Pop Culture Happy Hour Doctor Who
Apr 15, 2025
Join Joelle Monique, a filmmaker and pop culture critic; JC Howard, a producer at NPR; and Eric Deggans, NPR's TV critic, as they dive into the bold new era of Doctor Who. They discuss the groundbreaking portrayal of the Doctor by Ncuti Gatwa, highlighting themes of queerness and race. The conversation touches on character evolution, the significance of diversity, and the balance between nostalgia and modern storytelling. The hosts also explore Ruby Sunday’s journey of self-discovery and the importance of queer friendships in this beloved series.
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Doctor Who's Return to Weirdness
- Doctor Who is returning to its weird and niche roots.
- This season is designed as an on-ramp for new audiences, requiring less lore.
A Grounded Doctor
- Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor embraces his identity and past choices.
- This Doctor exhibits a grounded sense of self and love for humanity.
The Doctor's Importance
- The most compelling character in Doctor Who is the Doctor himself.
- The show falters when it loses sight of this central focus.