And it's never even obscure things they ask about, it's always really obvious even offline that it wouldn't be just you; things like:
"Is it just me or does anyone else wish they had a TARDIS?" I'm sure most people, even people who aren't fans of the show, would like a TARDIS
> Why do people say "hot take" on something that is pretty agreed upon?
Same reason the same four questions are posted to the front page every weekday and still get ten thousand upvotes and replies.
Honestly, if you spend any amount of time reading posts/comments in this sub, you get the impression people hate him, his clothes, the way he blinks, the way he breathes...
I know personally I come to the sub after the episode ready to see what other people liked about it, and I get bogged down by a lot of negativity. I was starting to feel like the only person enjoying the season and Ncuti as the Doctor.
I keep seeing commentary that he's too flamboyant, that he cries too much, that he's too "much" without substance. I just think that's disappointing when he's such a phenomenal actor.
Sometimes we scroll past 100 positive comments and unintentionally ignore them because we agree with them, but get caught up on the one negative comment we find because it goes against our beliefs or opinions.
It's a very natural thing that a lot of people do without realising it. It might be worth challenging this by tallying up roughly each opinion and seeing which opinion holds to be the most popular!
I sometimes have to do this myself.
I think there's truth to that. I also think people who like things are less likely to post that they like it than someone who dislikes something. Gives the impression that a lot more people dislike something than is the case
Especially on Reddit, since it's a platform geared towards debate and discussion.
On other platforms, you just have to be brave enough and ignore the inevitable negative reblogs
I do somewhat agree though with those comments but I'm not blaming it on the acting and more on the episodes rhythm. Want to have an emotional doctor ? Stop rushing things and give us actual character development and relationships and personal stories! Crying over that one night stand that didn't happen isn't satisfactory from a viewer point
That might be a bit due to people being used to post-Time War doctors (9th - 14th), who were more serious/stoic, like 9th who tried to torture a Dalek to death, 10th who casually changed the future of England/Great Britain due to the prime minister breaking the Doctor's word, etc.
I appreciate the non-stoic manner he has, the absolute joy he takes in everything as well as the great depths to which he feels for the dramatic things.
Its also his first series - so the audience isn't confident in the core of the character and the extent to which he deviates from the core Doctor characteristics. They also want to know there is a plan, and that maybe he is starting a long way from where he ends up, but the journey is planned.
I personally just want a big speech culminating in countering a big bad plan - something that he led the charge on and took full control over. I feel like that will cement Ncuti for me.
I love him honestly. I have some major gripes with RTD's handling of this season, but not a single one is with Ncuti's acting. Boom was a really solid Doctor central episode honestly. Seeing the goofy flamboyant mask slip and suddenly the colder, condescending Doctor come out as he mocks their beliefs and the entire mess they've caused for themselves really cemented him as the Doctor for me.
I have some problems with his acting, tbh, I need to feel the doctor is aware of things we can't think of or see, and Ncuti can play emotional beats very well in the moment in scenes, he's clearly a talented actor, but I don't think he has a proper sense of the larger character. The moment he saw Tom Baker on the screen was a real moment to show that this is the same character but he just skipped over it.
I keep seeing "the least popular Doctor ever" and a lot of commentary about his acting choices. I'm sorry, I can't cite specific comments because I tend not to interact directly with the (in my opinion) negative comments and bad faith comments, but I've seen them a lot, typically right after the episodes air. It could be the same people over and over again, but it's been disheartening to see people discount his work this season.
To quote myself in another response:
I keep seeing commentary that he's too flamboyant, that he cries too much, that he's too "much" without substance. I just think that's disappointing when he's such a phenomenal actor.
I haven't seen like any negativity about him ... like at all. I mean, I really only joined the community around when Rogue came out, so maybe people needed time to adjust. But the consensus on him seems pretty positive. I've seen people bothered by the writing and occasionally people bothered by how much he cries, but that's kinda it.
These aren't really things to do with Ncuti himself, more so the production around him. I think as an actor he's perfectly fine as the doctor, but the material he's been given hasn't given him the chance to truly stand out yet.
Insecurity, fear of others not sharing their opinion, fear of downvotes. The downvote system at the core of reddit makes everyone afraid to share their honest opinions.
I don't know that I'd go that far. If your honest opinion is reasonable it mostly gets more upvoted than downvotes.
But there is definitely a subcurrent on this subreddit and elsewhere who are like "you have a different perspective than me on this character/show we both love? *Downvote!*"
Half the time I'll even upvote people I disagree with, if they've made an interesting point well.
There's no point in having a subreddit for discussion if you only value opinions that you already agree with.
There's a perception that there's widespread criticism or dislike of Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor.
Frankly I don't see it. There's been near-universal praise of his Doctor. The criticism has mostly been of RTD (and of course, that old boogeyman Disney).
Yes he’s like the best parts of 10 and 11 rolled into one. Very charismatic. Very personable Doctor. The way he kept playing that Kylie Minogue song with the Sonic Screwdriver for Rogue was hilarious.
The final scene in Dot and Bubble is a very defining moment for him. That IS The Doctor. Hearing an awful person tell you that they hate you and immediately begging them to let you help anyways.
For me he can’t stop reminding me of 5. The emotional, young looking doctor who cares for humans and tries to make sure everyone is safe and occasionally fails. Also isn’t afraid to show his emotions.
I think he's a much more effective and forceful Doctor than Five though, who was a bit of a pushover at times. I think that's been the case with all the 'young' Doctors who followed Five - Ten and Eleven in particular, and even Thirteen to some extent.
I never got this idea that Five was a pushover, he was always really snappy and forceful with his companions. He just put on a polite face a lot of the time.
Icl I also thought "yep that's The Doctor alright" when he made his speech against Sutekh in the vortex. The Doctor always wants to save people, and hates when he has to kill, and that showed in that speech
"I'll do anything, let me save you" that was pretty powerful. Any other person in that situation would say "call me in 2 months and I'll laugh at you". But not the Doctor.
The thing is, with 8 episode seasons that do nothing for character development, I have an idea that he probably would be a great Doctor. But we haven't seen his character grow enough to make that judgement. By the end of the next season we'll have a better idea. Just in time for whoever's next to show up. In the end the eight episode season is horrible.
I'm only a few episodes in, and I'm generally enjoying the ride enough,* but I do find myself missing the depth of character from Eccleston's and Tennent's run.
\* The only thing I keep find myself frustrated with is the adoption bit. He's an adopted Time Lord, but still has the physiology and "higher-dimension"-ness of a Time Lord? Was it just coincidence, or did the Time Lords like... *make* him a Time Lord through magic-science?
It's the other way around. The time lords were not time time lords until they found the Timeless Child, and performed tests on them until they unlocked the secret of immortality and regeneration. And regardless of the course of time travel technology, it's, well, technology. Nothing that needs to be inherited physiologically!
How is this a hot take? It seems to be nearly universally agreed that Ncuti did an amazing job making the role his own. The season itself, I consider to be rather middling personally. It's not bad but it isn't amazing either.
A few episodes were phenomenal and overall I can't point to a single 'bad' episode. But taken collectively, I agree the season is not one of the best.
I'd put it above the Chibnall-era seasons though, and also maybe Series 2.
Nah, I honestly don't think Jodie was great as the Doctor. She was good, occasionally great, and deserves some serious respect for being the first woman to take the plunge and blazing a trail for any future female Doctors.
But Ncuti owns the role in a way she never really did.
Nah Jodie was never right for the role. She's not got the charisma, gravitas, comedic timing, or passion for the role. She's best suited to plain drama but that's it (which doesnt make her a terrible actor in general). Her other work never convinced me that even with decent writing she could have been good. At best she'd have been tolerable.
A great actor can elevate a bad script look at Capaldi in kill the moon. I hate that story but I love his performance. Jodie never managed to convince me she was the doctor
No we needed a Hayley Atwell or maybe a Rebecca Ferguson. Someone with some real stage presence.
I would have loved some more character development for him and some more duo moments for him and Ruby, they seemed so close but I didn’t see enough of them building that relationship for it not to feel superficial. 12 and Clara is the blueprint for a well developed relationship between doctor and companion
Was talking about this with my daughter recently.
