🚀 go-pugleaf

AI review the Fan disstatifaction with Doctor Who 2023 to current

Google Gemini

Fan dissatisfaction with Russell T. Davies's (RTD) return
to Doctor Who in the 2023-2025 period appears to stem from
several key areas, as indicated by recent online discussions and reviews:

Creative Direction and Tone:

"Campy" and "Family-Friendly" Focus: Some fans express
disappointment that RTD's current era leans too heavily
into a "fun, campy, and family-friendly" style, believing
it has lost the "heavy plots" and "horror" elements that
previous seasons (including his own first run and those
of Moffat and Capaldi) balanced. Critics argue that
the show now feels "too safe and prescriptively wholesome"
and that the Doctor sometimes behaves "like a human
who woke up with superpower and can't wait to see
if he knows how to use it."

"End of the Universe" Stakes vs. "Monster of the Week":
There's a desire for more self-contained, character-driven
"monster of the week" episodes and less of the "never ending
end of the Universe crap" or "visual spectacle" that some
feel only appeals to young children.

Musical Elements: The inclusion of musical interludes,
particularly in "The Devil's Chord," has been a point
of contention for some, who found
it "self-indulgent and unnecessary."

Storytelling and Narrative Choices:

"Timeless Child" Arc: Despite significant backlash
to the "Timeless Child" storyline from the previous
showrunner (Chris Chibnall), RTD not only kept
it but reportedly "doubled down on it"
in the 60th Anniversary Specials
and "The Church on Ruby Road." This has
alienated some long-time fans who wished
for a clean break from that controversial retcon.

Lack of Setup to Payoff: Some critics argue
that the finales in RTD's second era lack
sufficient setup for their payoffs, feeling
"wishy-washy" or "self-indulgent."

Underdeveloped Characters: Characters
like Rose Noble and Shirley Bingham have
been criticised for not being fully developed
or meaningfully integrated into the narrative,
sometimes feeling like they "lack narrative purpose."

"The Message" vs. Story: A recurring complaint
is that the show has become "preachy"
and "always has some message to tell,"
with some fans feeling that it prioritises
"agenda's" over compelling storytelling,
similar to criticisms leveled
at other Disney-backed franchises.

Production and Episode Count:

Fewer Episodes: Despite an increased
budget from the Disney+ deal, the number
of episodes per season has reportedly
decreased (e.g., eight episodes compared
to 10 or 13 in previous eras). This puts
"undue pressure on each episode"
and leaves fans feeling they don't
get enough time with the new Doctor.

Budget Allocation: Some question if
the increased budget is being spent effectively,
with reports suggesting much goes towards
upscaling for 4K HDR, rather than producing
more episodes or improving other aspects.
Some visual effects choices have been perceived
as "bad VFX" or "skill issues" in 4K.

Audience Engagement and Ratings:

Falling Viewing Figures: Despite RTD's
stated goal of attracting younger audiences
and his claim of "massively successful"
engagement with the under-30 demographic,
some reports suggest that viewing figures,
even among this group, are declining,
indicating the show "clearly isn't
growing its audience."

"Toxic Fandom": There's an acknowledgement
within the fandom that a "vocal minority"
or "toxic fandom" exists, where some
fans "only find the negative"
or "enjoy creating friction and arguments,"
regardless of the showrunner. However,
even some of the show's biggest fan
sites have expressed significant disappointment.

Perceived Lack of Adaptability:

Some fans believe RTD is "pig headed
and just doubling down" on creative decisions,
not reflecting much on criticism, especially
given his continuation of the Timeless Child arc.

It's important to note that fan reactions
are diverse, and many viewers still enjoy
RTD's current run, defending its tone and themes.
However, the points above represent common areas
of dissatisfaction expressed by a segment
of the Doctor Who fanbase during the 2023-2025 period.

ChatGPT

Alright - let’s unpack this carefully
and honestly, because it's a big topic
in the *Doctor Who* fan community right now.

---

## 📺 **Background**

**Russell T Davies (RTD)** was
the showrunner who *relaunched* *Doctor Who*
in 2005 after its long hiatus. His era (2005–2010)
is beloved by many: it’s seen as a golden age
of *Doctor Who* with David Tennant
and Christopher Eccleston, strong
emotional storytelling, popular companions
like Rose, Martha, and Donna, and huge mainstream
success in the UK and worldwide.

