Explode
Many fans see a need for change, but what kind of change? In this article from RadioTimes, Christopher Eccleston comments that they need to “explode the canon.” What does this all mean? As fans, many of us want the producer to follow a set of guidelines. Then if it isn’t to our liking, we complain about what we see. You have to admit fans get spoiled when things are good. Is Eccleston right? Baseball players and other athletes get into slumps and need to make changes. Is that where Doctor Who is at this time?
Admittedly, the introduction of the Doctor not being a Timelord is radical. Fans can say that is an unexpected change. Chibnall might be thinking outside of the box. Is it necessary to think outside the box and radically change the Doctor Who canon? When you think about the classic series and revived series, there has been some change. But most of it was to bring Doctor Who into the modern area. Was it enough to allow the show to survive? Fans love the Daleks and the Cybermen and always will. They are classic enemies who help make the classic show what it was. But can the show move forward without them?
To explode the canon doesn’t mean a move away from them. Radical change can take place elsewhere, or at least that is what Eccleston believes. Eccleston isn’t a slave to the canon. Is his view the way Chibnall and fans should think? Fans like exciting stories and arcs. Fans want shows to grab their attention and not let it go. They want something which has suspense, and they are surprised when it all is in view. Fans don’t need to be slaves to the old ways and canon. Doctor Who requires radical change to survive.
So taking Ecclestons view, what needs to change, and how does Chibnall explode the canon? Does he decide to make the Master a Timeless Child as well? Or maybe something else. Who knows what Eccleston is talking about? Not being a writer or producer, there needs to be some thought on the matter. Let’s hope this change comes and Doctor Who survives for many more years.