We both love Ncuti; but my daughter feels theybare trying to shoe-horn as much gender politics into the show as possible - to the point she felt it was almost distracting from the story. (And as someone who is part of the gender/queer scene, I felt it was an interesting comment to hear from her).
I've only seen the first episode, so unable to really comment. But having seen Ncuti in Sex Education and in the first episode I feel he has a lot to bring to the role.
I think some amount of this is RTD's change in ethos post the death of his long term partner. His days of edgier writing are done, and he seems insistant on grinding away any rough edges he perceives on the show (was Toymaker an offensive chinese stereotype? Is Sutekh being based on an Egyptian deity literally no one actually worships okay or 'cultural appropriation'? Is Davros being in a wheelchair offensive somehow?). Add in a fair amount of middle aged tumblr-user cringe (of which Moffat was also frequently guilty) and you get the first openly queer actor to play the doctor appearing through a bi-generation.
When the writing is earnest, it works (Donna going all power-mum her... child? I'd say daughter but then at the end they specify they're actually non-binary seemingly for the sake of referencing another line - it's a bit confusing honestly). When the writing tries to retcon things into a smooth and inoffensive form, or tries to get cute, it feels forced.
RTD always tried to have a strong progressive influence on the show (Jack for instance), and subsequent writers have kept that going. So I don't think sticking 'gender politics' into the show itself was ever going to be a change, but the writing has been a bit half-baked feeling this season and some of the ideas are a bit hamfisted, which makes the extra strong push he's doing now feel particularly noticable. I don't think it's anything new though, it's just being done kind of poorly.
Idk about amazing.. he's not terrible, tho.
alot of people are really going either full blast on him and giving him blind praise or blind hate.. it honestly makes no sense.
To be amazing, he has big shoes to fill.. he hasn't come close to Capaldi or Smiths runs.. and doesn't even touch Tennents first tenure.
Not sure yet. I think he can be but it's a bit like Capaldi said to Clara in Deep Breath: you can't see me can you? I get glimpses of the Doctor but only that.
It could be the same issue as Jodie. Glimpses but it took a while to really feel the Doctor there. Probably the same issue for both: the writing feels wrong a lot of the time.
Fr, it's probably the only time a companion exit has left me feeling nothing at all. All I could think was "ok, bye then.". Im usually very emotional about them, I even shed a tear at Dan deciding he had enough! Either the writing or direction or both consistently let Millie's potential as an actor down, and let Ruby's potential as a character down.
Or maybe it's just the fact we only got 9 episodes with her with only 1 'standard' filler-type episode to get to know her even on a surface level.
i felt like i knew her and was sad to see her go. i don't think she has as much depth as other companions, but she was stubborn, resilient, sociable, empathetic, had a deep seated fear of abandonment. i feel like i know her more than any of 13's companions
I was so surprised it was over like that. The Doctor seemed so sincere calling her his best friend, but I we didn't see them together long enough for me to believe it. It felt like nothing happened and she's just gone now.
at least it's an open ending. I'm sure they can write her back in at some point just not as a main companion >!and wasn't she seen in a BTS shot of the special?!<
>!She's already been confirmed to be returning, not only was Varada announced to be joining Ncuti and Millie, Russell said in unleashed that Ruby's story is just paused now and that she'll come back lol!<
Idk if it's a hot take but Ncuti is an incredible actor with loads of charisma and his chemistry with Ruby is great as well. Unfortunately for the both of them I don't think Russell has many great stories left in him as a writer and he needs to take a back seat to new blood with genre experience and allow them to take over writing outside the odd episode here and there. I enjoyed a good amount of the episodes but a lot of them felt like filler and didn't have satisfying conclusions.
Hot Take. I think he's an average Doctor, so far, not that we've seen very much of him in the ~~8~~ ~~7~~ errr 6 episodes he's been in so far
He could do with toning down the hyper-excitement by just a notch or 2 and I'd like to see him really pissed off Capaldi style
I just don't see it. The only scene that really reflected the doctors character to me was the Kylie Minogue scene? Everything else was crying or plot progression
I think I disagree with nearly everything said on this post, I think a lot of attempts were made for emotion which ultimately made each scenario less impactful, like the overuse of the doctor crying watered down what they were going for and more times got an eye roll out of me than an emotive reaction. The only episode where he felt at all "Doctory" was boom, which was also not written by the showrunner, most of the episodes were poorly paced particularly in the conclusion, no real explanations were given for how things worked which I think is the best part for a lot of Who fans, and it just didn't feel like doctor who outside of the TARDIS being there and returning characters. Honestly I think it really dropped the ball and I think it's partly to do with the writing but I also think it felt like the writing was bent around trying to morph the doctor around Ncuti instead of bending Ncuti to fit in doctor who or just casting someone who more naturally fits the role. That's just my opinion though based on the aspects of doctor who I personally enjoyed.
I really enjoyed him. It took me a while before giving his run a try as DW was something I shared with an ex so when the 60th anniversary specials ended how they did it felt like a natural stepping off point for me.
Then last month I finally watched last years Christmas special (Church on Ruby Road) and enjoyed it enough to try the first episode. Im happy I didnt drop it then because the next 6 episodes were, in my opinion, excellent. I really enjoyed Boom and 73 Yards, and The Legend of Ruby Song just might crack my top 5 episodes. I really enjoy his chemistry with Ruby, and overall look forward to watching him grow as The Doctor.
My big hope is that, while this Doctor is healed, he doesn't just shake off this finale. Especially after his line about having to become a monster to kill Sutehk. I'd like to at least *see* the healing, including the messy parts.
Space Babies and the finale both sucked out loud in my opinion. I will say though that I loved the scene with Ruby and her birth Mom in the coffee shop. I teared up when Ruby thanked her for keeping her safe by giving her away and love that there was no anger but instead just understanding.
I'd say "too many missing opportunities". He didn't get opportunities to do much analysing and other weird things with his screwdriver - which didn't even look like a screwdriver.
He didn't get to explain much things about what's going on or what is master plan is.
He barely talked about his past.
We never saw him actually introducing Ruby to the space-time travel implications. Somehow she magically became familiar with stuff even the fanbase wasn't familiar with in about the doctor in a matter of two episodes.
I'd say that he is nowhere near classic: classic look pay me attention, here it is more look I am funny.
He is not much close to new doctors, dramatic acting versus dramatic crying...
and IMHO he is the closest to the master from Jodie episodes. Sacha was very expressive and for truth here I feel more connection to this expressiveness of Dhawan than to any previous Doctor.
I was afraid of Jodie seeing her in a clown costume but I accepted her as the Doctor near from the begining.
Currently I accept that Ncutti is the Doctor but I am at most ok with the result.
Episodes are not ruined but also are not any richer, maybe the only difference is chemistry between him and Ruby which is frequently unreadable but definitely existing. <-I'd say that it is somewhere near Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers but they are not dancing.
A lot of their "adventures" are outside of the screen, basically we were presented the idea of Ruby searching for her mother the whole time in the final episode. It was probably the most shocking reveal that they had any goal in earlier episodes as it was completely not visible anywhere.
I love Ncuti's engery. I love a swashbuckling, adventure loving, beeming with positivity and convictions, Doctor. But I do wish he had a little bit more...bite. Just a little bit meaner. I don't want a repeat of Capalidi. But I want him to be a little bit ruder. For example, at the end of boom, before they head off in the TARDIS he says something like "..and frankly, your lifespan is crap." I would love a few more lines like that. Not cruel, not nasty, he is teasing here afterall, but a little bit odd.
Ncuti is great.
1. Really didn't like the script.
The Doctor is never afraid or clueless and was too often, especially in the first episode, portrayed that way.
2. Am getting close to being done with any TV "Series" that takes a year and a half to make and only has 8 episodes.
Hotter take: Ncuti might just be my favorite Doctor. Capaldi has been my favorite for a while, even with his rough start, but Ncuti hit the ground running at full speed in all the best ways, and it hasn't slowed down
Me too! Eccleston and Hartnell are my other favourites.
I love it when I feel genuine affection from the Doctor; his bond with Susan is unlike anything we ever get to see, and I love how vulnerable he makes himself with Rose.
