Doctor Who Embraces Change Amid Criticism of Wokeness

>Doctor Who, the legendary BBC science fiction series, launched in 1963. It is still living and breathing as it recharges by rewriting its stories and characters in bold ways. The series has faced backlash in the past for how it has handled racial and social diversity and inclusivity. This comes after the introduction of its first female Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, in 2017, and now boasts its first black lead star, Ncuti Gatwa – who starts his run in 2023. The show, like our country, is going through radical changes. Fearing further fallout over its supposed “wokeness,” both artists and actors have forcefully spoken out against their controversial cancellation.

In a statement, the BBC reiterated that any decision about a new series would be made only after the current series had finished airing. Ncuti Gatwa’s casting as the Doctor was announced by renowned writer Russell T Davies, who has a successful history with acclaimed dramas such as Queer As Folk and It’s A Sin. Gatwa considers their partnership to be a major leap in that direction. It’s a fitting tribute to the complex, multicultural communities in which listeners find themselves, even as they experience historic change.

Varada Sethu made her debut last week as Belinda Chandra, the Doctor’s new companion, alongside Gatwa. She has recently responded to the backlash directed at the new direction of the show, calling their criticism completely off-base. “There’s been a couple of ‘Doctor Woke’ comments or whatever,” Sethu stated, emphasizing that discussions about diversity should not overshadow the core themes of kindness and love in Doctor Who.

Gatwa addressed Sethu’s thoughts as well, saying the trajectory of the show’s change can be regarded as a step forward. He remarked, “That’s something incredible that media can do, and that’s what it’s doing.” He further added, “It’s exciting to look forward to a day when [having non-white leads] isn’t something huge.”

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Russell T Davies not only responded to the backlash but doubled down on the show’s direction and dedication to diversity. He stated, “Someone always brings up matters of diversity. There are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues.” He dismissed these complaints, asserting, “I have no time for this. I don’t have a second to bear it. Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.”

Davies went on to speak more about the critical need for inclusivity in storytelling. He continued to explain that “woke” just means treating people inclusively and with progressiveness. “Woke just means inclusive, progressive, and that you care about people,” he explained.

It hasn’t been helped in recent weeks by things like unconfirmed reports of Gatwa’s replacement, or the increasing speculation about the show’s future. Still, the new season continues to drum up the same level of buzz. With the return of Doctor Who to television screens, discussions concerning its legacy and continued relevance in today’s society has been re-ignited.