Largest
The BBC and fans of Doctor Who knew there was a need for change. Steven Moffat retires as showrunner, and the BBC hires Chris Chibnall as showrunner. The first change was in place, and the BBC hopes it is the right choice. After getting the job, Chibnall goes through the casting process and chooses Jodi Whittaker as the person to replace Peter Capaldi. The actions by both these entities seem to be what the Doctor ordered. (pun intended) Because of the moves made by both the BBC and Chibnall, The Woman Who Fell to Earth had the largest audience ever of any premiere episode.
Fans look for new places and new pieces in Doctor Who. Some fans might be mad. The reason for that is Chibnall didn’t want the Doctor to face any old enemies. Hey, that may be a good idea. Other Doctors haven’t always seen old foes. The Cybermen never appeared during the reign of Jon Pertwee, and they did very well. So, not having Daleks an Cybermen don’t kill a season.
So, the naysayers were hoping the show will fall flat, and the BBC will make Chibnall leave and have him take Jodi with him. Well, those of you who thought the show would fall flat on its face was wrong. Whittaker’s first episode garnered 10.9 million viewers which is more the Rose and Robot. The first being the first episode of the revived series and the second being Tom Baker’s premiere episode. So, Jodi’s premiere had the largest audience ever for a premiere. (1)
Okay, yes, it is only the beginning for Jodi and Chris, and it doesn’t mean it will remain at such a high level. Fans don’t want Doctor Who to go away. It was a horrible time from 1989 to 2005. Fans hope Chibnall created good storylines and Jodi can continue to be the Jodi in the original episode. Jodi provided she deserve to be where she is, and as fans, we need to stand behind her and cheer on.
Fans need to open their eyes and see Jodi is the Doctor and there isn’t anything they can do to change. Everyone needs to sit back and enjoy the ride. Isn’t what fans are getting going to be different? Yes, but does that mean it sucks? No, but if all you look at is the fact that Jodi is a woman, then you are missing the boat. Isn’t Doctor Who different from other sci-fi programs? Yes, it is and it for that reason it remains viable and on the air. The reason for such a long tenure is change. Without change, Doctor Who may have been just another what if story.
((1) http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2018/10/the-woman-who-fell-to-earth-tops-charts.html