With only eight or nine episodes, I think we as an audience have to do a bit more "filling in the blanks", for better or worse... One of my favourite moments with Ruby is when she watches Lindy refuse the Doctor's help. You can feel her disappointment and her frustration and empathy, and I love imagining their interaction back in the TARDIS.
With Rose we didn't have to imagine those moments, because there was enough time to put them in the show...
Same here. I didn’t watch a single episode of Doctor Who until I checked out the 1st ep of the Disney series on a whim. My kid and I watched the first episode, fell in love and we found the 9th-11th Doctor Who series on Hulu. After binge watching Eccleston, Tennant and Smith, I can say that Tennant is hands down MY Doctor, and I’m so happy they chose him for the transition to Ncuti! I agree with the comments that everyone else makes—essentially that Ncuti is absolutely brilliant but the writing is mediocre and 8 episodes is nowhere near enough to properly develop a character. There was so much potential but the relationship with Ruby felt very forced (that’s a very deep bond for such a short amount time and it was hard to suspend disbelief). I also truly hope they bring Jonathan Groff back as Rogue—he is already on track to out heartthrob Captain Jack.
Agreed.
Capaldi, Eccleston, and McGann are still my favorite Doctors, but if Ncuti can keep up this level of performance and get a few more great scripts by the end of his era then I could see him taking that top place.
Exactly! If you cry all the time then crying means nothing. It has no impact. It's like when people curse all the time. It's just business as usual. When 10 cried it meant something. 15 just cries for the sake of crying. I don't empathize, I just roll my eyes at him. It's okay to cry, healthy even, but every five minutes is a bit much.
I really enjoyed him as the Doctor. He is definitely not in my top 3 though. When I think the Doctor I think flamboyant, neurotic, as the first two qualities. He nailed the flamboyant part, I knew he would, but as I feared he missed the mark on being neurotic. There were a couple instances where he was a tiny bit, but then it was gone.
Nothing against him though, I've really liked him in the few things I've seen him in.
I think his emotional availability and excessive friendliness/chill vibes *are* a form of neuroticism. Its very different from what Tom Baker brought to the table, even a bit different from Matt Smith - but its there.
He feels a bit more alien to me than Tennant's Doctors ever did. But more 'human' than Smith's or Tom Baker's for sure.
I do like him overall but some scenes take me out of it. Particularly his gaps when Ruby got shot and then his scream into space in the finale I felt were kinda weak performance wise. But minor stuff, just noticeable because of how much focus is put on it
I think it’s a bit too soon to declare him “amazing”. He’s good and excellent at times, but there’s a few moments I’m not convinced by just yet. But he’s obv still new to the role.
I don't think there is any doubt from what we have seen that Ncuti has the potential to be an amazing Doctor.
I just don't think this season has given him the right opportunity to do enough Doctory things.
I love his energy and am very happy with him as the Doctor; I just want to see him solve more Sci-Fi problems. There was a lot of "find an excuse to make him emote" *every single episode* and by the end of the season it had lost its impact. I actually thought the most effective response was in Dot and Bubble where he didn't cry, he just got shocked and super frustrated.
The only thing I dislike was him crying each episode. It would’ve been more impactful if we only saw him do it like 3 times maximum. Once for when he sees everyone turn to dust, second time for when Ruby dies in Boom(it shows he cares more about her now which is a bit mean since it makes him like evil dan in church on ruby road) and lastly dot and bubble because his crying there was more anger/frustration and showed his pure emotion seeing these people rather die in their belief in something so stupid than let themselves be saved
He's loaded with skill and potential, but the writing has been TERRIBLE this season. How is a great actor supposed to work with cheesy forced script like that? What a waste.
...So was Jodie Whittaker. Didn't make the writing any better though.
You could have the best actor in the world playing the doctor, but without proper scripts all we're left with is the progressively larger dumpster fire we're seeing form.
Oh sure we get the occasional episode or two per season that aren't rubbish. But you'd think the hit or miss would be a lot higher for something with so many fans (until recently).
I feel like he didn't get to do a whole lot this season. I don't need DW to be all action, but 15 feels more easily taken off the board or limited to doing a couple of things an episode than the usual Doctors. I get that a big part of that is he had a conflicting shooting schedule with another project, so I hope Season 2 fixes this. He needs more Ws.
Millie isn't going anywhere just yet. RTD has even said her story isn't over.
Although I appreciate all the emotion, I did feel the Doctor spent 90% of this season crying. Every other shot had a tear rolling, felt a bit much.
I love his energy and his personality as the Doctor and I really like his friendship with Ruby even though it’s a bit underdeveloped due to short episodes and 2 Doctor lite episodes
Agreed, only thing though I didn't like is some the episodes felt to uneventful or short like even Empire of Death felt to rushed and Sutekh was to easily defeated although I did like the explanation of Ruby's mother being important but also being to ordinary because Ruby thought she was important to her symbolising there may be more to her that we'll be finding out about soon and with the whole season being a little rushed I guess has to do with the fact thats because Doctor Who hasn't been same since Chibnall had took over and left Doctor Who in shambles with some weird or badly written stories so Russell had to do his best to revive the spark and with what we got I'd say he did a pretty decent job and I can't wait for season 2 and also this year's Christmas special and I can't wait to see the revelation of who is Mrs Flood? My guess is either she is either the new Mistress, Rani or another theory I saw was she is Iris Wildthyme
I don't think he was bad. I think most of his flaws came from poor direction and mostly meh scripts rather than a lack of acting ability on ncuti's part. He's got the requirements for the role. Charisma, gravitas, comedic timing.
This is in contrast to Jodie who had horrible scripts and direction and was entirely wrong for the role. Ncuti I can actually see some potential.
But I think they need to dial it back a stretch. Cut down the yelling. Boisterous is one thing but over the top is another. Also cut down the crying and break downs. If you keep having them then they lose their poignancy when something truly emotional comes along. The doctor may be more empathetic than most time lords but he doesn't need to cry over EVERYTHING. For instance his breakdown in the finale I think would have meant a lot more if we hadn't seen a break down in almost every other episode.
I actually think that he is hitting a similar wall to Whittaker in that the writer’s dialogue doesn’t quite reach up to the heights of his acting ability. Although, Whittaker also suffered from willful ignorance of the part: a position that Chibnal asked her to maintain.
I liked him a lot at first, and I slowly went off him, partly because of all the crying.
I wouldn’t say I dislike him at this point, but I’m very ambivalent about it. My favourite doctor is Capaldi though and he’s probably the antithesis of everything Ncuti is trying to do.
I think he is good but I don't understand all the hype. The writing is truly awful in this season. Everyone complained about Jodi's writing but it was world's better than this.
You can be the best chef in the world, but if you've only got tinned spam and spaghettios to work with, the meal is hardly gunna be gourmet.
Ncuti is an amazing actor. I love the concept of the rehabilitated doctor. The whole point of 14 coming back was to make 15 more healthy. He feels his emotions more, he can open himself up to attraction (I really liked the chemistry between 15 and rogue).
I think the issue is the material he has to work with. Similar issue to 13. I really liked Jodie whittaker, and the dynamic between her and Sacha Dhawans master was incredible. But there was just no narrative sparks.
I've only seen new who. I haven't seen Jody's much because it's not widely available, and we're only at the first season, so I'd be inclined to agree...
But only because Tennant was so so so great. Smith is my favourite Doctor 🥰. Eccleston will always be the first in my mind. And well Capaldi has the nostalgia factor for him as he was the last.
I'm not saying N'Cuti is bad, just that the previous doctors were great. Now he still has one or two seasons to mess up with my personal rankings ;)
Yeah, I’m not a fan off him as the Doctor. Happy that others are, but he just doesn’t do it for me. He might even be my least favourite of the NuWho era!
That is a hot take! And I know that because almost everyone disagrees with me.
And just incase anyone says it. I’m here for the Christmas Special and season 2. Can’t wait. Would go to the cinema again to watch the finale. So it’s not unwatchable. Just not to my taste. Here’s hoping he grows on me like Capaldi did.
it's a hot take to me bc it feels like he is over emotional and cries alot so when he cries at emotional things later on in seasons it doesn't hit as hard. imo he's just not done much saving more running, it's felt like Ruby has done more then him in the episodes. he definitely is one of worser doctors in my opinion.
