The Worst Doctor: Deconstructing Doctor Who, Part XIII
When it comes to the perception of the Worst Doctor, the question almost entirely revolves around the scripts and performances given to them. This article delves into why certain Doctors are considered the worst, as perceived through their on-screen performances and character development.
The Sixth Doctor - A Poster Child for Underwhelming Performances
The Sixth Doctor, played by Colin Baker, faced a challenging landscape during his tenure on both television and in audio plays. On television, his early entries were notable for their lack of compelling material to work with, leading to a less engaging Doctor. In contrast, when he was revived in Big Finish audio plays, he flourished and became a fan favorite. This illustrates how the context and supporting resources can significantly impact a character's reception.
The Seventh Doctor - A Case Study in Underrated Performances
The Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, suffered from financial constraints, which likely contributed to his poor reputation. While he occasionally received good scripts, the overall perception was that he was not engaging or particularly representative of the Doctor. Additionally, the audio plays, which were meant to complement the on-screen experience, failed to fully capture McCoy's potential.
The Revived Series - A More Critical Evaluation
The revived Doctor Who era, featuring Jodie Whitaker, faced its fair share of criticism. The issues were primarily due to the showrunners' choices, including an overcrowded Tardis and a surplus of standalone stories that lacked depth and coherence. The stories often became more about spectacle than substance, which detracted from the core experience.
The Inconsistencies of the New 14th Doctor
One Doctor stands out as particularly inconsistent and thus, among the worst: the 14th Doctor in the revived series. The changes in this Doctor's behavior and character dissonance are stark. For instance, the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith, demonstrated a more reserved and alien approach, while the 14th Doctor's behavior alienates the core of what the Doctor represents.
Behavioral Consistency:
One of the defining traits of the Doctor is his emotional detachment. The 11th Doctor, played by Matt Smith, rarely cried and did not run away in every episode, displaying a sense of responsibility and control. In contrast, the 14th Doctor behaves erratically, showing an inability to keep up with the emotional and behavioral patterns expected of the Doctor. For instance, the new Doctor often throws himself into romantic situations with humans, which is a drastic departure from the Doctor's traditional behavior.
Character Dissonance:
Another issue with the 14th Doctor is the character dissonance. The Doctor, by definition, is brave, slightly weird and alien, not very emotional or emotional in a human way. The 14th Doctor, however, exhibits behaviors that align more with an over-emotional human character. This shift in character is overwhelming and alienating to fans and viewers alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 14th Doctor is a polarizing figure. While his inconsistency is undeniable, the core issue lies in his failure to embody the essence of what the Doctor represents. The behavior of this Doctor, especially his emotional and interpersonal actions, distorts the very fabric of what the character should be, making him a contender for the title of the worst Doctor in the franchise.
The Doctor's behavior should reflect strength, alienness, and emotional detachment. The 14th Doctor's failure to do so makes him stand out as the character who, in consistency and behavior, is not the Doctor at all.