My Reflection on Doctor Who - Series 5 (2010)

Over 3 weeks ago now, the New Series 5, or Season 31 (as I like to call it) of Doctor Who finished in spectacular style with The Big Bang. The last few weeks have allowed time for the last 13 episodes to sink in, and looking back, I’m both happy and excited that it was a resounding success, not just as a series by itself, but also as a forward-thinking, positive improvement in the quality of Doctor Who on the whole.

Not that it was in an absolute mess beforehand mind you; both Series 4 and The Waters of Mars were a world away from the dire excesses of Series 2 in 2006, but I felt generally that the programme was gradually slipping into more lazy, self-indulgent, and celebratory story-telling – living off Doctor Who’s recent past successes. After Steven Moffat took over head-writing and executive duties from Russell T. Davies though, he made Series 5 an effective reboot that while paid respect and homage to the magnificence of the Russell T. Davies era, returned the programme back to a clear and firm sense of direction and purpose, the like of which hadn’t been seen since Series 1 back in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor. Then as now, with Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, there was a great dynamic and developing relationship between both Doctor and companion, and a strong Story arc that overall lived up to its promise.

Now though, lightning seems to strike twice for the new revived incarnation of WHO. As with Series 1, Series 5 has put Doctor Who back on the map as a brilliant, imaginative and quality show. And its stars have excelled too. What Matt Smith lacks in gravitas, he more than makes up for in character and performance; and Karen Gillan is proving to be one of the most fun and interesting companions ever.

Although, I still feel that New WHO is a distance away from the height of its powers. Even though this is the best the programme has been in a decade, it still hasn’t quite matched the heyday of the show in the 1970’s, even with better production values. The Big Bang may have finished off the Series well, but it could have worked even better had Steven Moffat not tried to out-epic Russell T. Davies in the scope of his writing. I am confident though, that if his early success this year is anything to go by, then his future series are sure to be amazing. Who knows? We may soon even enter the best Golden years Doctor Who has ever had! It has never been a more exciting time to be a Doctor Who fan! (Well not for my generation anyways.)