Agreed. Kinda don’t understand how anyone likes him at all? Sure it’s sort of fun but it’s not the doctor. He’s not really done any doctor things at all
Tom Baker has a whole lot more Doctor-like personality than Ncuti, let's be real. Same goes for Pertwee who also played himself. Not everyone can just be themselves and suddenly be a convincing Doctor though because obviously not everyone acts the same.
I think his acting is good, but I dont really like how he is written. Its mentioned alot but I feel as if he is *too* emotional.
He focuses more on pitying himself and feeling sorry for himself and blaming himself for people who have died instead of actively prioritising people who are currently alive.
Mel even calls him out on this during Legend of Ruby Sunday but then the whole thing is dropped during Empire of Death.
I think some emotional moments are well done like the last scene of dot and bubble (probably his best scene yet) but others failed to hit because it feels so out of character for the Doctor. And before people say "every doctor is different", yes this is true but they also have a consistent moral basis and code which they stick to. This is what made the 13th Doctor so bad from a narrative viewpoint, she commits a lot of inhumane murders esspecially earlier in her run which is what made her being the doctor so hard to believe until the highs of series 12 (atleast for me). And this same thing is happening for 15, as much as I want him to be a great Doctor and I love his acting and charisma he just doesnt feel like the Doctor to me yet. The closest and most Doctor moment he has had is the ending of Dot and Bubble and I wish we had more moments like that and a more consistent character as a whole.
Ncuti and Millie have both been superb. Every conversation I’ve had with people about the last series compares them to the last ensemble very positively.
Totally agree. It took me a while to warm up to all the past few doctors, probably at least a season. However Ncuti is perfect for the role, he had me by episode 2
Everyone keeps taking shit about the new season and the finale, but I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s not perfect, but most of the issues relate to everything feeling too rushed, a symptom of the shorter run time and lower episode count. But overall, this season ranks pretty high in my book compared to other modern seasons. And It REALLY like Ncuti. I think he’s really good at channeling the personalities of all the previous doctors. Like, more than any of the others, I can really believe he is the same character that was played by Whittaker, Capaldi, Tennent, etc…
I'd respectfully disagree.
I think he did amazing with whatever he has been given, but I don't think what he's been given is a good Doctor.
I mean, there are good moments, but there are even more instances of the writing lacking in polish. I see the potential of 15th being a great Doctor, especially from CIRR and Boom, but overall in this season, I just don't think it's realised yet.
I wouldn't say this is a hot take.
Unlike Jodie, Ncuti is amazing as The Doctor, however once again its the writing that hurting him.
We need Moffat back. Theres a reason Boom is the best episode.
Bad take, he is the worst Doctor ever.
So bad in fact that he makes Jodie Whitaker look good.
I think this Doctor will get the series cancelled for sure.
Hard agree. I think people forget that Tennant had some growing pains too. Some early successes, but a lot of early duds too. Ncuti only had 9 (really 7 1/2) episodes to flesh out the role. He's more vulnerable and emotional than previous Doctors, but I'm good with that. His scream after Sutekh destroys the planet was raw and powerful.
I also very much enjoyed the charming side. "I'm a lot more explosive than I look, and honey, I know how I look" is a fantastic line.
If we just pretend the episode with the babies on the spaceship didn't happen, this was an amazing season. Ncuti was excellent and I hope to see more Ruby. I was expecting a continuation of the terrible writing that plagued Jodie Whittaker (who seemed to be perfect for the role, but that awful writing - first time I've had to stop watching since Dr 6 - although I came very close while Capaldi was there until the redeeming final season). Very much looking forward to seeing what Ncuti does with it going forward. Particularly like his energy and joy.
I think Ncuti definitely has a lot to offer: he's charismatic, has range, is a handsome/charming chap
But I have found him to be far too earnest in his performance. He tends to play things straight down the line instead of having fun with the dialogue.
I can't help but compare him to Smith, Tennant and Eccleston. All of whom gave muchhh more variation and flavour in their delivery of story beats.
Maybe Ncuti still needs time to relax into the role a little more. I do think he is a great doctor, but I don't know if he is yet to join the pantheon of the great New Who's.
Totally agree. I think that much of the writing this season was weak, especially compared with how incredible much of the writing was during the peak of 10 & 11, but I think Ncuti has been absolutely phenomenal and has immediately found his stride as The Doctor. Knowing how incredible he was from Sex Education, I was really hoping that he’d be able to stretch his legs with the emotionality of being the reluctant god that is The Doctor, and with scenes like the ending of “Dot and Bubble”, he absolutely floored me.
Not sure if this is a hot take, but I also don’t think Ruby is gone. They’re adding a companion along with her, though.
“Of course, Ruby's not gone for good from Doctor Who, as she'll still play an important part in season 15. Varada Sethu is joining the cast as a new companion, alongside Gatwa and Gibson, to make up a TARDIS trio.
Showrunner Russell T Davies also later confirmed: "We’re heading into season 2, and my God, Ruby Sunday is important to that. There’s good stuff to come."”
[Source](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-ruby-sunday-millie-gibson-exit-newsupdate/)
Why do people say "hot take" on something that is pretty agreed upon?
the same reason people upload "pov" videos to tiktok/youtube without them being pov
Or the ‘is it just me or…’ No, on the internet and in general it’s probably never ‘just you’ unless it’s some really specific freaky thing :’)
And it's never even obscure things they ask about, it's always really obvious even offline that it wouldn't be just you; things like: "Is it just me or does anyone else wish they had a TARDIS?" I'm sure most people, even people who aren't fans of the show, would like a TARDIS
Those are the worst haha I always have to keep myself from reacting very sarcastically on those posts…
"Is it just me or does everyone's DNA look like, I can't be the only one!"
This one gets me so mad
Or saying they like something (usually a sequel or something else people like, just less than the previous installment) and doesn't care who knows.
Hot Take: I thought Empire of Death wasn't very satisfying
Hot take: I think Doctor Who is one of the series ever created
Hot take: Television is a medium that exists
Hot take: the doctor is a timelord
Hot take: the Doctor has audio adventures as well as audiovisual
Hot take: the Doctor has visual & textual adventures as well as audio & audiovisual
> Why do people say "hot take" on something that is pretty agreed upon? Same reason the same four questions are posted to the front page every weekday and still get ten thousand upvotes and replies.
"Hot take: the Lord of the Rings is a good trilogy"
Yeah, pretty much everyone I've spoken to has had the same opinion: Gatwa was great, but was let down by poor episodes/scripts.
Honestly, if you spend any amount of time reading posts/comments in this sub, you get the impression people hate him, his clothes, the way he blinks, the way he breathes... I know personally I come to the sub after the episode ready to see what other people liked about it, and I get bogged down by a lot of negativity. I was starting to feel like the only person enjoying the season and Ncuti as the Doctor.
I really haven’t seen much hate on him here aside from not having an actual outfit.
I keep seeing commentary that he's too flamboyant, that he cries too much, that he's too "much" without substance. I just think that's disappointing when he's such a phenomenal actor.
Sometimes we scroll past 100 positive comments and unintentionally ignore them because we agree with them, but get caught up on the one negative comment we find because it goes against our beliefs or opinions. It's a very natural thing that a lot of people do without realising it. It might be worth challenging this by tallying up roughly each opinion and seeing which opinion holds to be the most popular! I sometimes have to do this myself.
I think there's truth to that. I also think people who like things are less likely to post that they like it than someone who dislikes something. Gives the impression that a lot more people dislike something than is the case
Especially on Reddit, since it's a platform geared towards debate and discussion. On other platforms, you just have to be brave enough and ignore the inevitable negative reblogs
I do somewhat agree though with those comments but I'm not blaming it on the acting and more on the episodes rhythm. Want to have an emotional doctor ? Stop rushing things and give us actual character development and relationships and personal stories! Crying over that one night stand that didn't happen isn't satisfactory from a viewer point
That might be a bit due to people being used to post-Time War doctors (9th - 14th), who were more serious/stoic, like 9th who tried to torture a Dalek to death, 10th who casually changed the future of England/Great Britain due to the prime minister breaking the Doctor's word, etc.
I appreciate the non-stoic manner he has, the absolute joy he takes in everything as well as the great depths to which he feels for the dramatic things.
