Sooo... I've just watched the Doctor Who Christmas Special yesterday, and I'm not sure whether I like where the show is going or rather, where RTD is taking it.

That first special for the 60th anniversary? Downright terrible. Gender ideology plus a boring, rather predictable story, and don't get me started on the new take on the theme 🙄 The second special felt like a run-off-the-mill space adventure but at least it was a bit of fun while I thought the third special was actually really good - Neil Patrick Harris was amazing and stole the show, hands down. Plus, I love UNIT and Kate Stewart.

BUT: I still don't see the point of bringing Tennant back. He's still one of my favourite Doctors, and I was very excited when Jodie Whittaker's Doctor regenerated into him. But after the three specials I just don't see the point, and my excitement wore off when I realised that 14 was really just 10 - not that I expected him to be that different, but still... it was kinda disappointing and seemed like such a waste.

I doubt that those three specials with their blatant fan service helped keep the rates from plummeting further like they were probably expected to. Mind you, I don't mind fan service, but in this case, it felt as if RTD was just checking boxes. Bring back 10? Check. Bring back his coolest companion? Check. Bring back her grandfather for ten seconds? Check. Solve the problem of her being killed by her memories? Check. And so on...

While I thought the idea of bi-generation was kinda funny, it immediately made me suspect that RTD did that in case they needed Tennant again to save the show. You know, like a backup. And I couldn't stand the ending he gave 10/14. Let him retire on Earth with his best friend while keeping a copy of the Tardis? I mean... really? 🙄 That, too, felt like fan service for all those who still think that "I don't wanna go" is a heartbreaking last line for the Doctor to say before he regenerates (I still think it's terribly cheesy).

Now, the new Doctor... I'm not sure about him. He's so... cheerful. Like, over-the-top cheerful, and seeing the Doctor dance while wearing a kilt and an undershirt was very, very weird, not to mention the singing later on. That felt completely off, it was like watching a brand-new show. As if RTD was saying "Now we're doing a proper reboot and leave the rest behind us. Let the Doctor laugh and be merry for most of the episode, let him dance and sing, and while we're at it, give him tons of jewelry, nails with weird symbols on them and a new sonic screwdriver that looks like the thing you use on a Oujia board".

I'm not sure I like where he's taking the show. I have struggled with it in the past but have stuck with it nevertheless, even when things got bumpy. But this time I'm not sure. Maybe it will take a while to get used to the new Doctor - with Matt Smith, it took me two or three episodes until I warmed up to him.