There have been countless articles, essays, podcast episodes, and panels about Jodie Whittaker’s groundbreaking casting as the first woman Doctor and what it means to millions of fans. Now, Jodie has opened up about how her role and the show have affected her personally.
Her conversation with IGN’s Terri Schwartz led to a beautifully crafted essay that underscores why fans already adore her before Doctor Who Season 11 drops on October 7.
She clearly has a grasp on the show’s ethos and impact on viewers as well as the magnitude of taking on the iconic titular character. Pretty much every sentence is brilliant, but there are a few statements that really speak to truths about the fandom and why she will be a great Doctor:
‘Doctor Who’ has no ‘typical’ fan
“[Doctor Who] doesn’t exclude anyone, and I think that is a pretty unique show in that sense.” Her statement rings true because each fan is into the show for varied reasons that don’t have to fit into certain boxes of what a “real” or “serious” fan looks like.
The Doctor would embrace your love for the show no matter the reasons because this character sees importance and validity in each living being.
If you could care less about the feels and romance and just want to escape real-life to see adventure and running, then hey you’re a real fan. If you tune in for emotionally charged monologues that stir up all the weepy feels and for shipping purposes, then you are a real fan.
If you take critical looks at the show because you want it to be its best, then you are a fan. And, if you are not right in front of the TV when every episode debuts, you are STILL a real fan. As long as there is love in your heart for Doctor Who, then you are a FAN. Period.
Progression, inclusiveness, and change are the standard
Jodie started off her essay like The Doctor we love by reminding everyone that the show is a celebration of inclusiveness, which goes hand in hand with progressive movement.
Doctors change, companions change, the TARDIS changes, and The Doctor has stood up for the rights of living beings across time and space. It’s a standard that has proven to be successful and sustainable.
And, why wouldn’t a show about gallivanting the universe have diversity and tell the stories of people (and aliens) from all walks of life?
When you think about it, it is truly one of the most beautiful aspects of this odd little science fiction show starring an unconventional hero who reminds us that ALL ordinary people can be extraordinary in some way.
As Jodie puts it, change ensures that things will remain exciting and unpredictable — which are pluses on a long-running TV series.
New fans are a good thing…so welcome them!
Doctor Who is a worldwide program with a rapidly increasing fan-base and Jodie is all about bringing in new fans. As a matter of fact, she admitted to being a new Whovian, so if you are experiencing this world for the first time (or renewing your journey), then The Doctor is walking beside you at all times.
But, she acknowledged that existing fans are key to the show’s success thus far. Like any other series, Doctor Who is walking the delicate balance between keeping current fans and bringing new fans on-board because viewer numbers are what ultimately keeps the ship afloat.
And this should be great news for current fans. If you love something and think it’s awesome, then it should be exciting to see people discover this incredible thing! The moral of the story: spread the fandom love and tell a friend about Doctor Who.
The ‘Doctor Who’ impact is a two-way street
For the most part, Doctor Who actors have been known for being interactive and gracious to fans. There are a ton of stories about how they have made powerful impressions on fans, but Jodie talks about how one fan made a major impact on her.
She didn’t divulge the teen girl’s name, but she did say she had survived a major illness and flew to San Diego Comic-Con from the Midwest to meet Jodie. They spoke for about 45 and Jodie was so fascinated by her that she ended up asking her just as many questions.
That type of heartfelt and engaged interaction has been seen before in predecessors like Peter Capaldi (whom I have had the pleasure of meeting) and David Tennant and it’s heartwarming to see that Jodie has the same type of spirit.
Her letter is a solid reminder that heroes come in all forms and that this show is universally loved because it is a beacon for change and progressive ideals. And, if we allow it, it can bring millions of people together to bask in the things that make us hopeful, happy, and human.