Doctor Who Showrunner Verifies the Future Canon Status of the Timeless Children Story

Article Overview

The showrunner of Doctor Who, Russell T Davies, has affirmed that the divisive revelation of the "Timeless Children" storyline will remain an integral part of the series' canon. This decision showcases Davies' respect for the contributions of his colleague Chris Chibnall.

The Doctor's origins have always been a source of debate, leaving viewers divided. While some appreciate the added complexity it brings, others worry that it takes away from the character's enigmatic nature.

With Davies in charge, upcoming Doctor Who stories might aim for a more unified and consistent mythology. This could involve exploring the "Timeless Child" storyline in season 14 and beyond.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has addressed the response to the divisive episode and the future of the controversial "Timeless Children" story reveal. During Jodie Whittaker's tenure as the Thirteenth Doctor, it was revealed that the Doctor was a being from another universe, experimented on by early Time Lords to gain their own abilities, with the ability to regenerate infinitely. Previous showrunner Chris Chibnall's decision received mixed reactions from fans, with some appreciating the added mystery to the Doctor's life, while others had reservations about the impact on the character and overall execution of the show.

Ahead of the 60th-anniversary specials introducing Davies' new era, SFX Magazine asked the showrunner about addressing the "Timeless Child" reveal. While Davies acknowledged that past writers, including himself, had sometimes overlooked previous reveals, he made it clear that he had no intention of retconning what Chibnall had established. Davies firmly stated that, at the very least, the story would remain canon. You can read Davies' full explanation below.

Oh, how astonishing indeed. I possess exceptional behavior in that aspect... I experience absolute liberty in creating my own ideas. However, it intrigues me greatly that the concept of Paul McGann having a human mother has never been explored or exploited in the realm of Doctor Who lore.

None of us can come to terms with it. None of us manage to handle and address it, and it has never been acknowledged since. I find this immensely captivating. I must clarify that this is not an indication that I will delve into it. It's truly astounding, isn't it? All other aspects seem to be assimilated effortlessly.

Why Is The Doctor's Origins A Controversial Doctor Who Plot Point?

Let's confront that question head-on. I will not disregard my dear friend Chris Chibnall's work on 'The Timeless Children'. I will not refute what he wrote. I am embracing it. It is perfectly acceptable. It is part of the canon, it happened. It was broadcasted. Undoing it would be extremely impolite to an exceptional colleague and a wonderful friend.

The Doctor's true origin has always been a challenging topic in Doctor Who. While Time Lord society has been gradually explored, it wasn't until Chibnall's era that there was a significant focus on the Doctor's childhood. During script editor Andrew Cartmel's "Master Plan" for unreleased storylines after the show's cancellation, there was an attempt to unveil a hidden past of the Doctor's, which later materialized in spin-off novels like Lungbarrow. Additionally, the development of the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie and the possibility of a US-produced reboot considered establishing the Doctor as being half-human. Audition tapes featuring Paul McGann also hinted at the intriguing revelation that the Master was the Doctor's brother.

The Doctor's potential origin stories generate controversies within the fandom, making it difficult to satisfy all viewers. Some appreciate the added depth to the Doctor's character, while others worry about the negative effects on the character's mystique and the complexity of future storylines. Consequently, it is unlikely that Doctor Who will ever provide a universally satisfying answer.

Doctor Who's current canon is complex, encompassing multiple origins, alternate incarnations, and retellings across different media. However, under Davies' guidance, future stories in the Whoniverse could have a more cohesive and consistent canon. Despite the controversy surrounding the Timeless Children plotline, Davies does not intend to rewrite Chibnall's contribution. Many are curious if Davies will address this plot point in Doctor Who season 14 and beyond.

Doctor Who seasons 1-13 are currently streaming on Max. The highly anticipated 60th anniversary episodes and season 14 will be exclusively released on Disney+ worldwide. Viewers in the UK can catch past seasons and upcoming episodes on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Doctor Who, I have mixed feelings about the "Timeless Children" storyline. On the one hand, I appreciate the added complexity it brings to the Doctor's character and the mythology of the show.

On the other hand, I worry that it takes away from the character's enigmatic nature and makes it more difficult for new viewers to understand the show.

Ultimately, I think it is important to respect the decisions of the showrunner and to trust that they will make the best choices for the show.

I am excited to see how the "Timeless Children" storyline is developed in future episodes and how it will affect the Doctor's character and the overall story of the show.