I still think Noel Clarke should take over as showrunner when Steven Moffat leaves, although I'm in no hurry to see the Moff leave Doctor Who.
I wasn't overly keen on the Bells of St John, but blimey The Name of the Doctor reminded me why I like Moffat so much
Bells of St John reminded me way too much of a RTD era opening episode, a far cry from the likes of The Impossible Astronaut or Asylum of the Daleks.
Whithouse said that he'd like to be the showrunner after the one that comes after Moffat. Being Human's expression was stagy in a very crude manner in its first 3 seasons, somewhat noticeable in his Who episodes too, but he managed to make a massive leap in quality for the last 2 seasons, replacing inconsequential, portentous discussions with subtly melodramatic details in plotting, and more inventive fantasy elements. If he can keep that up for a few seasons in his upcoming spy show The Game, and Moffat stays for several years, there might not be need for another showrunner in between.
I'd like to see Moffat leave soon, I don't like his style. But it seems unfair that we're stuck with him throughout Smiths era and the 50th, so we might as well endure him for one more series. I think Gaiman would be an awful choice, he's only done two episodes, two average (in my mind) episodes. Doctors Wife was average (I re-watched it and revaluated it. I don't hate it, but I don't really like it much either. Idris was fucking annoying though), and Silver Nemesis was okay, but it failed to make the cybermen scary again. And they look plastic or fibre glass. I think Mark Gatiss could work as a replacement. Mayve. He did write Cold War, one of the best Smith stories ever. I'd also like to see some new blood though. Someone who would modernise doctor who.
My first choice would be Michael Hirst. Second choice? Bryan Fuller, but he's busy with Hannibal. Third choice? Brannon Braga, but he's busy with Seth MacFarlane's COSMOS revival. And yes, I'm totally serious about Braga. Doctor Who fits his sensibilities and is right in his wheelhouse.
I agree, but I wonder if it wasn't an intentional homage, this being anniversary year and all...I might be reading more into it than is actually there but many of the 7B episodes seemed like homages to specific eras.
They are supposed to be there as a contrast to the Doctor and the face of the audience. To bring the human side to the Tardis' journey, someone the audience can relate to when the shit hits the fan. Adding mystery to the companion distracts from the story. I wish it would end. Hopefully 12's tenure will keep it that way now that Clara's backstory is revealed.