I don’t know if I want a fanboy/girl but I really want someone who is excited and pleased to be there and really has a vision for the show. I definitely felt that both RTD & Moffat felt that way. I never felt the same about Chibnall, perhaps unfairly; I can’t put my finger on why I feel so, but the impression I got that was, although he is obviously a long-term fan, he accepted the role reluctantly. I guess he had a vision, whether or not I liked it, it just didn’t seem a particularly original or strong one to me. YMWD.
Honestly, I’d be fine with them parking the show for a year or two until they got the right person or persons to move forward with it.
I agree, Chibnall always gave the impression of doing the job under sufferance. "Oh if I must" and despite talk of a five year plan he's now saying "Me and Jodie agreed from the start, three years and out" WTF? This coupled with the fact that he just isn't as visionary as either RTD or Moffat was a disaster waiting to happen. Hiring a plaid nice Doctor into the bargain just made it a perfect storm.
I wouldn't be surprised if Doctor Who went away for a while after next year's specials.
Hell, I might even prefer it that way.
The BBC have already said they plan to have a new show runner and Doctor in place ASAP. I can see them ideally wanting season 14 to run in 2023. New show runner, new Doctor and in time for the 60th anniversary, why pass up publicity like that for a few fallow years (especially when it feels like we've already had a few fallow years).
Anyway, I'm slightly sorry to see Whittaker go as I think with better material/fewer companions she could have been good, I'm not remotely sorry to see Chibnall go.
My initial wish list?
Jo Martin (make her the 14th and the whole Timeless Child thang a big hoax)
Paterson Joseph (hey I've been cheering for the guy since the 90s, not going to stop now)
Alexander Siddig (with or without beard)
Dolly Wells
Lydia West (part of me thinks she's too young but she's roughly the same age Matt was so why not)
Nicola Walker (just got out of a recurring role, and someone else I've championed for a long time)
My would love to have but won't happen list?
Michael Sheen (he'd be fantastic but I think he's way too busy and he'd be way too expensive and I suspect he might only do a season or two)
My initial won't list?
Richard Ayoade (as the man himself keeps telling people, he's not an actor!)
Kris Marshall (please no!)
As for show runner...that's a whole 'nother list (or three) I'd agree they don't need to be a fan, but we need a good writer, and we need someone with vision. Would love PWB but she's way too busy (and frankly might not want the gig anyway).
Hell if I were the BBC I'd beg Pemberton and Shearsmith to do it!
