Doctor Who: How Chris Chibnall can learn from Moffat
Credit: BBC
In a recent Radio Times interview, Michelle Gomez announced she would be stepping down as Missy at the end of season ten and will be leaving with Moffat, Capaldi, and Mackie as well. This brings Chris Chibnall a brand new era of Who to usher in, all on his own.
The Scottish actress said in the interview that it was the end of the chapter and it made sense to “leave with her pals”. With Gomez gone, this marks the last of the Moffat chapter of Doctor Who to leave.
This is obviously reminiscent of what Steven Moffat did when he took the reigns from Russell T. Davies. Choosing to cut off many parts of what Russell T. Davies had brought to the show, Moffat was often left annoying fans. With Chibnall left in the same position, he could easily do the same, or learn from Moffat’s mistake and not make the change so prominent.
How can Chris Chibnall learn from Moffat?
It’s understandable that a new showrunner would want to make his mark, but it is possible to do so without cutting off ties from the last 10 seasons. If Chibnall wants to bring new light to the show, he should do so by incorporating what has been brought to an already successful show.
For instance, many people were upset that John Barrowman never made an appearance with the Doctor after Moffat took over. Jack Harkness was and still is, a fan favorite, and there were many opportunities for him to appear, especially in A Good Man Goes To War.
Many people are looking forward to Moffat leaving and bringing in a new showrunner for some new blood for the show. However, there’s a reason that some things get popular. Russell T. Davies and Steven Moffat have brought iconic moments, people, and aliens to the show. It could be best for Chibnall to revisit some of these favorite moments while incorporating his own.
We can’t wait to see what Chris Chibnall brings to Doctor Who, it could be in his best opinion to keep some of the things that helped get the show where it is today.