Media critic Emmet Asher-Perrin discusses the history of The Doctor's regenerations in Doctor Who and how it reflects the character's constant strive for improvement. The podcast also explores the metaphorical significance of The Doctor's gender transitions for transgender fans. Other guests discuss the cultural significance of the show and its impact on them as fans.
The Doctor's regenerations symbolize continuous personal growth and the pursuit of improvement.
The Doctor's gender transitions serve as a powerful metaphor for the transgender experience, resonating with fans and inspiring self-exploration of identity.
Deep dives
The Concept of Regeneration and Change in Doctor Who
The Doctor's ability to regenerate and change appearance becomes a metaphor for personal growth and evolution.
The Doctor's Relationship with Companions
The Doctor forms deep connections with human companions, who serve as a grounding force and a reflection of humanity.
The Doctor's Moral Code and Role as a Troubleshooter
The Doctor embodies a sense of morality and fights against evil, often placing him in critical situations to avert crises.
The Impact of Doctor Who on Transgender Fans
The themes of change and regeneration resonate deeply with transgender fans, providing inspiration and a language to explore their own journeys of identity.
In honor of Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, I’ve rewritten my 2018 episode about Doctor Who with updates on how the series has evolved, and new insights I’ve had about Doctor Who since I made this episode -- and since The Doctor has become one of my favorite characters. Media critic Emmet Asher-Perrin discusses how the history of The Doctor’s regenerations over 60 years is a story about an alien being who is striving to be better but keeps overshooting the mark. I talk with Emmet’s partner Sylas K. Barrett and comedian Riley Silverman about how The Doctor’s gender transitions have been an apt metaphor for the transgender experience. Also, Nick Randall of the BBC and SNS Online, historian Robin Bunce, and playwright Mac Rogers talk about the show’s significance culturally, and what it means to them as fans.
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