Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat Explains Why All the Two Part Episodes
By David Hill
When comparing the new incarnation of Doctor Who to the classic episodes, there is a stark contrast to the pacing and the depth to each adventure. The modern episodes are essentially nonstop action, with little to no character development. Meanwhile, in Classic Doctor Who, particularly in the early episodes, there was a lot more paid to mood and character interaction, helping to provide a lot more depth to each story.
When it was announced that Series Nine would feature quite a few two part episodes, the hope was that this would signal a change back to those days. It would be a welcome change, for as popular as Doctor Who has become, there are certain elements that have just been missing. That depth and feel of the classic episodes were needed.
Apparently, Steven Moffat agreed. Among the various points that he made during his interview for the latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine was that the wanted more two part episodes to recapture the feel of mystery and the atmosphere of the setting, along with an added emphasis on “creeping menace” and character moments.
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With these statements, it would appear as though Moffat is, at least to a degree, moving away from the faster paced and more action filled adventures. Instead, Doctor Who could find itself trending more towards the mystery aspect, a role which seems to suit the Twelfth Doctor far better than the fast paced adventures he was in last season. Such a move may allow Peter Capaldi to truly hit his stride as the Doctor.
Likewise, this move is a bit of a gamble for Moffat and Doctor Who. Even with the change last series to an older Doctor, the show has never been more popular than it currently is. Given that the vast majority of television seems to be nothing more than fast paced action and imagery, will Doctor Who be able to maintain it’s popularity with a slower paced, and potentially more cerebral, season?
Normally, if a program is going well, the formula remains the same. However, with Doctor Who, there is a constant need to adapt with new Doctors and new companions. That adaptability will continue, as Steven Moffat may be tailoring the program to the strengths of the Twelfth Doctor.