7 Things I’d Like to See in Series 9
Guest contributor Will Atkinson offers his wishlist for 2015.
Now the dust (snow?) has settled on Series 8 and Last Christmas, thoughts are starting to turn towards next series. With the title of the first episode confirmed, and Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman set to return, it sure looks like it will keep up this year’s high standard. Having thoroughly enjoyed Series 8, I think it’s certainly going to be hard to top. But there are a few things that I want Mr Moffat and co. to do, so bring on my wish list….
1. Another Companion
As much as I like the pairing of the Twelfth Doctor and Clara, I think it needs some shaking up in Series 9, and what better way than the addition of another companion? It would give a new angle on the character’s relationship, as with the addition of Rory as a full time TARDIS crew member in Series 6. Several excellent candidates appeared in Series 8. Osgood would make a great companion, being both funny and smart, but there is the small fact that she’s dead. However, like all good superheroes know, this doesn’t have to be terminal. If it does prove to be irreversible, Orson Pink would be another good choice. Samuel Anderson has shown his eagerness to return, and Pink already as experience travelling in the TARDIS, and has even saved the Doctor’s life.
Other candidates include Psi and Saibra from Time Heist, and Journey Blue from Into the Dalek. Both were fun and resourceful characters, and many fans want to see them appear again. However, my two best choices for the job both appeared in Last Christmas – Ashley and Shona. Ashley was smart and brave, and could talk to the Doctor on his own level, while Shona was funny and likeable, two qualities that a companion should have. I so wanted either of them to join the Doctor at the end of the special, so I’ll have my fingers crossed for a return!
2. More Missy
Missy was brilliant. Bonkers, brutal and brilliant. She’s one of my favourite Masters ever. When she got atomised by the Brigadier, I died. Really, I did, and I’m now writing from the Nethersphere… probably. Anyway, as I’ve already said and Series 8 certainly proved, mortality is flexible. There is so much potential for the character, so many evil plots that she could, er, plot. As Michelle Gomez has pretty much confirmed a return, I’m really looking forward to seeing the character next year, and I hope she can make a larger appearance. I mean, I’m so excited about it that I just want to SQUEEEEEEE – (zap).
3. Same Tone
What I liked about Series 8 was its shift in tone from previous years, being darker and scarier. I hope this is kept up for Series 9, and because of this I’d like a lot of Series 8’s writers to return. Jamie Mathieson’s two episodes were both tremendous successes, and he should definitely return for at least one more story. Peter Harness did well too with Kill The Moon, and Stephen Thompson showed much improvement. Gareth Roberts and Phil Ford both delivered, and Ford should certainly be given another shot. However, I don’t think Frank Cottrell Boyce should return. His episode was fine, but I wouldn’t really want to watch another in the same vein. Also, if Mark Gatiss is to return (and he should) I’d like to see him write an episode that is set in space, or at least isn’t set in history, because I’d like him to display more versatility.
The Grand Moff meanwhile is as excellent, and indeed as divisive as ever, and if his Series 8 success is enough to go by, then I hope he stays show runner for a long time. On the newer writer front, it’s good to see some Catherine Treganna is writing for Who. Her Torchwood episodes were applauded, and it’s nice to have a female writer. I was sad to hear Gaiman won’t return for Series 9, but I hope he does write for the show again. Other previous writers I’d like to see return are Chris Chibnall, as he almost always delivers, Neil Cross, as he showed a lot of promise, Tom MacRae, because I really liked The Girl Who Waited, Toby Whithouse, because he’s the writer of lots of good episodes, and RTD, because it’s obligatory to mention his name in lists of writers wanted for a return.
4. More Classic Monsters
After Series 7 brought back so many of the Doctor’ classic foes, Series 8 ended up being pretty light on that front, restricting itself to the big three of Daleks, Cybermen and the Master. I hope Series 9 rectifies this. Capaldi has talked often about wanting to see the Axons return, and while they might not top my list, I’d certainly like to see them again. Personally, I’d like to see such monsters from the classic series as the Wirrn, Sea Devils or the Krynoids, because they’ve only appeared once on screen and have a large scope for storylines. Would it be too much to ask for a scary tale on a lonely space ship or desolate planet, with the crew being picked off by the Wirrn one by one…? I’d also like a proper Sontaran story again, with them acting like proper villains. Though I’m not in the camp of believing the Daleks are overused, I’m fine with not having them appear next year, though the Cybermen must appear in Episode 12, just to conform with Moffat era tradition.
5. Recurring Characters
There are lots of characters from Series 8 and before it that I would like to see reappear in the program. Kate Stewart and her new U.N.I.T (sans Osgood) definitely should make reappearance, and the Paternoster Gang should too. Orson Pink, Psi, Saibra and Courtney Woods among others could all show their faces again if they don’t become companions. I’m sure many fans would be pleased to have another adventure with them. I’d also like some new recurring characters, so the Doctor’s universe can keep expanding. However, please anything but Angie and Artie.
6. Gallifrey
Because it’s Gallifrey. And it shouldn’t have to fall anymore. Next year it’ll be ten years since the revival. What better way to celebrate than to bring back what the revival did away with? Gallifrey would open up a whole new world for the show. If the Doctor had to fight to get it back the stakes couldn’t be higher, as The Time of the Doctor showed. Gallifrey would be awesome to see, with the show now having production values that can do it justice. Let’s have it back. Please, Mr Moffat?
7. More McGann
Finally, we need more McGann. As The Night of the Doctor showed, with great writing the Eighth Doctor can be brilliant, and the opportunity to see him spar with Capaldi, or at least appear in another minisode or two, is too great to miss. If we’re going to see Gallifrey return, and maybe have the Time War begin again because of that, why not a trip back in time to see how it all kicked off originally? Let’s see the Daleks (or even the Time Lords) “invade Poland”. It would be a proper treat in the revived show’s tenth anniversary year. Or even, and this is a huge dream, so whisper it… Eccleston. Just for a minisode? Please? Pretty please? With a really, really, really massive cherry on top? It would be, and I am going to say it, fantastic. So, to quote Jean-Luc Picard, “make it so”.
In conclusion, I hope Series 9 can build on the great work of Series 8, and can give us a series that’s just as good, if not better, and that answer a few of my wishes. Is there anything you really want to see in Series 9? Feel free to tell moi in the comments below.
