‘Doctor Who’ Fans Cheer First Female Doctor’s Debut
“Doctor Who” fans got their first glimpse of a historic new Doctor on Christmas night as Jodie Whittaker made her first appearance in the role as part of the series’ annual Christmas special.
Peter Capaldi, the 12th actor to play the Doctor, made a dramatic departure as the character regenerated, per Doctor Who mythology, into a new incarnation. Whittaker arrives just as the Doctor’s TARDIS time machine blows up, leaving her in free fall as a “To be continued” slate ends the special.
The new batch of “Doctor Who” adventures with Whittaker is expected to bow by the end of 2018. The series is also undergoing a change behind the scenes as “Broadchurch” creator Chris Chibnall succeeds Steven Moffat as showrunner. Capaldi had limned the character since 2014. The casting of Whittaker was unveiled in July.
The arrival of the first female Doctor Who is a fitting end to a year in which gender discrimination and other issues have been front and center in entertainment, politics and culture. The significance of Whittaker’s debut was not lost on “Doctor Who” fans, who hailed the 13th Doctor as a landmark moment for TV. Fans also had kind words for Capaldi’s portrayal of the iconic character and his parting words for his successor: “Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind.”
The sheer joy and happiness I felt by Jodie Whitaker's first appearance as the first female Doctor only goes to show how important female representation is AND how far we have to go. So excited for 13! #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/QnIRGgdDMG
— Paige Smolen (@pagsmo) December 26, 2017
"Aw, Brilliant!"#DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/JAKCFCg390
— Karen (@Khallion) December 26, 2017
It’s
our
time
now
ladies
#DoctorWhopic.twitter.com/RhVuyBRYcx
— Chlo Dameron
(@CleoChlo) December 26, 2017
We successfully kept the fact that the new #DoctorWho was a woman from my daughter (on the left)!
She got to find out today :D pic.twitter.com/uSF96t3vxC— Old, but Pretty
& wants Twit-ter to remove Nazis (@DannyDangerOz) December 26, 2017
There she is! Boom! #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/pUSk9u072i
— Meryl Lynn Ranzer (@merylnyc) December 26, 2017
And so the clock strikes thirteen…#DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/t4nBgULgAj
— Jamie (@typicalmadness_) December 26, 2017
Thank You 12. While your song is over, your story will never end. We will always remember when the Doctor was you. #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/CI1Z68tnFh
— Supreme Geekdom (@SupremeGeekdom) December 26, 2017
Watch the clip below:
Launch Gallery: Meet Jodie Whittaker, 'Doctor Who's' 13th Doctor
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