Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall addresses politically correct criticism: It feels really important
Doctor Who has been criticised for focusing on social issues (Picture: BBC PICTURE ARCHIVES) Doctor..
Doctor Who shows us the most dangerous creatures in the universe – and in the latest series, it was often hinted that us humans are actually the ones to fear.
The first series with Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor and Chris Chibnall as showrunner took inspirational from the witch hunts and the story of Rosa Parks and segregation for some of its standout episodes, with social issues taking a front seat.
But while some have blasted this approach as too politically correct, Chris thinks its just reflecting the world we live in – with added aliens.
Speaking at a screening of the New Years Day special at Londons BFI, Chibnall said: I think we wanted to be writing about the world that we live in. Its not a standalone thing, its the response to the times that were living in and the world were in and things that affect peoples lives and things that children and young adults are going through.
That feels really important. And the character of the Doctor, and these guys, is a great conduit into discussing all that. And then theres monsters. Its important, its a drama, its got to be everything.
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However, the New Years Day episode has hinted at a return to classic Who adventures, as the cries of exterminate over the trailer suggest the dastardly Daleks will meet Jodie for the first time.
And while the special doesnt come on the usually scheduled Christmas Day, the crew was on time with the episode – even if it did take five months to make.
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Chibnall joked: We only finished it on Friday. Theres different phases to it – theres the storylining, then the writing, then theres a period of pre-production which takes about five weeks. Then after that, after about ten or twelve weeks, were in the edit for about four weeks and then the composer comes on board, then the guys who do all the special effects come in.
We filmed it in July, August, and we finished it on Friday.
And Bradley Walsh, who plays Graham, added: In acting, thats about half a day.
Doctor Who is on New Years Day at 7pm on BBC One.
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