DOCTOR WHO: The Woman Who Fell to Earth {Roundtable}

Welcome back Doctor! BBC America did a great job this weekend with the world premiere of the new series, featuring Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. For the first time in ages, the premiere was aired at the same time in the US as in England (only we had commercials), which brought fans together at one time to see the Thirteenth Doctor and her new companions.

To start out, we’ll do some very basic questions for this season and dig deeper into the show as the series progresses.

What do you think of this regeneration?

Roz: I adore when the Doctor’s discombobulated, and I found that little line about not remembering the word “tongue” but pointing to hers amazing beyond measure. But Thirteen didn’t get the dull sort of sleep away the episode that others have, and her new companions had a good chance to see what being around the Doctor is all about. Finding the right outfit at the end was an added bonus of whimsy, since Thirteen’s outfit doesn’t seem overtly feminine.

Karen: She’s so great in this role. Jodie obviously did a lot of research, because she has so much of the previous four Doctors in her performance. Especially when she’s still “working out the kinks” as it were. I loved all the references to her empty pockets, and that she made her own Sonic Screwdriver. “I’m good at building things… probably.”

Cara: I love that moment where she describes regeneration. She’s filled with uncertainty and questions, but the need to help focuses her and she gets through by doing. I like her now, but I think I’m going to love her. The empty pockets was a cute running gag, and I love that it mildly reflects on the joy for women of having pockets in our clothes, even if they’re empty.

Picture Shows: Ryan Sinclair (TOSIN COLE), The Doctor (JODIE WHITTAKER), Graham O’Brien (BRADLEY WALSH), Yasmin Khan (MANDIP GILL)

What most stood out about the monster of the week?

Roz: First, those teeth were gross! How a race of people find collecting teeth as a good idea is way above what I think should happen, but again, I’m not the one face to face with them. The plan for using tech to rule was maybe too close to home these days. At least he didn’t succeed.

Karen: I got a distinct Cybermen vibe when he was first standing up, but that’s where the similarities stopped. Gross is definitely the word. I think this may be the most off-putting villain we’ve seen in some time. I agree with you Roz, not only disgusting, but crazy ominous as well. Great first bad guy for sure.

Cara: Yeah, those teeth were pretty hard to handle. Such a great first baddie, and something that felt really new and different. I love the Doctor’s face when he reveals his face (before we see it). She looks genuinely taken aback and unsettled, but then recovers and rallies so well.

How are you liking the companions so far? What intrigues you about them in one meeting?

Roz: I could have done without Grace dying (is that still a fridged figure? Her death gave two men manpain by the end of the episode.), but Yaz seems great with her police training.

Karen: I don’t think her death is fridge-worthy, I think she died heroically, and it’s merely the way to allow the three of them to leave the planet. That being said, I hated it too. She was awesome. Yaz, Ryan, and Graham are all really intriguing in their own rights though, so I can’t wait to see what’s in store. I think Graham might surprise us with his ingenuity, Yaz her strength, and Ryan will bring the vulnerability. It’ll probably get pared down at some point, but who knows? We might have three companions, right? This year is the year of change!

Cara: I don’t know if Grace’s death technically qualifies as fridging, but it is certainly a variation of it being used to justify the males having emotions. Graham and Ryan could have been brought together otherwise, and I really liked Grace. I’m holding out for a little more time with these companions before making a full impression, but I am intrigued by the way Ryan connects them.

What do you think about Ryan having Dyspraxia?

Roz: I’m not overly familiar with dysraxia, but I always applaud any show that makes a point of addressing a situation that is often misunderstood. As a teacher, it provided great moments for learning, but also seeing that Ryan has set backs and frustrations like everyone does when life throws a wrench.

Karen: The Dyspraxia Association is actually advising on this series, so I’m really excited that they’re committing to showing someone with a developmental disorder with such authenticity. I hope it leads to not only helping people with the disorder see that they’re perfectly normal, but getting those without a diagnosis in to seek treatment.

Cara: I hadn’t even heard of it, so I’m definitely using it as a teachable moment for myself. I’m always happy to see authentic characters, and I’m sure it must be meaningful for others with Dysraxia to see Ryan out traveling the universe.

How’d you like The Doctor using the DNA bombs against Tzim-Shaw? (Tim Shaw? lol)

Roz: Is this a sign that Thirteen will be sassy? I love how creative she got with those evil devices, especially if she has fewer qualms about killing those who are trying to harm humans and/or innocent people.

Karen: INGENIOUS! I didn’t see it coming, although I totally should have. I know she removed them by that point, but turning them on Tzim? Brilliant. Great plot point. Using Chekov’s Gun in the very best way possible.

Cara: To me if felt like a classic Doctor, and I loved it.

Favorite Lines or Scenes?

Karen:

The Doctor to Ryan:
“I reformatted your phone.”
“No! All my stuff’s on there.”
“Not anymore!”

The Doctor:
“These legs definitely used to be longer.”

The Doctor:
“Don’t panic.
Not the end of the world.
Well, it could be the end of the world, but one thing at a time.”

Cara: 

Ryan (admitting he touched the pod): You all would have done the same.
Graham: I wouldn’t.
The Doctor: I would.

The Doctor: All right. It’s a work in progress, but so’s life.

Picture shows: Yasmin Khan (MANDIP GILL), Ryan Sinclair (TOSIN COLE), The Doctor (JODIE WHITTAKER), Graham O’Brien (BRADLEY WALSH), Grace (SHARON D CLARKE)

Doctor Who airs on Sundays at 8PM on BBC America.