10 Debates That Forever Divide Doctor Who Fans

Summary

The Doctor Who fandom is generally agreeable and problem-free, but certain topics can ignite heated debates among viewers.

Controversial topics within the Doctor Who fandom encompass the character's name, the canonicity of supplementary materials, the principles governing regeneration, and the Timeless Child story arc.

Further areas of debate encompass romance within the TARDIS, the Doctor's age, the true identity of the Valeyard, the continued existence of the Daleks, the chronology of the Master's different forms, and the functionality of the TARDIS's defense mechanisms.

The Doctor Who fandom is generally amicable and trouble-free, except when certain topics are discussed that ignite strong reactions and cause rifts even among close friends. With a show spanning over fifty years, it's inevitable that there have been storylines that have raised eyebrows, and Doctor Who, the BBC's longest-running sci-fi drama, is no exception. While the show aims to educate both children and adults, if someone manages to hit a nerve with a sensitive subject, they'll receive an unexpected lesson in the show's intricate history.

Throughout its 60-year tenure, Doctor Who has had to evolve to stay relevant. While the core concept of a time-traveling Doctor exploring the universe in a TARDIS and acquiring companions has remained consistent, the settings, cast, and certain storylines have undergone significant changes. Showrunners have fearlessly experimented, but not every attempt to bring a fresh twist to the series has been met with unanimous approval from the fanbase. Here are 10 divisive aspects of Doctor Who that fans continue to passionately debate, even after many years have elapsed.

10. Is It "the Doctor" or "Doctor Who"?

This is a question that dates back to both the Doctor Who universe and the real world. Given that the show is titled Doctor Who, some viewers (and even cast members) believe that the character's name is actually Doctor Who. In certain instances throughout the show's history, many of the actors who portrayed the charming Time Lord were credited as "Doctor Who," although nowadays the tradition has shifted to simply "the Doctor." On the other hand, there are those who firmly believe that the time-traveling alien should only be referred to as "the Doctor," as this is the name the character primarily uses in the show, albeit not consistently.

9. What Is and Isn't Doctor Who Canon?

Doctor Who is an expansive franchise centered around the universally recognized canon television show of the same name. In addition to the show, there are Doctor Who comics, novels, games, Big Finish audio dramas, and other forms of content that cater to dedicated fans. While some audience members consider these extra materials to be part of the Doctor Who canon due to their release by official representatives, incorporating all of them into the already complex Doctor's timeline would lead to a lack of coherence. Consequently, many believe that only select bits and pieces that seamlessly integrate into the series should be considered canon.

8. What Are The Rules Of Regeneration?

The answer to that question is a complex one, as it remains shrouded in mystery. From the classic era to the regenerations of Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor, it was widely believed that a Time Lord could regenerate up to 12 times. While this principle was somewhat established, it's important to note that nothing in the Doctor Who universe is set in stone. Then, when the time for the Eleventh Doctor's regeneration arrived, Steven Moffat introduced the concept of the Time Lords granting him an additional regeneration cycle, which held true until the emergence of the Timeless Child. However, when examining the rules of regeneration and involving other factors such as different details, content, and the existence of Time Lords or hybrids, it becomes apparent that the entire concept is riddled with inconsistencies.

7. Is the Timeless Child Arc Genius or Garbage?

From the controversies surrounding Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor to the inconsistent storytelling, Chris Chibnall's tenure as the showrunner of Doctor Who has generated a lot of debate. One of the major points of contention is the Timeless Child arc and its departure from long-established traditions. This storyline revealed the Doctor as a member of an entirely new race, shocking many fans and leading to criticism of Chibnall for disregarding 60 years of canon. However, some argue that this bold narrative choice is a deliberate continuation of the mystery-building approach introduced by Andrew Cartmel, the script editor during Sylvester McCoy's era as the Seventh Doctor. This move keeps viewers engaged and intrigued, constantly asking the question, "Doctor who?"