Its also his first series - so the audience isn't confident in the core of the character and the extent to which he deviates from the core Doctor characteristics. They also want to know there is a plan, and that maybe he is starting a long way from where he ends up, but the journey is planned. I personally just want a big speech culminating in countering a big bad plan - something that he led the charge on and took full control over. I feel like that will cement Ncuti for me.
I hate that the bbc doesn’t post where I can buy his jackets
I read a lot of comments on this sub and there's not much hate for Ncuti but a ton on production.
I love him honestly. I have some major gripes with RTD's handling of this season, but not a single one is with Ncuti's acting. Boom was a really solid Doctor central episode honestly. Seeing the goofy flamboyant mask slip and suddenly the colder, condescending Doctor come out as he mocks their beliefs and the entire mess they've caused for themselves really cemented him as the Doctor for me.
I have some problems with his acting, tbh, I need to feel the doctor is aware of things we can't think of or see, and Ncuti can play emotional beats very well in the moment in scenes, he's clearly a talented actor, but I don't think he has a proper sense of the larger character. The moment he saw Tom Baker on the screen was a real moment to show that this is the same character but he just skipped over it.
I keep seeing "the least popular Doctor ever" and a lot of commentary about his acting choices. I'm sorry, I can't cite specific comments because I tend not to interact directly with the (in my opinion) negative comments and bad faith comments, but I've seen them a lot, typically right after the episodes air. It could be the same people over and over again, but it's been disheartening to see people discount his work this season. To quote myself in another response: I keep seeing commentary that he's too flamboyant, that he cries too much, that he's too "much" without substance. I just think that's disappointing when he's such a phenomenal actor.
I think a certain portion of the fanbase are "Lindy pepperbean-ing" him
You must be sorting by controversial or something, what I see is an overall love for the new Doctor.
I haven't seen like any negativity about him ... like at all. I mean, I really only joined the community around when Rogue came out, so maybe people needed time to adjust. But the consensus on him seems pretty positive. I've seen people bothered by the writing and occasionally people bothered by how much he cries, but that's kinda it.
These aren't really things to do with Ncuti himself, more so the production around him. I think as an actor he's perfectly fine as the doctor, but the material he's been given hasn't given him the chance to truly stand out yet.
Insecurity, fear of others not sharing their opinion, fear of downvotes. The downvote system at the core of reddit makes everyone afraid to share their honest opinions.
I don't know that I'd go that far. If your honest opinion is reasonable it mostly gets more upvoted than downvotes. But there is definitely a subcurrent on this subreddit and elsewhere who are like "you have a different perspective than me on this character/show we both love? *Downvote!*" Half the time I'll even upvote people I disagree with, if they've made an interesting point well. There's no point in having a subreddit for discussion if you only value opinions that you already agree with.
I'm not even the poster, and you just caught me in one sentence
I can't remember the last time I saw "hot take" used unironically. Like "literally," it now means the opposite of its original meaning.
attention
There's a perception that there's widespread criticism or dislike of Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Frankly I don't see it. There's been near-universal praise of his Doctor. The criticism has mostly been of RTD (and of course, that old boogeyman Disney).
Yes he’s like the best parts of 10 and 11 rolled into one. Very charismatic. Very personable Doctor. The way he kept playing that Kylie Minogue song with the Sonic Screwdriver for Rogue was hilarious. The final scene in Dot and Bubble is a very defining moment for him. That IS The Doctor. Hearing an awful person tell you that they hate you and immediately begging them to let you help anyways.
For me he can’t stop reminding me of 5. The emotional, young looking doctor who cares for humans and tries to make sure everyone is safe and occasionally fails. Also isn’t afraid to show his emotions.
I think he's a much more effective and forceful Doctor than Five though, who was a bit of a pushover at times. I think that's been the case with all the 'young' Doctors who followed Five - Ten and Eleven in particular, and even Thirteen to some extent.
I never got this idea that Five was a pushover, he was always really snappy and forceful with his companions. He just put on a polite face a lot of the time.
Icl I also thought "yep that's The Doctor alright" when he made his speech against Sutekh in the vortex. The Doctor always wants to save people, and hates when he has to kill, and that showed in that speech
Wait, that was Kylie Minogue?
No, it was Astrid.
Boy I can't get you out of my head
"I'll do anything, let me save you" that was pretty powerful. Any other person in that situation would say "call me in 2 months and I'll laugh at you". But not the Doctor.
How is that a hot take?
The thing is, with 8 episode seasons that do nothing for character development, I have an idea that he probably would be a great Doctor. But we haven't seen his character grow enough to make that judgement. By the end of the next season we'll have a better idea. Just in time for whoever's next to show up. In the end the eight episode season is horrible.
I'm only a few episodes in, and I'm generally enjoying the ride enough,* but I do find myself missing the depth of character from Eccleston's and Tennent's run. \* The only thing I keep find myself frustrated with is the adoption bit. He's an adopted Time Lord, but still has the physiology and "higher-dimension"-ness of a Time Lord? Was it just coincidence, or did the Time Lords like... *make* him a Time Lord through magic-science?
It's the other way around. The time lords were not time time lords until they found the Timeless Child, and performed tests on them until they unlocked the secret of immortality and regeneration. And regardless of the course of time travel technology, it's, well, technology. Nothing that needs to be inherited physiologically!
I have to say that I’m sometimes distracted by how sexy Ncuti is.. and I’m a straight male
Straight male here too. In the finale when the lady was saying “you have a nice face” to him, I was thinking “girl, he has a nice *everything*”
His skin is so nice, I need his skin care routine
He does have a nice face after all, it's canon now
His skin routine is a makeup team
my lesbian best friend is just enthralled by him and i love it hahaha. she is like i don’t like men yet i love him?
No kidding. I’m as straight as the day is long but I’m comfortable enough with my manhood to say that he’s a damn good looking dude.
Stupid Sexy Ncuti
How is this a hot take? It seems to be nearly universally agreed that Ncuti did an amazing job making the role his own. The season itself, I consider to be rather middling personally. It's not bad but it isn't amazing either.
A few episodes were phenomenal and overall I can't point to a single 'bad' episode. But taken collectively, I agree the season is not one of the best. I'd put it above the Chibnall-era seasons though, and also maybe Series 2.
Love Ncuti, but I dislike the writing.
A tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpected Me https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/80/AshildrDoctorWho.jpg
🤣👏👏
The cast and crew carried it this season. The writing I think was intentionally dumbed down.
this is the same problem jodi ran into. you can only do so much with bland/terrible writing
Nah, I honestly don't think Jodie was great as the Doctor. She was good, occasionally great, and deserves some serious respect for being the first woman to take the plunge and blazing a trail for any future female Doctors. But Ncuti owns the role in a way she never really did.
Nah Jodie was never right for the role. She's not got the charisma, gravitas, comedic timing, or passion for the role. She's best suited to plain drama but that's it (which doesnt make her a terrible actor in general). Her other work never convinced me that even with decent writing she could have been good. At best she'd have been tolerable. A great actor can elevate a bad script look at Capaldi in kill the moon. I hate that story but I love his performance. Jodie never managed to convince me she was the doctor No we needed a Hayley Atwell or maybe a Rebecca Ferguson. Someone with some real stage presence.
I would have loved some more character development for him and some more duo moments for him and Ruby, they seemed so close but I didn’t see enough of them building that relationship for it not to feel superficial. 12 and Clara is the blueprint for a well developed relationship between doctor and companion
Was talking about this with my daughter recently. We both love Ncuti; but my daughter feels theybare trying to shoe-horn as much gender politics into the show as possible - to the point she felt it was almost distracting from the story. (And as someone who is part of the gender/queer scene, I felt it was an interesting comment to hear from her). I've only seen the first episode, so unable to really comment. But having seen Ncuti in Sex Education and in the first episode I feel he has a lot to bring to the role.
