Doctor Who has debuted on Disney+, but the first special is receiving mixed reactions. Some Whovians enjoyed it, while others criticize the “woke” and “pandering” message inserted in the plot.
The first of three Doctor Who specials titled ‘The Star Beast’ premiered on November 25th, 2023. Intended to mark the series’ 60th anniversary, Russell T Davies returns as showrunner, along with fan-favorite David Tennant (Good Omens) as the 14th Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.
However, contrary to the expectations of fans eager to witness a return to the show’s narrative roots, Davies utilizes the inaugural special of his latest tenure to deliver what some perceive as an intrusive lecture, specifically chastising audiences regarding gender identity and the patriarchy.
"After all these years, I'm finally me" ❤️❤️➕🌹 #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/SqbT3g0SYF
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) November 27, 2023
The narrative focus of this episode delves into the unresolved mystery introduced in the preceding special, ‘The Power of the Doctor’ which was the last episode that starred Jodi Whittaker which centers on the protagonist’s previously undisclosed regeneration into a prior incarnation.
The plot commences with an unexpected reunion between the Doctor and his former companion Donna Noble, portrayed once again by Catherine Tate. The Doctor tries not to break the safeguards that contain the Time Lord consciousness in Donna’s mind.
Complicating matters further is Donna’s current life status as a parent, alongside her husband Shaun Temple. The plot unfolds as the Doctor acquaints himself with their transgender daughter, Rose, portrayed by Yasmin Finney, who has transitioned from male to non-binary female presentation. All the while, there is a looming planetary threat posed by the extraterrestrial Meep.
A pivotal moment in the special episode confirms Rose’s transgender identity. As she assists her mother in transporting items from the car, Rose becomes the target of mocking catcalls from passing young men, employing her pre-transition name, Jason. The insults included phrases like “Oi, Jason, you all right?” and “Looking good, Jason! Give us a kiss, Jay Boy!” These prompted Rose to urge her visibly angered mother to disregard the incident.
Davies’ decision to incorporate a transgender character into the storyline reflects a deliberate effort to address contemporary societal issues. This narrative choice seeks to engage with the audience on a broader spectrum, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
By portraying the challenges faced by Rose and her family, the episode confronts issues related to gender identity and discrimination, fostering a dialogue on inclusivity within the Doctor Who universe. This is markedly different from prior depictions in the Whovian universe, such as that of space adventurer Captain Jack Harkness (played by John Barrowman) who is bisexual, but still identified as male.
The prominence given to Rose’s transgender journey, while unexpected, aligns with Davies’ overarching vision for the series, as an opportunity to leverage the iconic British sci-fi series’ platform to advocate for progressive values and social awareness.
But the allegations of this Doctor Who episode being “woke” and “pandering” do not end there. The climax of the story had The Doctor being relegated to a supporting character, as Donna and Rose scold him for being a man and that he would not understand the solution to the meta-crisis is giving up the power.
This approach, however, has sparked varied reactions among fans, with some lauding the show’s commitment to diversity and representation, while others critique the perceived intrusion of political and social commentary into the realm of science fiction. As of the time of this writing, episode 1 of the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary special has a 90% Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score, but the Audience Score is only 43%.
It should be noted that Doctor Who is no stranger to social and political themes. However, these are usually in the form of allegories or metaphors. An example is the classic episode “Genesis of the Daleks” which starred Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor. Themes about the Cold War, eugenics, and racial genocide were all explored.
Despite the divisive nature of this creative choice, ‘The Star Beast’ remains a significant milestone in the Doctor Who franchise, marking its 60th anniversary with a storyline that not only revisits the Doctor’s mixed experiences due to his regenerations, but also ventures into uncharted territory by addressing contemporary societal issues.
Fans loved the return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate to their roles, relishing in their natural chemistry. They also noted that the streaming partnership with Disney Plus was showcased here, as the higher production budget than the usual BBC productions made for slicker special effects. The new TARDIS set was a particular highlight of the episode (before Donna spilled coffee on the console).
Do you think ‘The Star Beast’ stands as a testament to Russell T Davies’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling within the Doctor Who universe? Do the addition of a transgender character and the exploration of associated challenges contribute to a broader conversation on inclusivity and representation?
The Doctor Who 60th anniversary special ‘The Star Beast’ is currently streaming on Disney+.
