Watched The Space Museum the other night and it slaps so hard. Love the dynamic between Hartnell’s Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Vicki. Love seeing the show go all in on anti-colonialism. Some of the world building stuff didn’t make sense (Xerons had a bit of “we’ve tried nothing and we’re all out of ideas” energy) but I just had a great time watching it.
In your opinion, are the stories in the new season anywhere near the quality level of the 10th and 11th Doctors? I started noticing I was enjoying them less part way into Smith’s run, and it felt like it was an overall downward trend until I stopped watching after Series 9. I thought both Smith and Capaldi did really well with their portrayal, but overall I didn’t think the stories and writing had the same spark that the earlier ones had. It might just be the fact that they were more serialized though.
It’s been a while since I watched Smith/Capaldi era. I do remember getting bored by the later Pond storyline, but I remember liking Clara, although I don’t remember if that took until Capaldi.
I definitely remember liking Capaldi in general while watching, but I recall fewer episodes. So they probably didn’t stick and were weaker stories.
I did skip most of Whitaker for similar story related reasons.
Ncuti is fresh in my mind however. And the “Wild Blue Yonder” special, which is fantastic Tennant Doctor, puts me right in the mind set you’re looking for.
Ultimately I think we’re heading towards that level of quality. I think the debut episode (The Church on Ruby Road) is a solid start. I think the first regular episode (Space Babies) is an odd one. But the one after that (The Devil’s Chord) is great.
I think it’s worth it, but if you’re not sure then give it 3 episodes (or skip Space Babies and watch it later if you enjoy the others).
I appreciate the information! I may have to give at least some of the episodes a try. I’ll admit I’m not super thrilled about the interviews I’ve seen where RTD mentions leaning even harder into fantasy than before, but we’ll see!