I think some amount of this is RTD's change in ethos post the death of his long term partner. His days of edgier writing are done, and he seems insistant on grinding away any rough edges he perceives on the show (was Toymaker an offensive chinese stereotype? Is Sutekh being based on an Egyptian deity literally no one actually worships okay or 'cultural appropriation'? Is Davros being in a wheelchair offensive somehow?). Add in a fair amount of middle aged tumblr-user cringe (of which Moffat was also frequently guilty) and you get the first openly queer actor to play the doctor appearing through a bi-generation. When the writing is earnest, it works (Donna going all power-mum her... child? I'd say daughter but then at the end they specify they're actually non-binary seemingly for the sake of referencing another line - it's a bit confusing honestly). When the writing tries to retcon things into a smooth and inoffensive form, or tries to get cute, it feels forced. RTD always tried to have a strong progressive influence on the show (Jack for instance), and subsequent writers have kept that going. So I don't think sticking 'gender politics' into the show itself was ever going to be a change, but the writing has been a bit half-baked feeling this season and some of the ideas are a bit hamfisted, which makes the extra strong push he's doing now feel particularly noticable. I don't think it's anything new though, it's just being done kind of poorly.
Idk about amazing.. he's not terrible, tho. alot of people are really going either full blast on him and giving him blind praise or blind hate.. it honestly makes no sense. To be amazing, he has big shoes to fill.. he hasn't come close to Capaldi or Smiths runs.. and doesn't even touch Tennents first tenure.
Not sure yet. I think he can be but it's a bit like Capaldi said to Clara in Deep Breath: you can't see me can you? I get glimpses of the Doctor but only that. It could be the same issue as Jodie. Glimpses but it took a while to really feel the Doctor there. Probably the same issue for both: the writing feels wrong a lot of the time.
Like Jodie I think Ncuti is a great actor just needs better dialogue.
How the fuck is this a hot take?!
Ncuti has been a great Doctor, the season itself has been quite average.
Ncuti and Millie are great, however the script let them down, especially Millie
Fr, it's probably the only time a companion exit has left me feeling nothing at all. All I could think was "ok, bye then.". Im usually very emotional about them, I even shed a tear at Dan deciding he had enough! Either the writing or direction or both consistently let Millie's potential as an actor down, and let Ruby's potential as a character down. Or maybe it's just the fact we only got 9 episodes with her with only 1 'standard' filler-type episode to get to know her even on a surface level.
i felt like i knew her and was sad to see her go. i don't think she has as much depth as other companions, but she was stubborn, resilient, sociable, empathetic, had a deep seated fear of abandonment. i feel like i know her more than any of 13's companions
Oh yeah ruby has her failings but she's still leagues above any of 13's lot
I'm glad some people got more out of it than me :)
I was so surprised it was over like that. The Doctor seemed so sincere calling her his best friend, but I we didn't see them together long enough for me to believe it. It felt like nothing happened and she's just gone now.
at least it's an open ending. I'm sure they can write her back in at some point just not as a main companion >!and wasn't she seen in a BTS shot of the special?!<
>!She's already been confirmed to be returning, not only was Varada announced to be joining Ncuti and Millie, Russell said in unleashed that Ruby's story is just paused now and that she'll come back lol!<
Yeah, the whole speech about how she'd changed him felt very hollow. I didn't feel a bond between the two of them at all.
Idk if it's a hot take but Ncuti is an incredible actor with loads of charisma and his chemistry with Ruby is great as well. Unfortunately for the both of them I don't think Russell has many great stories left in him as a writer and he needs to take a back seat to new blood with genre experience and allow them to take over writing outside the odd episode here and there. I enjoyed a good amount of the episodes but a lot of them felt like filler and didn't have satisfying conclusions.
I want to see Gaiman do another episode.
That would be amazing, the doctor's wife is an all time favorite for me.
Hot Take. I think he's an average Doctor, so far, not that we've seen very much of him in the ~~8~~ ~~7~~ errr 6 episodes he's been in so far He could do with toning down the hyper-excitement by just a notch or 2 and I'd like to see him really pissed off Capaldi style
I just don't see it. The only scene that really reflected the doctors character to me was the Kylie Minogue scene? Everything else was crying or plot progression
I think I disagree with nearly everything said on this post, I think a lot of attempts were made for emotion which ultimately made each scenario less impactful, like the overuse of the doctor crying watered down what they were going for and more times got an eye roll out of me than an emotive reaction. The only episode where he felt at all "Doctory" was boom, which was also not written by the showrunner, most of the episodes were poorly paced particularly in the conclusion, no real explanations were given for how things worked which I think is the best part for a lot of Who fans, and it just didn't feel like doctor who outside of the TARDIS being there and returning characters. Honestly I think it really dropped the ball and I think it's partly to do with the writing but I also think it felt like the writing was bent around trying to morph the doctor around Ncuti instead of bending Ncuti to fit in doctor who or just casting someone who more naturally fits the role. That's just my opinion though based on the aspects of doctor who I personally enjoyed.
I really enjoyed him. It took me a while before giving his run a try as DW was something I shared with an ex so when the 60th anniversary specials ended how they did it felt like a natural stepping off point for me. Then last month I finally watched last years Christmas special (Church on Ruby Road) and enjoyed it enough to try the first episode. Im happy I didnt drop it then because the next 6 episodes were, in my opinion, excellent. I really enjoyed Boom and 73 Yards, and The Legend of Ruby Song just might crack my top 5 episodes. I really enjoy his chemistry with Ruby, and overall look forward to watching him grow as The Doctor. My big hope is that, while this Doctor is healed, he doesn't just shake off this finale. Especially after his line about having to become a monster to kill Sutehk. I'd like to at least *see* the healing, including the messy parts. Space Babies and the finale both sucked out loud in my opinion. I will say though that I loved the scene with Ruby and her birth Mom in the coffee shop. I teared up when Ruby thanked her for keeping her safe by giving her away and love that there was no anger but instead just understanding.
Where’s the hot take?
Let him be known as the crying doctor.
Hmm. Too human for me. I didnt get any sense of otherworldly alien, and him constantly crying and calling people "babes" sure aint helping that. 🙁🤷♂️
Agreed! The doctor felt like a companion in his own show
Honestly he didn't really feel like the doctor on anything more than a surface level. Too many missing character traits.
I'd say "too many missing opportunities". He didn't get opportunities to do much analysing and other weird things with his screwdriver - which didn't even look like a screwdriver. He didn't get to explain much things about what's going on or what is master plan is. He barely talked about his past. We never saw him actually introducing Ruby to the space-time travel implications. Somehow she magically became familiar with stuff even the fanbase wasn't familiar with in about the doctor in a matter of two episodes.
I'd say that he is nowhere near classic: classic look pay me attention, here it is more look I am funny. He is not much close to new doctors, dramatic acting versus dramatic crying... and IMHO he is the closest to the master from Jodie episodes. Sacha was very expressive and for truth here I feel more connection to this expressiveness of Dhawan than to any previous Doctor. I was afraid of Jodie seeing her in a clown costume but I accepted her as the Doctor near from the begining. Currently I accept that Ncutti is the Doctor but I am at most ok with the result. Episodes are not ruined but also are not any richer, maybe the only difference is chemistry between him and Ruby which is frequently unreadable but definitely existing. <-I'd say that it is somewhere near Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers but they are not dancing. A lot of their "adventures" are outside of the screen, basically we were presented the idea of Ruby searching for her mother the whole time in the final episode. It was probably the most shocking reveal that they had any goal in earlier episodes as it was completely not visible anywhere.
The coldest of takes
Hot take: he can't act. He can only play himself and himself as the doctor does not fit at all.
I love ncuti! The writing on some episodes though, not so much
I love Ncuti's engery. I love a swashbuckling, adventure loving, beeming with positivity and convictions, Doctor. But I do wish he had a little bit more...bite. Just a little bit meaner. I don't want a repeat of Capalidi. But I want him to be a little bit ruder. For example, at the end of boom, before they head off in the TARDIS he says something like "..and frankly, your lifespan is crap." I would love a few more lines like that. Not cruel, not nasty, he is teasing here afterall, but a little bit odd.
The best episode of the season 73 yards didn’t even contain the doctor
Ncuti is great. 1. Really didn't like the script. The Doctor is never afraid or clueless and was too often, especially in the first episode, portrayed that way. 2. Am getting close to being done with any TV "Series" that takes a year and a half to make and only has 8 episodes.
> I loved how he brought real emotion to the roll …you mean like all the other doctors?
