pact on a DVD commentary to return "if the series is ever in distress again".

It very much feels like that is the reason for his return - a plea from the BBC to help out.

I am surprised, as Russell has previously said he didn't want to do sci fi again, but a great decision. I expect he will be here to steady the ship, establish a new doctor and if it works well, maybe even leave again within a series or two, but he should be able to restore the show back to its former glory.

[welnat06]

I'm pretty speechless about this news. RTD's era is definitely the best since the show came back in 2005, plus he definitely understands the show and its mechanics. I never thought I would see him back aside from expanded media, but if there's anyone who can propel Doctor Who into the limelight again, it would be him.

[bananaman]

Given his role in RTD's It's A Sin, the Olly Alexander story that started this thread suddenly seems a lot more plausible.

[Whataday]

Clearly the return of Russell is great news but the fact that Bad Wolf is on board too is wonderful.

[Col87]

It’s certainly interesting news and has at least got some excitement back into the series. This is a very big risk on both the BBC and Russell part though. The viewing figures are very unlikely to be what they where back in the 00s although it could come close. Would he be able to succeed with good stories the second time because he could get away with some poor episodes in his first time in charge but it’s unlikely he will a second he could ruin his entire legacy with the show. He will have to get the Doctor spot on as well he get lucky before with Ecclestone and Tennant can he do it a third time. He will also have to be careful how he writes in any issues because part of the current problem is concerns of it been to woke and he has gotten into a habit of having gay scenes. If he does either then he has to be careful how much time he devotes to any scenes of both as it could lose more viewers.
He also has to be careful not to go the other way of having companions and the Doctor falling in love. Moffat got both right Amy loved the Doctor but she was in love with Rory so that issue never got in the way and Clara worked well in that regard because she seen the Doctor as a best friend. Bill while been Gay was never fully brought up and that’s exactly the way Davis should try to do it this time.
I think he should also look at occasionally bringing back characters like Ashilda/Mee or Martha and even Kate and Osgood and if possible the paternoster gang just for the odd episode to link the gap between series. It should be very interesting what happens though. The 60th would be the best opportunity to bring them back.

[XIII]

I know Olly Alexander has been touted but after seeing the play Constellations about a month ago, I'd be very happy if Omari Douglas was cast as the Doctor

[Joe]

I do welcome this news, but I do wonder if it benefits Davies and much as the BBC. While I’ve liked a lot of his work, it’s fair to say it’s been hit and miss critically and ratings-wise. So - a start move for both?

[IanJRedman]

I never even thought we'd get RTD back to write one episode. The concept of him returning as showrunner was something I would have laughed in your face about, this time yesterday. What utterly extraordinary news. He's one of the best screenwriters in the world, and Doctor Who is in his blood. The press release refers to the 60th anniversary "and the series beyond"... Could it be that he's just an interim showrunner, steering the ship for a year? Or is this longer term?

[XIII]

RTD hasn't been totally absent from Who, he had a cameo in the Five-ish Doctors Reboot which I would argue was just as good and even funnier than The Day of the Doctor.

[DavidWhitfield]

Given his role in RTD's It's A Sin, the Olly Alexander story that started this thread suddenly seems a lot more plausible.

A not at all illogical assumption, however, the man himself has posted the following within the past hour:

https://twitter.com/alexander_olly/statu...8956112897