Opinion: A New Doctor Who Spin-Off Is Coming—So Why Am I Not More Excited?
Feature article by guest contributor Kailyn Foster.
When the news first broke about the latest Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, my reaction was… well, to be honest, rather nonplussed. It was a surprising moment of self-awareness for me. Some time ago, I would have been bubbling over with excitement at the mere hint of a new addition to the Doctor Who universe. So, why was I feeling so little?
I remember the early days of my Whovian journey, back when Christopher Eccleston first graced our screens as the Ninth Doctor. I was hooked instantly, captivated by the blend of science fiction and adventure. Every new episode felt like an event. When David Tennant took over, my enthusiasm only grew. His tenure, full of heart-wrenching moments and thrilling story arcs, cemented my love for the show.
The announcement of any Doctor Who-related content used to send me into a frenzy. Spin-offs like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures were eagerly anticipated and devoured with fervor. They expanded the universe in exciting ways, offering deeper dives into the mythology and characters fans adored.
However, somewhere along the way, my enthusiasm for the Whoniverse began to wane—perhaps around the latter Capaldi era. Don’t get me wrong—Peter Capaldi was a fantastic Doctor. His portrayal brought a new depth and major gravitas to the character, and he had some truly incredible stories. Episodes like “Heaven Sent” and “The Zygon Inversion” were masterpieces, showcasing Capaldi’s exceptional acting and the show’s ability to tackle profound themes.
Yet, towards the back half of Capaldi’s tenure, it felt like Steven Moffat was running on fumes. The magic that had once made every episode a must-watch event seemed to be dissipating. Moffat’s storytelling, which had once been so innovative and thrilling, started to feel repetitive. The intricate plot twists and complex arcs that initially captivated me began to lose their charm, feeling more like narrative gimmicks than meaningful developments.
The shift from Capaldi to Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor marked a significant moment in the show’s history, one that could have reignited my passion. Whittaker was to bring a fresh perspective to the role, and Chris Chibnall had a chance to steer the series in a bold new direction. Yet, the initial promise gave way to uneven writing and underdeveloped characters.
Then, a few years later, I felt myself excited again with the announcement that Russell T Davies was coming back, along with David Tennant and Catherine Tate. It was a very welcome surprise, stirring something deep within me that had been dormant for years. RTD’s first era had been a golden age for me, full of unforgettable moments and emotional depth. The thought of revisiting that magic was thrilling.
A few minutes into the first 60th-anniversary special, those feelings instantly whisked me back to that magical era. The banter between Tennant and Tate, and the sense of adventure—it all felt wonderfully familiar. It was like being reunited with old friends. For the first time in a long while, I found myself eagerly anticipating the next episode.
But sadly, this illusion was all too fleeting. The specials were a nice interlude, but as the show quickly transitioned to the Ncuti Gatwa era, my enthusiasm soon waned once again. I was hopeful at first—Gatwa is a talented actor with undeniable charisma. However, after a whole season now, I suddenly find myself back in a familiar place. Much like with the Whittaker era, it feels lacking. I hope I’m wrong, but history seems to be repeating itself.
So when I heard about this new spin-off, my first thought wasn’t “I can’t wait to see this,” but rather, “Meh. I just hope it’s good.” It was a subtle shift but a telling one. My relationship with Doctor Who has changed from one of unconditional love to one marked by guarded hope and tempered expectations.
I began to realize that my ambivalence wasn’t just about the spin-off; it was about my evolving relationship with the Whoniverse as a whole. Doctor Who has been a significant part of my life, a source of joy and inspiration. But like any long-term relationship, it has its ups and downs. My initial passion has simply cooled.
It’s not that I don’t care about Doctor Who anymore. The show will always hold a special place in my heart. But I’ve had to accept that my excitement levels are no longer at a fever pitch. And that’s okay. Perhaps it’s a natural part of growing and changing as a fan.
Maybe this new spin-off will unexpectedly rekindle that old flame, or maybe it will just be another chapter in my complex, evolving relationship with Doctor Who. Either way, I’m still curious to see where it goes, even if my anticipation is nowhere near where it once was.