Controversial Doctor Who showrunner finally speaks out on divisive special

Chris Chibnall, the previous showrunner of Doctor Who, shared his thoughts on the divisive Children in Need mini-episode titled "Destination: Skaro." Throughout his tenure as the showrunner from 2018 to 2022, Chibnall often found himself at the center of Doctor Who-related controversies that sparked outrage among fans.

Doctor Who enthusiasts continue to discuss various elements of Chibnall's tenure, with a specific focus on the controversial "Timeless Child" story arc. Spanning across Chibnall's four-year reign as showrunner, this arc introduced significant changes to the established Doctor Who canon, creating discontent among numerous fans.

Despite the dissatisfaction expressed by fans, Russell T Davies, who succeeded Chibnall as showrunner, has explicitly stated that he will not reverse any of his predecessor's contributions to the franchise's lore, praising them as "brilliant."

Doctor Who’s most controversial showrunner breaks silence on divisive special

In a recent interview with Radio Times, Chibnall reciprocated the compliment, endorsing Davies' modifications to Doctor Who canon in "Destination: Skaro." One notable alteration includes the revamped portrayal of the infamous antagonist, Davros, which has sparked criticism from certain segments of the show's fanbase.

Chibnall expressed his admiration for the sketch, highlighting Russell's witty and playful approach. According to him, a showrunner needs to strike a balance between respect and irreverence, and Russell accomplishes this with charm. However, there is also substantial depth to dissect in the sketch, showcasing Russell's ability to push boundaries and progress the story.

“He has made some exceptional decisions, particularly regarding Davros and other matters. These decisions are truly remarkable and demonstrate the need for continuous change, evolution, and self-reflection in order to stay ahead of the world.”

Doctor Who reveals new details about the Daleks’ origin

Davros' bold creative choice in the Children in Need mini-episode extends beyond Davies' depiction of him. The Welsh writer also unveils the revelation that Fourteenth Doctor, portrayed by David Tennant, unconsciously played a part in the genesis of one of his most formidable enemies, the Daleks. It remains uncertain whether Davies will delve deeper into this storyline in future Doctor Who episodes. However, if he does, it will not occur anytime soon. Davies has previously announced that the Daleks will not be included in Doctor Who Series 14/Season 1 upon its premiere in 2024.

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Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Doctor Who, I have mixed feelings about Chris Chibnall's tenure as showrunner. On the one hand, I appreciate his efforts to bring new ideas and stories to the franchise. The "Timeless Child" story arc, in particular, was a bold and ambitious attempt to expand the show's mythology. On the other hand, I feel that some of his decisions, such as the portrayal of the Daleks in "Destination: Skaro," were misguided and did not do justice to the show's rich history.

Overall, I believe that Chibnall's time as showrunner was a period of significant change and upheaval for Doctor Who. While not all of his decisions were popular with fans, I respect his willingness to take risks and push the show in new directions. I am excited to see what the future holds for Doctor Who under the leadership of Russell T Davies, and I hope that he will be able to build on the strong foundation that Chibnall has laid.