I genuinely want RTD to have the chance to finish his second era properly. If he doesn’t, it risks being remembered as the era that stalled - full of lingering threads and unfinished ideas. Ideally, he’ll get at least one more season, maybe even two, to bring his plans to a satisfying conclusion, even if that includes a Billie-shaped diversion.
Honestly, I'm happy to see the Disney situation resolved, and if he'd be willing and able, would love to have Ncuti return to continue and wrap up the storylines as originally intended.
I’ve really enjoyed this era overall - it’s felt like a return to form after Chibnall’s run, with some bold experimentation. That said, there have been some questionable creative choices, which seem to be a mix of RTD’s eccentricities and what I suspect is Disney’s influence. While Disney isn’t the majority stakeholder, interviews have confirmed they’ve had input. The finales, in particular, haven’t quite landed. Some of the choices have been questionable. 8 episodes a season never feels quite enough to land the ending.
In fact, I think a lower BBC budget and a renewed focus on the UK core audience might actually play to RTD’s strengths as a storyteller. His best work is raw, "kitchen-sink" emotional drama - and he always delivers on that. His characters feel alive and vibrant, and the emotional characterisation hurts, makes you smile, makes you cry. He deserves the chance to do what he does best. I always felt that his first era truly hit its stride from Series 3 onwards - not that Series 1 or 2 were weak, but Series 3 and 4 really cemented his legacy. My worry is that we’re on the verge of missing out on the best of RTD’s second era, just as it’s finding its footing.
