I’m Loving the Recent Representation on the British Series, “Doctor Who”
The 14th doctor is going to be Rwandan-born, Scottish-raised actor, Ncuti Gatwa
My favorite Doctor in the revamped series is still the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant. I could watch him in anything. I even fancied the 11th Doctor, played by Matt Smith and his quirky and sexy bowties. He even kissed one of his male co-stars on-screen which was later revealed to be an ad-lib so the shock we saw in his eyes when he planted that kiss was real and they left it in. This story isn’t about those guys though. Those guys are history.
Last two Doctors and the announcement of the newest Doctor
Since then, there has been an older Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, and the 12th, a woman doctor, Jodie Whittaker, the 13th. As Jodie Whittaker is departing the show now after three seasons, there has been an announcement of the regeneration of the 14th Doctor.
The 14th Doctor is going to be the first African-born doctor. Yes, a Black Doctor. Talk about awesome representation on a long-running program. This show started over 50 years ago. This is going to be the first Black Doctor on the show. I mean, I’m a little ticked off that it took so long but also excited to continue to watch the show going forward now that they’ve finally hired a Doctor of color.
Ncuti Gatwa, bringing youth to the role
I recognized the actor Ncuti Gatwa as he’s in another BBC series, “Sex Education.” This was a very excellent choice as he’s a brilliant actor and I can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to the role. He’s also going to be one of the youngest Doctors in the series as the actor is only 29 years old.
By comparison, David Tennant was 34 years old, and five years older. Ncuti Gatwa is going to be taking on the role with new or multiple new companions. Yaz and Dan are leaving with Jodie Whittaker, the 13th Doctor.
Previous representation of people of color on the show
My favorite Doctor, David Tennant, got a Black companion, Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, the first Black female companion in the show. Before her, paired with the ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, and the tenth Doctor, David Tennant, was Mickey Smith, played by Noel Clarke and Casey Dyer. He was the first Black companion on the show altogether.
He ends up marrying Martha Jones later but I’m not much into spoilers so that was only a light one. I’m not saying that I think that they’ll pair the new Doctor with another Black lead but they might and I would definitely be on board with that decision.
I’m just excited for Season 14 with the 14th Doctor starting sometime in early 2023. Again, it’s just going to be nice to see the Doctor get a much-needed makeover yet again. Let’s all board the TARDIS and see what adventures are yet to come.
