[Sen's Revenge]

I just posted this as a fb status:

Confession: I skipped most of the Matt Smith years. I am now watching BBC America so I suppose this is Clara's first episode. Here's what I think went wrong.

Davies spent entirely TOO much time making the specials his and David Tennant's "farewell tour." We literally see what happens to each and every companion. Everything is tied up in a neat bow - and perhaps it becomes emotional for no reason.

When Moffat takes over, he has a clean slate. Which is fine if you are rebooting the entire show, but this is supposed to just be another season, you know? It's too different for me to just jump in. From Series 1 to 2, Rose was the constant after the doctor regenerated. Then we got Martha who was brilliant, but was only for that season. Then we got Donna who was ALSO brilliant, and thankfully just a platonic friend (which was something else the Doctor needed).

But then we get to the specials where the Doctor is solo, which is good, BUT... that's where the emotional manipulation comes in. Everything's soooooo sad and soooooo big.

Moffat's writing is adequate, but doesn't compare to Davies to me. The acting is still good.

Here's what I'd like to see in the future aside from a woman doctor and a doctor of color:

A male, solo, platonic companion.

I just want to see him have more companions who don't fall in love with him or flirt with him. The doctor needs friends. Frat brothers. A lodge. Something. Maybe that happens in the Matt Smith years.

And I know there have been male secondary companions like Micky, Jack, Rory, and Wilford/Wilfred, but I want a real dude who gets stories like Rose and Donna on a long term basis.

Anyway, onward to the Day of the Doctor!