The Thirteenth Doctor’s era represents a major change for Doctor Who. She’s not only the first woman Doctor but she also has two full-time companions of color by her side. There’s a divide between fans who embraced change on a show that’s centered around change, and those who thought the alien Doctor should continue to present as male. Fandom feelings aside, actress Jodie Whittaker revealed to Entertainment Weekly that the Thirteenth Doctor is here to stay for at least one more season.
In the interview, Whittaker says she’s going to hold on to this amazing title as long as she can because she’s enjoying the ride so far. “Yes, I’m doing another season,” Whittaker affirms. “That might be a massive exclusive that I’m not supposed to say, but it’s unhelpful for me to say [I don’t know] because it would be a massive lie! I absolutely adore it. At some point, these shoes are going to be handed on, but it’s not yet. I’m clinging on tight!” Honestly, who wouldn’t want to be the time-traveling star of one of the most enduring sci-fi series of all time?!
Right now, Jodie Whittaker is currently in her second season as the Gallifreyan protagonist alongside companions Yaz (Mandip Gill), Ryan (Tosin Cole), and Graham (Bradley Walsh). It remains to be seen if some, or all, of the companions will also stick around for another season too. A lot of modern companions have only stayed for a season or two before either being ripped away from The Doctor or moving on with their lives.
There’s a lot of great chemistry in this TARDIS team, so perhaps they will continue to explore the universe together. If any companion must leave, then hopefully it will be on amicable terms sans tragedy. It’s not likely because, well, Doctor Who exists to emotionally eviscerate us. But we can always hope for the best while expecting the worst.
Keeping Thirteen around also means that fans don’t have to worry about yet another heartbreaking regeneration until the end of Season 13. It’s always hard to say goodbye and welcome in a new version of this character. Thirteen is settling into the TARDIS and there’s a lot more to uncover and explore with this incarnation. Perhaps she can do a companion-lite (or -free) episode that focuses on a solo adventure. Or maybe we can finally get a Thirteen Christmas episode in 2020.
Of course, Jodie Whittaker is well aware that it’s impossible to please every Doctor Who fan. However, instead of harping on negative reactions or praise, she chooses to focus on making the best show possible. As she tells EW:
“I’ve seen loads of fan art, which I always love. But it’s never been that great for me to immerse myself in noise that you can’t control, good or bad. I think both are a rabbit hole that you shouldn’t necessarily go down. We know that we work really hard for the show to be the best it can be in this moment. Once it’s out in the ether, how people feel, in a way, is kind of irrelevant.”
Hurray for more quirky moments and adventures with the always stylish and energetic Thirteenth Doctor.
Featured Image: Ben Blackall/BBC America/BBC Studios