At times, attempting to follow the timeline in Doctor Who can get a bit confusing. That may not be the case with Series Eleven, which is expected to be a lot more straightforward.
One of the great lines to come from Doctor Who involves the concept of a timeline. In referring to how humanity looks at time as though it is more of a straight line, the Doctor disagrees. Instead, he refers to time as “a big ball of wibbly wobbly timey wimey… stuff.”
In his world, as he zips through time and space, heading to whatever point suits his fancy, that explanation certainly makes sense. However, for those of us who are cursed with having to travel through our lives forever moving forwards, without a chance to go back and forth through time, that explanation can be a bit difficult to follow.
Caitlin Busch of Inverse predicts, however, that idea of a giant ball of string, or time stuff, may take a back seat for a while. Instead, as Steven Moffat departs from the show, the continual time paradoxes, twists, and unexplained endings — which have become hallmarks of Moffat’s tenure — are likely to be much less prominent on the show with Chris Chibnall as showrunner.
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That is not to say that these plot devices will entirely disappear. Likewise, they were not strictly the purview of Moffat, as those paradoxes did exist during Russell T Davies era. Of course, Moffat wrote one of those episodes, but it wasn’t just him.
These paradoxes and twists can be a great device if used sparingly. When they are a constant possibility, however, such things can turn every episode into some sort of M. Night Shyamalan wet dream. Things are going along smoothly, when suddenly, what a twist!
The overarching storylines, the intricate plots, and the same nature of the show can continue as usual. With a more linear timeline, though, there will be a greater sense of order. Without having to analyze every little detail, those fans just starting to enjoy Doctor Who may likely find it easier to follow the action and become invested with the characters. In theory, that will help the popularity of the show continue to grow and the fandom to live on.
Next: Lighter Tone in Series Ten Starting With Christmas Special