Sunday 30 October 2022

Goodbye Norma Jean [Doctor Who: The Power Of The Doctor]

So long Thirteenth Doctor. You were fabulous, surfing the crests of your best episodes and rising above the weaker ones. You gave us a Doctor who could think on her feet and who inspired trust in those around her even as she drove them mad. A Doctor who wanted to love and be loved but, in stark contrast to her bravery in battle, was desperately shy and awkward.

Your stories may have varied in their quality but no-one can say they lacked ambition. If you had been Star Trek the new twists shaking up your origin story would have driven canon-obsessed fans to apoplexy. Happily Doctor Who has never had a canon.

Your final episode was worthy of you and worthy of classic Doctor Who, facing down multiple threats with the help of friends past and present, with wit, ingenuity and feeling. If the trend continues then at the very least we will see you at every future regeneration episode…