Three special episodes commemorating Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary aired recently, but the popular British science fiction series is facing criticism for veering into “woke” terrain.
The most recent episode, which reintroduced David Tennant as the fourteenth Doctor and co-starred Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, sparked controversy for its treatment of gender. An extraterrestrial being named The Meep, played by Miriam Margolyes, caused the most commotion when the Doctor dealt with it.
During the episode, the Doctor offered to help The Meep get home, sparking a discussion about pronouns. When the Doctor referred to The Meep as “he,” Rose Noble, played by transgender actor Yasmin Finney, questioned the assumption. The Doctor corrected the slip and asked if The Meep identified as “he, she, or they.” In a quirky twist, The Meep’s chosen pronoun turned out to be “The,” stating, “I am always The Meep.”
Social media exploded with criticism, calling it “woke propaganda” and using the hashtag #RIPDoctorWho. Viewers felt the show’s latest direction prioritized an agenda over storytelling, with some declaring it “preachy” and just a “delivery system for The Message.”
Despite the criticism, opinions among fans remain divided. Some praised the show’s dedication to progressive principles and inclusivity, while others criticized the episode. Many viewers were impressed by showrunner Russell T. Davies’ brave advocacy for diversity and his willingness to include transgender characters and themes.
A long-running tendency, Doctor Who has always touched on social themes. Despite its origins as a science and history program, the show has since expanded its scope to include more serious social issues, such as racism and sexism. But the choice to cast Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor in 2017 caused a stir and led to internet harassment, showing how difficult it is for popular culture to adapt to changing gender norms.
Because of his sexual orientation and race, some fans were surprised by the announcement of Ncuti Gatwa as the fifteenth Doctor. But there’s no denying that the show’s increasing diversity is a direct result of Gatwa’s casting decisions.
Even as fans argue over the show’s future, Doctor Who’s history of addressing modern themes tests and divides them.