After a period with Steven Moffat
and Chris Chibnall at the helm,
RTD returned as showrunner
for the 60th anniversary specials (2023)
and Series 14/Season 1 (2024) starring
Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth {Real 14th} Doctor
and Millie Gibson as companion Ruby Sunday.

---

## 📌 **Why some fans are dissatisfied (2023–2025)**

Not *all* fans are unhappy - there's still
huge goodwill for RTD. But here are the main
points of *criticism* and frustration voiced
in fan circles (Reddit, GallifreyBase, YouTube, social media):

---

### 1️⃣ **Tone and Style: Lighter, “Disneyfied” Feel**

* Many fans feel RTD's new era is
more *family-friendly* and "Americanised" compared to his original run.

* Since the BBC partnered with Bad Wolf Productions
and Disney+, there's a sense that episodes have
a “glossier” but safer vibe - less dark or weird
than classic *Doctor Who* or even RTD's own earlier era.

* Some stories (like *Space Babies*) were
seen as *too childish* or goofy compared
to the more mature or scary stories fans loved in the Tennant era.

---

### 2️⃣ **Inconsistent Writing Quality**

* Some episodes in the 2024 season
(*The Church on Ruby Road*, *Space Babies*,
*Boom*, *Dot and Bubble*, etc.) received mixed
reviews - fans liked some ideas but found
the plots slight, pacing rushed,
or resolutions unsatisfying.

* RTD is known for big emotional payoffs,
but some feel the new season's arcs didn't
hit as hard or feel as fresh as expected.

---

### 3️⃣ **Nostalgia Overload & Familiar Tropes**

* Some fans think RTD leans too much on nostalgia
or familiar plot devices: bringing Tennant back
for the 60th (which was fun, but very safe fan service);
using familiar companion types; and "mystery girl" arcs
similar to Clara, Amy, or Bad Wolf.

* Ruby's arc felt like another "companion with
a hidden backstory" instead of something truly new.

---

### 4️⃣ **Pacing & Episode Count**

* The season was short (8 episodes in 2024).
Some fans feel episodes are too quick,
with big ideas not fully explored.

* Critics say this makes *Doctor Who* feel
more like "Marvel-lite": fast, quippy, but sometimes shallow.

---

### 5️⃣ **Disney's Influence**

* Some hardcore fans worry that Disney's money
means creative compromises: less political edge,
fewer risks, more "international appeal"
 at the cost of British quirkiness.

* RTD himself says Disney doesn't interfere
editorially - but the higher budgets
and global streaming expectations
do change how the show is marketed and written.

---

### 6️⃣ **Underused Doctor**

* Many love Ncuti Gatwa's performance - but
some feel the Doctor is written too passively
or overshadowed by Ruby's mystery arc.

* Some fans miss the "Doctor-as-lonely-god" vibe
from Tennant or the mad genius of Smith/Capaldi.

---

## ✅ **Important: Not all bad!**

It’s worth noting:

* Many fans *do* love Ncuti Gatwa's charisma
and see huge potential for him to grow into the role.

* Some episodes (*Boom*, *73 Yards*) were widely praised as standouts.

* RTD's new era has expanded representation, diversity, and production values.

* Younger and newer viewers, especially kids, often love it.

---

## 🗣️ **The Big Picture**

A lot of the frustration is a mix of:

* **High expectations** (RTD is returning
to *his* classic era, so fans want *perfect*).

* **Change in audience** (the show now needs
to attract kids, families, Disney+ subscribers,
and hardcore classic fans all at once).

* **Modern TV realities** (shorter seasons,
streaming competition, more "bingeable" vibes).

So the *Doctor Who* fandom is divided: some think RTD
is playing it too safe, while others think he's exactly
what the show needed to be fun again.

---

## 🔮 **Looking ahead to 2025**

RTD has said he plans for big swings in
future seasons - more new writers,
more experimental episodes, and longer-term arcs.
So the current criticisms don't mean fans have lost
hope - it's more of a "we love *Doctor Who*
and want it to feel essential again" vibe.

---

If you’d like, I can share:

* A quick *fan ranking* of the 2024 episodes so far
* Or break down how RTD’s return compares to Chibnall and Moffat
* Or how fan reactions differ between UK and global audiences

Just say *yes* and I’ll expand! 🟦✨🪐

Well ChatGPT and Google Gemini,  RTD needs to go!
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