6. Is Romance in the TARDIS Problematic?

The Doctor has made a conscious effort to resist developing romantic connections with their companions, but there have been some instances where they have slipped up over the years — instances that have been quite enjoyable for audiences to witness. The Doctor has had relationships with several individuals, including their unseen wives, River, Rose, Madame de Pompadour, Marilyn Monroe, Yasmin, Elizabeth I, Cameca, and Grace, and these relationships have certainly not been platonic. While many viewers find the initial attraction and subsequent developments captivating, there are a significant number of Doctor Who fans who are not supportive of romance within the TARDIS for various reasons, with the most frequently cited concern being the substantial age difference between the Doctor and their romantic partners.

5. How Old Is the Doctor Supposed to Be?

4. Who Actually Is Doctor Who's Valeyard?

The Doctor's age is a perplexing question that can leave anyone scratching their head. Even within the Doctor Who on-screen canon, it remains an enigmatic puzzle. When the show was brought back, the Ninth Doctor claimed to be 900 years old, and the subsequent incarnations of the Doctor have generally remained consistent with their age. However, it is unclear how the Doctor, being a time traveler, keeps track of their age. The Classic Who episodes further complicate matters as the Second Doctor states his age as 450 years in "Earth terms," the Third Doctor claims to have lived for "several thousand years," and the Seventh Doctor adamantly sticks to being 953 years old. If the Doctor themselves cannot come to a definitive conclusion, it's no wonder the audience is left in uncertainty.

The Valeyard, a character known only to avid fans of classic Doctor Who, has sparked debates among longtime viewers regarding his origins. According to the Master, he represents a convergence of the Doctor's darkest traits between his Twelfth and Thirteenth incarnations. However, despite the series now featuring the Fourteenth Doctor, the absence of the Valeyard in the New Who has led to speculation and differing opinions. While some believe the Master may have lied, others propose the theory that the Eleventh Doctor's encounter with the Dream Lord was actually the Valeyard. As of yet, a consensus remains elusive.

3. How Can the Daleks Survive Every Time?

The Daleks, often compared to the Cybermen, have become incredibly overused as enemies on Doctor Who. Despite the Doctor defeating them countless times, the Daleks manage to resurface even stronger than before. The show attempts to provide explanations for their return, but these explanations have grown increasingly absurd with each episode. As a result, viewers have taken it upon themselves to come up with their own theories. Some believe in the existence of a multiverse within the Doctor Who universe, while others attribute the Daleks' survival to the Void. There are also those who speculate that the Daleks have a built-in time-travel mechanism. At present, there is no definitive answer.

2. What Is the Order of the Master's Incarnations?

The Master's rules of regeneration can be just as perplexing as the Doctor's, particularly when examining Doctor Who's expanded universe. Interestingly, in this case, the Classic Who series exhibits more consistency than the New Who era. Michelle Gomez's character, Missy, is intended to follow John Simm's portrayal of the Master and precede Sacha Dhawan's interpretation. However, Missy's timeline presents a perplexing paradox. Dhawan's Master effectively negates Missy's journey of redemption and demise, which is rather baffling. Additionally, the presence of both Missy and Simm's Master after the events of season 4 appears rather nonsensical. Considering the Doctor's tendency to encounter individuals in an incorrect chronological order, numerous theories exist regarding the sequence of appearances for each Master or Missy.

1. How Does the TARDIS' Defenses Work?

The Doctor has often referred to their TARDIS as the safest place in the universe, even asserting that not even the armies of Genghis Khan could breach its walls. However, there have been instances where the Doctor's time-travel machine has been unexpectedly vulnerable, resulting in the arrival of people, creatures, and ships. The TARDIS' defense mechanisms are not always reliable due to its sentient nature, leading some Doctor Who fans to explain the ever-changing shields. However, this explanation is often seen as a stretch by other viewers.

With Doctor Who being on air for nearly 60 years, it is natural that the show has encountered some unusual storylines and plot holes. Fortunately, the dedicated fandom is incredibly creative and pays close attention to detail, making official explanations unnecessary. Viewers enthusiastically generate their own explanations and engage in fruitful discussions within the community, adding to the enjoyment of the show. Despite occasional debates, Doctor Who has successfully brought together sci-fi enthusiasts worldwide, and the occasional disagreements are a small price to pay for such unity.

Doctor Who will return with 60th-anniversary specials this November.