Opinion: 5 Big Reasons Why the 15th Doctor Isn’t Working

I initially welcomed the arrival of the 15th Doctor with excitement and high hopes, ready to embrace Ncuti Gatwa’s fresh take on Doctor Who’s iconic Time Lord. Following his debut season, however, I find myself coming away deeply disappointed. While there are fleeting moments where Gatwa’s potential shines through, the writing and/or direction frequently undermine his strengths, preventing him from fully embodying the role. This direction for this Doctor marks a significant departure from the beloved character we know and love. Here, I have identified five key areas where this interpretation falls short.

No Consistent Costume

A DWTV contributor already covered this point in-depth, and I recommend you read his article. But to summarize, one of the core attributes of Doctor Who has always been the Doctor’s distinctive, often quirky, costume that becomes synonymous with their incarnation. However, the 15th Doctor wears a different outfit in every episode – sometimes multiple outfits in one story – and it creates a sense of disjointedness. There’s no single image or style that fans can associate with Gatwa’s Doctor, making it challenging to form a lasting visual connection with this new incarnation.

While a Doctor’s outfit can and has changed over their tenure, these changes were typically minimized and reserved for specific contexts, such as adapting to a period setting or introducing a subtle update that still respects the character’s established look. These careful adjustments kept the Doctor’s appearance fresh without losing the visual identity. The current approach, with constant and varied costume changes, dilutes the iconic aspect of the Doctor’s identity, which has traditionally provided a visual anchor amidst the character’s frequent transformations. This shift risks eroding a crucial part of what has made the Doctor such an enduring and beloved figure in the hearts of fans.

Increased Cowardice

Historically, the Doctor has been portrayed as a practically fearless hero who confronts cosmic threats with brilliance and bravery – “the man that stops the monsters!” if you will. Previous incarnations, regardless of their quirks, embodied a steadfast courage and determination. However, the 15th Doctor deviates from this legacy, spending a considerable amount of time visibly frightened and fleeing from danger. In Episode 1, he runs away from a snot monster; in Episode 2, he flees from Maestro; and in Episode 3, he is stuck on a mine, displaying a level of fear uncharacteristic for the Doctor.

Episodes 4 and 5 are notably “Doctor-lite,” with the character’s presence significantly reduced (a problem in its own right). In Episode 6, his focus shifts away from the monsters due to his preoccupation with Rogue. The finale further underscores this trend, where the Doctor is depicted as scared stiff of Sutekh, despite having fought him before with such confidence. This recurring theme of fear and avoidance undermines the Doctor’s traditional role as a courageous and resourceful hero, making the character feel less like the inspiring figure fans have admired for over sixty years and more like a passive participant in his own adventures.

A Lack of Initiative & Heroism

The 15th Doctor often relies on others to solve problems, stepping back when action is needed most. This is starkly evident in most of the episodes of his first season. In Episode 1, he fails to properly deal with the monster at the climatic moment. Episode 2 sees The Beatles saving the day instead of the Doctor. In Episode 3, an AI steps in to resolve the crisis. By Episode 4, with the Doctor gone – due to his incompetence – it’s Ruby who takes charge. In Episode 5, the Doctor gives up easily without even attempting another resolution. In Episode 6, it’s Rogue who saves the day. Even in the two-part finale, he breaks down and needs encouragement from Mel. And while the Doctor does latterly play more of an active role, it’s Ruby who is ultimately more pivotal to the resolution.

This tendency to rely on others undermines the Doctor’s traditional role as the primary problem-solver and leader. Previous incarnations, while often assisted by companions, have always been the ones to devise plans, take decisive actions, and lead the charge against threats. This proactive and ingenious nature is a core aspect of what has made the Doctor such an enduring and admired character. The new portrayal, where the Doctor frequently steps back or gives up too easily, risks presenting him as less capable and less heroic, which could be disheartening for fans who admire the Doctor’s usual decisiveness and resourcefulness.

Incongruous Sexualization

The Doctor has traditionally been portrayed as a distinctly non-sexual being, a trait that has accentuated his alien nature and set him apart from human norms. Historically, from the classic era through the 1996 TV movie, romantic entanglements were non-existent (apart from an amusing misunderstanding in The Aztecs). Even during the revival, romantic moments were typically handled with an awkward, non-sexual edge, or were driven by other characters rather than the Doctor himself.

In contrast, the 15th Doctor’s sudden and intense romantic pursuit of Rogue represents a dramatic shift. Rather than maintaining the Doctor’s characteristic emotional distance and focus on duty, this incarnation appears to disregard these traits entirely. His preoccupation with a love interest, to the point of neglecting his responsibilities and risking the safety of his companion, feels completely out of sync with the Doctor’s established persona. This rapid transition from a traditionally reserved figure to one seemingly driven by immediate, unconsidered attraction undermines the character’s complexity and raises questions about his consistency and moral integrity. Additionally, the 15th Doctor’s casual use of terms like “honey” and “babes” further distances this portrayal.

Overly Emotional

The 15th Doctor shed tears in all but one of the stories in his first series. While showcasing vulnerability can deepen a character’s relatability, the frequent display of such intense emotion, particularly crying, should be reserved for moments of significant narrative weight to maintain its impact. Historically, the Doctor has been a character of immense emotional depth, but these emotions have been carefully rationed to preserve their significance. Excessive crying risks trivializing these powerful moments and can lead to an impression of the Doctor as overly fragile, which contrasts sharply with the traditionally resilient and composed demeanor that fans have come to expect.

This shift to a more consistently emotional Doctor could lead to a dilution of those poignant moments that have historically defined the character’s depth and complexity. For instance, scenes where previous Doctors might have shown steely resolve or a quiet moment of reflection are now filled with overt displays of emotion. While emotional vulnerability can be a strength, its overuse in this context may erode the Doctor’s image as a figure of stability and strength, potentially making it harder for the audience to see him as the confident and assured hero who can navigate the universe’s myriad dangers with poise and determination.

Conclusion

While Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal of the 15th Doctor shows rare moments of potential, the current writing and characterization choices represent a significant departure from the beloved traits that have defined the Doctor for decades. These changes risk alienating long-standing fans who cherish the Doctor’s consistency, bravery, and unique moral compass. With Gatwa’s second season already filmed, it makes me wonder if these points of concern could even be addressed, potentially leaving fans who share similar views facing more of the same in future episodes. Perhaps it is too late, but I still hold some hope that Gatwa will get a chance to truly shine in this role one day.