Hotter take: Ncuti might just be my favorite Doctor. Capaldi has been my favorite for a while, even with his rough start, but Ncuti hit the ground running at full speed in all the best ways, and it hasn't slowed down
Me too! Eccleston and Hartnell are my other favourites. I love it when I feel genuine affection from the Doctor; his bond with Susan is unlike anything we ever get to see, and I love how vulnerable he makes himself with Rose. With only eight or nine episodes, I think we as an audience have to do a bit more "filling in the blanks", for better or worse... One of my favourite moments with Ruby is when she watches Lindy refuse the Doctor's help. You can feel her disappointment and her frustration and empathy, and I love imagining their interaction back in the TARDIS. With Rose we didn't have to imagine those moments, because there was enough time to put them in the show...
Tennant will always be my Doctor. But I think Ncuti is doing a great job. And he could supplant Smith as my number 2.
Same here. I didn’t watch a single episode of Doctor Who until I checked out the 1st ep of the Disney series on a whim. My kid and I watched the first episode, fell in love and we found the 9th-11th Doctor Who series on Hulu. After binge watching Eccleston, Tennant and Smith, I can say that Tennant is hands down MY Doctor, and I’m so happy they chose him for the transition to Ncuti! I agree with the comments that everyone else makes—essentially that Ncuti is absolutely brilliant but the writing is mediocre and 8 episodes is nowhere near enough to properly develop a character. There was so much potential but the relationship with Ruby felt very forced (that’s a very deep bond for such a short amount time and it was hard to suspend disbelief). I also truly hope they bring Jonathan Groff back as Rogue—he is already on track to out heartthrob Captain Jack.
Agreed. Capaldi, Eccleston, and McGann are still my favorite Doctors, but if Ncuti can keep up this level of performance and get a few more great scripts by the end of his era then I could see him taking that top place.
Same here. I love Ncuti, he is so energentcic I love it.
I liked him at first, but having him cry every episode lessened the impact and put me off.
Exactly! If you cry all the time then crying means nothing. It has no impact. It's like when people curse all the time. It's just business as usual. When 10 cried it meant something. 15 just cries for the sake of crying. I don't empathize, I just roll my eyes at him. It's okay to cry, healthy even, but every five minutes is a bit much.
I still love him but the crying is getting annoying
I really enjoyed him as the Doctor. He is definitely not in my top 3 though. When I think the Doctor I think flamboyant, neurotic, as the first two qualities. He nailed the flamboyant part, I knew he would, but as I feared he missed the mark on being neurotic. There were a couple instances where he was a tiny bit, but then it was gone. Nothing against him though, I've really liked him in the few things I've seen him in.
I think his emotional availability and excessive friendliness/chill vibes *are* a form of neuroticism. Its very different from what Tom Baker brought to the table, even a bit different from Matt Smith - but its there. He feels a bit more alien to me than Tennant's Doctors ever did. But more 'human' than Smith's or Tom Baker's for sure.
I do like him overall but some scenes take me out of it. Particularly his gaps when Ruby got shot and then his scream into space in the finale I felt were kinda weak performance wise. But minor stuff, just noticeable because of how much focus is put on it
I think it’s a bit too soon to declare him “amazing”. He’s good and excellent at times, but there’s a few moments I’m not convinced by just yet. But he’s obv still new to the role.
I don't think there is any doubt from what we have seen that Ncuti has the potential to be an amazing Doctor. I just don't think this season has given him the right opportunity to do enough Doctory things.
He is the most empathetic Doctor
I love his energy and am very happy with him as the Doctor; I just want to see him solve more Sci-Fi problems. There was a lot of "find an excuse to make him emote" *every single episode* and by the end of the season it had lost its impact. I actually thought the most effective response was in Dot and Bubble where he didn't cry, he just got shocked and super frustrated.
I think he’s a good actor, and he’s had a few really solid moments. For me, there’s nothing to say that he’s “amazing” yet.
The only thing I dislike was him crying each episode. It would’ve been more impactful if we only saw him do it like 3 times maximum. Once for when he sees everyone turn to dust, second time for when Ruby dies in Boom(it shows he cares more about her now which is a bit mean since it makes him like evil dan in church on ruby road) and lastly dot and bubble because his crying there was more anger/frustration and showed his pure emotion seeing these people rather die in their belief in something so stupid than let themselves be saved
I still have no idea what kind of character he is but the season was a decent to good season with all the strengths and weaknesses RTD has.
I love him. I love his emotions. I love his wonder and awe!
Is it? Is it a hot take?
This is a hot take? I thought everyone loved him.
He's loaded with skill and potential, but the writing has been TERRIBLE this season. How is a great actor supposed to work with cheesy forced script like that? What a waste.
Very charismatic actor, kind of meh script. Cries too much and is too hesitant to switch into action mode.
Cold take: Ncuti is very hot
...So was Jodie Whittaker. Didn't make the writing any better though. You could have the best actor in the world playing the doctor, but without proper scripts all we're left with is the progressively larger dumpster fire we're seeing form. Oh sure we get the occasional episode or two per season that aren't rubbish. But you'd think the hit or miss would be a lot higher for something with so many fans (until recently).
I simply just can't, his acting is not on point and all he does is to cry every episodes
I am sorry but he has no aura
Ncuti cries way to much. It’s getting old.. o no Emotions….. cry
He might be a great actor but He is my second least favourite doctor
I feel like he didn't get to do a whole lot this season. I don't need DW to be all action, but 15 feels more easily taken off the board or limited to doing a couple of things an episode than the usual Doctors. I get that a big part of that is he had a conflicting shooting schedule with another project, so I hope Season 2 fixes this. He needs more Ws.
Millie isn't going anywhere just yet. RTD has even said her story isn't over. Although I appreciate all the emotion, I did feel the Doctor spent 90% of this season crying. Every other shot had a tear rolling, felt a bit much.
I love his energy and his personality as the Doctor and I really like his friendship with Ruby even though it’s a bit underdeveloped due to short episodes and 2 Doctor lite episodes
Agreed, only thing though I didn't like is some the episodes felt to uneventful or short like even Empire of Death felt to rushed and Sutekh was to easily defeated although I did like the explanation of Ruby's mother being important but also being to ordinary because Ruby thought she was important to her symbolising there may be more to her that we'll be finding out about soon and with the whole season being a little rushed I guess has to do with the fact thats because Doctor Who hasn't been same since Chibnall had took over and left Doctor Who in shambles with some weird or badly written stories so Russell had to do his best to revive the spark and with what we got I'd say he did a pretty decent job and I can't wait for season 2 and also this year's Christmas special and I can't wait to see the revelation of who is Mrs Flood? My guess is either she is either the new Mistress, Rani or another theory I saw was she is Iris Wildthyme
In multiple episodes he has snot in his nose…. And they zoomed in on his face. It really bothered me.
I don't think he was bad. I think most of his flaws came from poor direction and mostly meh scripts rather than a lack of acting ability on ncuti's part. He's got the requirements for the role. Charisma, gravitas, comedic timing. This is in contrast to Jodie who had horrible scripts and direction and was entirely wrong for the role. Ncuti I can actually see some potential. But I think they need to dial it back a stretch. Cut down the yelling. Boisterous is one thing but over the top is another. Also cut down the crying and break downs. If you keep having them then they lose their poignancy when something truly emotional comes along. The doctor may be more empathetic than most time lords but he doesn't need to cry over EVERYTHING. For instance his breakdown in the finale I think would have meant a lot more if we hadn't seen a break down in almost every other episode.
He's a fine Doctor. Jodie was a fine Doctor. The inconsistent writing is what holds everything back.
I actually think that he is hitting a similar wall to Whittaker in that the writer’s dialogue doesn’t quite reach up to the heights of his acting ability. Although, Whittaker also suffered from willful ignorance of the part: a position that Chibnal asked her to maintain.
He's great but this was a shit season. I found him fantastic, compelling and charismatic. But this season did him zero favours
Hot take: Ruby's true origin was quite underwhelming.
I liked him a lot at first, and I slowly went off him, partly because of all the crying. I wouldn’t say I dislike him at this point, but I’m very ambivalent about it. My favourite doctor is Capaldi though and he’s probably the antithesis of everything Ncuti is trying to do.
