Series 11 of Doctor Who has been heralded a triumph by most mainstream media with the episode, 'Rosa'the jewel in the crown of the nu who nu era.
I am not a fan of Series 11 (which makes me a mysoginist and a "hater"....apparently) I have no qualm about the 13th Doctor being female but after 12 straight male incarnations it seems a tad pointless. What I dont like the clique casting that goes on in television. Chris Chibnall originally wanted Olivia Coleman to be the doctor (good choice as she can act well). He knew her from Broadchurch. She turned the role down so he seemingly went to the next best famale from Broadchurch in Jodie Whitaker?
I clearly have no sway in the casting but I think if the BBC is keen to keep one of its mainstay money earning shows.....earning money then cast the bast actor (and I say actor for male and female because once Jodie took over we didnt start calling the show Doctress Who). If they dont want it cast the next best actor and so on. If the best actor is male and wants the job, cast them. Same goes if they're female. Please Chibbers, step outside Broadchurch for your performers. I know this is commonplace in all performing where producers, writers and driectors work with actors and the afroementioned that they are fimilliar with and have a good relationship with. For something to be a success the best ideas and performers have to win and I don't think they have here. I hope Jodie can be her own doctor in series 12 instead of mimmicking her Broadchurch co-star David Tennant.
Onto Rosa. The story of Rosa Parks not giving up her seat on the bus which kickstarted the civil rights movement is quite well known and a very important one to be told. Chibnall's scrip centers on a racist descendant of earth from the distant future trying to prevent these events from taking place and preventing the civil rights movement.
Sounds compelling and the story had moments of dramatic strength. It was visually well executed and the acting apart from Jodie and the future space racist man, was decent. My issue is the main idea behind this. Chibnall has created a world where, even thousands of years into the future, racism still exists. What a hopeless world that is. I cant tell honestly if he meant to highlight the importance of Rosa Parks actions or to illustrate their futility as they ultimately (in his world) dont amount to the beginning of the end of racism.
Thats my point. Oh and someone tell Jodie the costume was great until they got the Bay City Rollers pants.
I.M
