In a show like this, everything means more than it seems.
There’s no doubt about Doctor Who ‘s biggest gift to fans for the show’s upcoming 60th anniversary.
The news of David Tennant donning the Doctor’s suit and returning to the TARDIS to travel the universe for a few more episodes as the fourteenth incarnation of a Time Lord immediately blew up the Internet.
David Tennant, adored by so many Whovians all over the world, was the only right choice to bring back the audience that had dwindled during the last few years of the Thirteenth Doctor’s run.
Another decision that would affect not only the special episodes with Tennant but also the following series with his successor Ncuti Gatwa, was to bring back Russell T Davies as showrunner.
Many believe that this move would return the series to the glory days of adventure that it was rebooted with back in 2005. However, this would not mean a complete comeback to the roots.
Instead, fans want this return to be a metaphor, a promise of something different but of the same quality that has been missing.
“Ultimately I think bringing back Tennant is smart on RTD’s part of my theory proves true. It’s going to be his way of establishing the new era.
I think the specials are going to be him saying “I know you’re all hoping we can just do what was great before again, but it’s not the same show now and I’m not the same writer,” Redditor sgtakase said, explaining their hopes for the specials.
While many viewers ultimately agree with all of the above, some still want to believe that Davies could at least bring back the feel of an older Doctor Who series.
Although Chris Chibnall’s era as showrunner had its own fans, the audience is generally ready to move on to something bigger. A sense of familiarity would only help.
Whether RTD’s return would mean repeating his own stories or bringing something completely new but with a familiar essence, we will have to wait and see.
Doctor Who’s 60th-anniversary specials with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor are scheduled to premiere in November 2023. Keep an eye out for more exciting updates!
