So Roomies, who has seen it? Doctor Who is back for it's 11th series and showcases a brand new 13th Doctor.
This is a series that has been highly anticipated by people all over the world. Doctor who has been broadcasting for over 50 years and has gained a huge following of fans. 'Whovians' - as the sci-fi show fans are named have been particularly intrigued to see the entrance for the show's 13th Doctor. Why? Because this is the first time in the show's history that a woman has been cast in the lead role. It's a huge step for the show itself but also a big step forward for all women around the world.
The 13th Doctor
In previous years, the role of The Doctor in the iconic Sci-fi television programme has been portrayed by many well known names including Tom Baker, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Jon Pertwee and our previous Doctor Peter Capaldi. Each have given fans their own unique perspective on the infamous character. And of course we all have our favourite actor in the role.
Series 11 premiered with it's first episode last night (Sunday 7th October 2018) to allow us to see our 13th Doctor. The role for the current series has been taken on by Broadchurch actress Jodie Whittaker. When working on on the ITV show, Whittaker actually starred alongside Doctor Who's much loved 10th Doctor, David Tennant. It has been said in news reports that Tennant was one of the first to know of Jodie's new role as she contacted him asking for valued advice. After watching the premiere episode of series 11, titled 'The Woman Who Fell To Earth' last night, it was clear to see that Jodie's version of The Doctor has been highly influenced by David Tennant's 10th Doctor's characteristics.
The Doctor's Companions
Like the role of The Doctor, the show has also seen many travelling companions throughout it's active years. Previous Doctor's companions include Rose Tyler (played by Billie Piper), Rory Williams and Amy Pond (portrayed by Arthur Darvill and Karen Gillan), Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and the most recent Clara Oswald who was brought to life by 'Victoria' actress Jenna Coleman.
For series 11 we have been introduced to not one, not two but three new travelling companions.
First up is Ryan Sinclair who is portrayed by actor Tosin Cole. The character is shown to have an illness which affects his physical development causing a lack of some co-ordination skills. The character suffers with Dyspraxia and due to this, he is shown to be having difficulty learning to ride a bicycle even at the age of 19 years old. Tosin has been involved in both television and Hollywood roles as he has been seen on screen in popular soaps Eastenders and Hollyoaks as well as a role in the huge Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the role of Lieutenant Bastian in 2015.
Alongside Ryan, we are also introduced to his Grandmother Grace O' Brien (Sharon D. Clarke) and her husband of three years Graham, who is played by the brilliant personality that is Bradley Walsh. Walsh is well known for his many television appearances including Law & Order: UK, popular soap Coronation Street and also as the role of TV presenter in game shows including ITV's The Chase. Although a little quiet, much like a background character in the first episode of the series, I feel that we will see a lot more of Bradley's character Graham in the upcoming episodes as Jodie Whittaker has mentioned him a lot during her interviews about her new role.
Lastly let's not forget the only female travelling companion, Yasmin 'Yas' Khan who is played by Hollyoaks actress Mandip Gill. Gill's character Yas is a police officer and is still in her training period. In episode 1 of series 11 Yas is seen begging her superior for more exciting roles within the police force rather than dealing with parking disputes. Boy, is she given an upgrade in her job role when she is given the chance to investigate unusual goings on from alien activity in Sheffield as she teams up with the other new characters of the show.
'The Woman Who Fell To Earth'
I will try to keep any major spoilers out for those who have not yet seen the episode. The above title is also the title of the first episode of series 11. And it couldn't be more perfect! We get to know the new companions first at the beginning of the episode before the story then develops and we finally meet our new, first ever female Doctor! I say the episode's title is perfectly apt as as it suggests, when we do see Jodie in the role for the first time, she falls through the roof of a train. In previous years, we have been introduced to new actors in the role through watching some of the 'Regeneration' process of The Doctor. We did not get to see the transformation this time. But the writers did introduce Jodie in a pretty dramatic and memorable way.
What was great about the story of the first episode is that it's main focus was about change. Of course it is important to focus on the regeneration of each new doctor, but this time it was so much more relevant as the iconic role had been seen as never before.
Of course for most of the episode, our new Doctor is still wearing the outfit of Peter Capaldi's version and is yet to find her own unique style. Jodie's character often makes refers to the previous version of herself throughout the hour long episode.The first instance of this is when newcomer Yas refers to The Doctor "Madam" which leads to a response from our new Doctor saying "Why are you calling me Madam?", and "half an hour ago, I was a white haired Scotsman!"
What stood out for me regarding the episode's subject of change was a statement made by Whittaker's character toward the end of the feature which was " We are all capable of incredible change, we can evolve while still staying true to who we are. We can honour who we've been and choose who we want to be next." To me this was the most important moment within the entire episode. It not only refers to previous characters within the series, but it is also so relevant in society today. Yes you can learn to become something new but always remember who you are and stay true to yourself.
Throughout the entire episode, because of the regeneration process, The Doctor actually forgets just exactly who she is. It is after the above statement when she finally realises who she actually is after being asked by a new alien villain "who are you?" to which Whittaker's character replies with "I'm glad you asked me that. A bit of adrenaline, a dash of outrage and a hint of panic knitted my brain back together. I know exactly who I am! I'm The Doctor!".
The Woman Who Fell To Earth is a brilliant episode and gets series 11 off to a great start. It actually shows us everything we need. Confusion, drama, action, personal challenges, sadness and heartache and most importantly, nerdy sci-fi talk and the appearance of a new Sonic Screwdriver! Jodie Whittaker made a fantastic first impression on me and I know this is the case for many others too. What do you think of our first every female doctor? I can't wait to see more of her in the role!
If you missed 'The Woman Who Fell To Earth', it is available to catch up on the BBC iPlayer. Jodie and her new companions will return for episode 2, 'The Ghost Monument' which will be airing live on BBC One on Sunday 14th October 2018.
Check out the trailer for episode 2 below:
(video courtesy of YouTube)
(all images courtesy of BBC and Google Images)