Family Feel
After reading this article, it is clear as to the meaning of family feel on the new Doctor Who. Many Whovians think a family feel has something to do with being more kid-friendly. At the same time, when we hear a show is going to be family oriented many of us believe it is safe for children.
There was some confusion caused by the last blog post. Some thought a family feel means going to a more child-friendly format. I take the blame for that because I was not very clear on the meaning. The article above does confirm a family-oriented show, but not to be more children-friendly. Now let me explain this a little better.
If any Doctor Who fan goes back to the beginning, what you find is there is a family in the TARDIS crew. All Whovians know the Doctor’s granddaughter Susan traveled with him for some time. We do not know a lot about her or the Doctor only that they are blood kin. But then after Barbara and Ian join the crew, they seem to adopt Susan as their daughter. At least this is the way I see it. Why do I say this is? Well, the reason is that they protect Susan as if she is their daughter.
Well, Sharon Clarke confirms there is a family relationship with the four companions. We learn hers and Walsh’s characters are human as well as their relationship is until death do us part. There isn’t much other information as to how the other two companions fit. But one can say they may be the adopted children of Walsh’s and Clarke’s characters. They may even be children from earlier marriages. I don’t care how they bring a family feel to the show as long as they make them worth watching.
Giving the show a family feel does not have to mean more child-friendly. Chibnall seems to be adding a married couple and their children to the TARDIS crew. There is where you get the idea of a family feel.