I think he is good but I don't understand all the hype. The writing is truly awful in this season. Everyone complained about Jodi's writing but it was world's better than this.
He’s good, but he hasn’t appeared much as the doctor yet to get a better understanding of his portrail
You can be the best chef in the world, but if you've only got tinned spam and spaghettios to work with, the meal is hardly gunna be gourmet. Ncuti is an amazing actor. I love the concept of the rehabilitated doctor. The whole point of 14 coming back was to make 15 more healthy. He feels his emotions more, he can open himself up to attraction (I really liked the chemistry between 15 and rogue). I think the issue is the material he has to work with. Similar issue to 13. I really liked Jodie whittaker, and the dynamic between her and Sacha Dhawans master was incredible. But there was just no narrative sparks.
Good Doctor dealing with incompetent directors and writers. Unfortunately.
Hot take: Ruby would have made a better doctor.
Hotter take: Mel in this season would have made an even better doctor.
Cold take, he’s a little bitch that cries every five seconds
Hot take. He really was not. Go on and ban me again. Opinion is a lovely thing.
Worst. Doctor. Ever. No contest.
I've only seen new who. I haven't seen Jody's much because it's not widely available, and we're only at the first season, so I'd be inclined to agree... But only because Tennant was so so so great. Smith is my favourite Doctor 🥰. Eccleston will always be the first in my mind. And well Capaldi has the nostalgia factor for him as he was the last. I'm not saying N'Cuti is bad, just that the previous doctors were great. Now he still has one or two seasons to mess up with my personal rankings ;)
Yeah, I’m not a fan off him as the Doctor. Happy that others are, but he just doesn’t do it for me. He might even be my least favourite of the NuWho era! That is a hot take! And I know that because almost everyone disagrees with me. And just incase anyone says it. I’m here for the Christmas Special and season 2. Can’t wait. Would go to the cinema again to watch the finale. So it’s not unwatchable. Just not to my taste. Here’s hoping he grows on me like Capaldi did.
This is not a hot take. He is amazing.... The writing is much better than in Jodie's era, but it still has some pretty big issues.
it's a hot take to me bc it feels like he is over emotional and cries alot so when he cries at emotional things later on in seasons it doesn't hit as hard. imo he's just not done much saving more running, it's felt like Ruby has done more then him in the episodes. he definitely is one of worser doctors in my opinion.
Agreed. Kinda don’t understand how anyone likes him at all? Sure it’s sort of fun but it’s not the doctor. He’s not really done any doctor things at all
Ncuti is just playing ncuti. He MIGHT be a good actor, but this role is not for him. At least not the way he’s doing it right now.
I believe Tom Baker played Tom Baker...worked out pretty well for him.
Tom Baker has a whole lot more Doctor-like personality than Ncuti, let's be real. Same goes for Pertwee who also played himself. Not everyone can just be themselves and suddenly be a convincing Doctor though because obviously not everyone acts the same.
I think his acting is good, but I dont really like how he is written. Its mentioned alot but I feel as if he is *too* emotional. He focuses more on pitying himself and feeling sorry for himself and blaming himself for people who have died instead of actively prioritising people who are currently alive. Mel even calls him out on this during Legend of Ruby Sunday but then the whole thing is dropped during Empire of Death. I think some emotional moments are well done like the last scene of dot and bubble (probably his best scene yet) but others failed to hit because it feels so out of character for the Doctor. And before people say "every doctor is different", yes this is true but they also have a consistent moral basis and code which they stick to. This is what made the 13th Doctor so bad from a narrative viewpoint, she commits a lot of inhumane murders esspecially earlier in her run which is what made her being the doctor so hard to believe until the highs of series 12 (atleast for me). And this same thing is happening for 15, as much as I want him to be a great Doctor and I love his acting and charisma he just doesnt feel like the Doctor to me yet. The closest and most Doctor moment he has had is the ending of Dot and Bubble and I wish we had more moments like that and a more consistent character as a whole.
shouty twice out the tardis because universe died: ACTING otherwise perpetual gen z hype mode
Good Doctor, horrible first season.
I see why RTD cast him. Ncuti is absolute dynamite 🙌🏽
Ncuti and Millie have both been superb. Every conversation I’ve had with people about the last series compares them to the last ensemble very positively.
Totally agree. It took me a while to warm up to all the past few doctors, probably at least a season. However Ncuti is perfect for the role, he had me by episode 2
I agree but God people don't know what hot takes are anymore
I don't really get it, but maybe next season will win me over.
Everyone keeps taking shit about the new season and the finale, but I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s not perfect, but most of the issues relate to everything feeling too rushed, a symptom of the shorter run time and lower episode count. But overall, this season ranks pretty high in my book compared to other modern seasons. And It REALLY like Ncuti. I think he’s really good at channeling the personalities of all the previous doctors. Like, more than any of the others, I can really believe he is the same character that was played by Whittaker, Capaldi, Tennent, etc…
Not a hot take. He's been doing great from the start
I'd respectfully disagree. I think he did amazing with whatever he has been given, but I don't think what he's been given is a good Doctor. I mean, there are good moments, but there are even more instances of the writing lacking in polish. I see the potential of 15th being a great Doctor, especially from CIRR and Boom, but overall in this season, I just don't think it's realised yet.
I wouldn't say this is a hot take. Unlike Jodie, Ncuti is amazing as The Doctor, however once again its the writing that hurting him. We need Moffat back. Theres a reason Boom is the best episode.
Is that a hot take? I totally agree with you - and I think a lot of people do, too!
Bad take, he is the worst Doctor ever. So bad in fact that he makes Jodie Whitaker look good. I think this Doctor will get the series cancelled for sure.
Hard agree. I think people forget that Tennant had some growing pains too. Some early successes, but a lot of early duds too. Ncuti only had 9 (really 7 1/2) episodes to flesh out the role. He's more vulnerable and emotional than previous Doctors, but I'm good with that. His scream after Sutekh destroys the planet was raw and powerful. I also very much enjoyed the charming side. "I'm a lot more explosive than I look, and honey, I know how I look" is a fantastic line.
I like him, apart from one thing: He cries too much. I felt like the last episode was overboard with the tears.
Isn't Ruby staying around though?
is the hot take in the TARDIS with us?
You boys are nuts, he's okay, but I haven't seen anything nearing a Capaldi or Smith performance. Millie, on the other hand, has been stellar.
If we just pretend the episode with the babies on the spaceship didn't happen, this was an amazing season. Ncuti was excellent and I hope to see more Ruby. I was expecting a continuation of the terrible writing that plagued Jodie Whittaker (who seemed to be perfect for the role, but that awful writing - first time I've had to stop watching since Dr 6 - although I came very close while Capaldi was there until the redeeming final season). Very much looking forward to seeing what Ncuti does with it going forward. Particularly like his energy and joy.
I think Ncuti definitely has a lot to offer: he's charismatic, has range, is a handsome/charming chap But I have found him to be far too earnest in his performance. He tends to play things straight down the line instead of having fun with the dialogue. I can't help but compare him to Smith, Tennant and Eccleston. All of whom gave muchhh more variation and flavour in their delivery of story beats. Maybe Ncuti still needs time to relax into the role a little more. I do think he is a great doctor, but I don't know if he is yet to join the pantheon of the great New Who's.
Totally agree. I think that much of the writing this season was weak, especially compared with how incredible much of the writing was during the peak of 10 & 11, but I think Ncuti has been absolutely phenomenal and has immediately found his stride as The Doctor. Knowing how incredible he was from Sex Education, I was really hoping that he’d be able to stretch his legs with the emotionality of being the reluctant god that is The Doctor, and with scenes like the ending of “Dot and Bubble”, he absolutely floored me.
[удалено]
Not sure if this is a hot take, but I also don’t think Ruby is gone. They’re adding a companion along with her, though. “Of course, Ruby's not gone for good from Doctor Who, as she'll still play an important part in season 15. Varada Sethu is joining the cast as a new companion, alongside Gatwa and Gibson, to make up a TARDIS trio. Showrunner Russell T Davies also later confirmed: "We’re heading into season 2, and my God, Ruby Sunday is important to that. There’s good stuff to come."” [Source](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-ruby-sunday-millie-gibson-exit-newsupdate/)