It’s a bitch convincing people to like you. Especially in a country where your five decades of genealogy are almost completely unknown, you have the supreme disadvantage of being labeled science fiction (high camp, at that) and your humor is more alien than your subject matter. Such is the plight of Doctor Who in the US. It returns this week after two painfully low-rated runs on Sci Fi, and having already watched the latest season online (it airs in the UK months earlier), I can say that it’s the best thing on TV this summer.
My newly deepened affection and even deeper appreciation are likely an effect of, as one British writer recently put it, the increasing buffyfication of the series. And though it may do nothing to expand his American audience, creator Russell T Davies’ open Whedon-emulation has removed almost all the filler from a series that has been unfortunately inconsistent for the past two years.
So Doctor Who has managed to recreate itself yet again; the most distinguished difference this season, aside from our now firmly established familiarity with (and adoration for) David Tennant, being the introduction of Freema Agyeman as the Doctor’s new companion. Agyeman’s Martha Jones is a more intelligent and capable partner for the Doctor, but she lacks the excitement and naiveté of her predecessor, Rose Tyler. Her inevitable swoonage for the Doctor comes a little too soon, but her solid acting and verbal sparring with Tennant more than make up for it.
With the exception of a boring trip to 1930s Manhattan, there isn’t a single episode that isn’t rife with suspense and pitch-perfect wit. The final three politically charged episodes are certainly the highlight, but a stand-alone episode titled “Blink” might be the most awesomely horrifying hour of television since “Hush.” But that probably means nothing to you anyway, silly countrymen.
The third season of Doctor Who sees its US premiere on Sci Fi this Friday, June 6th, at 8:00 pm.
right on. think she’s coming back?
I think if they bothered to advertise it like they did with Robin Hood – a far less superior show people here would watch it. As A Brit living in the USA – I knew it was on in the UK but had no idea it was coming to Sci Fi until I googled it and found your web site!
I totally agree with Clare, if Doctor Who was advertised like Robin Hood, a lot more people would watch (and be hooked) Doctor Who as I am. I faithfully record every episode of Doctor Who and now I am also looking for Torchwood, which I don’t know if it is in the US or not. Does anyone know if it’s here in the US?
Torchwood starts airing September 8th on BBC America.
SCI-FI (aka the Horror TV network) Execs need to put up against the wall with the lawyers and accounts.