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Doctor Who Series 14: New Doctor Ncuti Gatwa and Exciting Storylines

Doctor Who‘s brand new series has ended, and it’s left fans buzzing. Some call it season as it was sort of a reboot, but let’s be real, most of us call it series 14. This series was a game-changer, introducing Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor and marking the triumphant return of Russell T Davies since series 4. So, we’ve got something old (the Doctor), something new (the new Doctor), something borrowed (the villain; from the 4th Doctor stories), and something blue (the TARDIS, obviously).

In the world of Doctor Who, fans are split between Team Russell T Davies (series 1-4) and Team Steven Moffat (series 5-10). Each has their unique flair: Davies is a master at character creation, while Moffat spins intricate, mind-bending tales. Personally, I’m a fan of both. My top episodes were penned by Moffat but produced under Davies: “Blink,” “The Empty Child,” “The Doctor Dances,” “Silence in the Library,” and “Forest of the Dead.”

River Song fans, it’s time to say it: Spoilers!

How does series 14 stack up against the previous 13 “Nu-Who” series?

Surprisingly, it’s a hit. Sure, there were a couple of duds: “Space Babies” was cringe-worthy, and “Dot and Bubble” was a snooze-fest. But then, we had three absolute gems: “73 Yards” and the two-part finale. The rest of the episodes were decent, with “The Devil’s Chord” having its moments.

Getting back to Moffat for a moment: he returned to write an episode this series, titled “Boom.” It was good but not his finest work. It felt like a high-quality filler episode, missing that extra depth to make it a classic. The idea of the Doctor sitting on a landmine for the most of the episode is intriguing in theory, but in practice, it felt a bit flat.

The 14th series mainly focused on the new Doctor and his companion, Ruby Sunday, and her mysterious backstory. So, let’s dive into those.

First up, the Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa was born to play the Doctor. His portrayal is electrifying, brimming with energy, emotions, and a dash of unpredictability. He’s like a cocktail of the 10th and 11th Doctors, with his unique twist. He’s a child at heart and a 2000-year-old Time Lord rolled into one.

Now, let’s talk about Ruby Sunday. The central mystery was her unknown mother. The Doctor saw her but couldn’t see her face. Ruby also glimpses her mother but with the same result. Finally, in the two-part finale, a DNA test reveals the truth, thanks to UNIT‘s superior tech, making Davina McCall’s team look like amateurs (“The Church on Ruby Road”).

But here’s the kicker: in “The Church on Ruby Road,” Davina’s team couldn’t trace Ruby’s lineage, suggesting she had no earthly relatives, hinting she might be an alien. Yet, she turns out to be the daughter of two ordinary humans. Plot hole alert! This contradiction is a bit like Rey’s parentage reveal in Star Wars—initially mysterious, then mundanely human. A bit boring…

Could this plot hole have been fixed? Yes. Ruby could’ve been from the distant past or future, making DNA matches impossible. Or, she could’ve been a paradox, with no DNA matches because her mother was, well, herself. Sometimes, keeping secrets is more thrilling, just like the Doctor’s true name.

Regardless, Ruby Sunday shines as a companion. Millie Gibson delivers a stellar performance, especially in “73 Yards,” a Doctor-Lite episode that leaves just enough mystery to keep us hooked. Some despise ambiguous plots, but I adore them.

Overall, series 14 was a delightful surprise. A mix of bad, average, and fantastic episodes, but the overall vibe was positive.

Now, I’m eagerly awaiting the Christmas 2024 special “Joy to the World,” penned by Steven Moffat and starring Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan as the companion. It promises to be a festive treat. Only six months to go!

Artistic Growth: Embracing Feedback and Originality

  1. Learn Something New All The Time: Curiosity, Passion, Discipline, Creativity

Every day, or at least every week, try to learn something new. Listen to new music, especially something entirely different from your own style or preferred genres. Perhaps you need to delve deeper into music theory: chords, chord progressions, scales, rhythm, melodies, harmonies—whatever it may be.

It’s essential to learn how to write good songs and continuously improve with each new composition. There are no shortcuts; you learn by doing.

No matter your daily activities, make learning a habit. Spending just 15 minutes a day on learning can make a significant difference over time.

  1. Opinions from Other People: Feedback, Constructive Criticism, Listen to and Learn from Others

“No man is an island,” John Donne wrote, and it’s true. Even if you think you’re writing just for yourself, you still smile when others enjoy your music. They may have critiques, but remember, that’s just their opinion. Try to see your work from their perspective for a moment.

  1. Learn to Play Your Instruments Well: Practice, Practice, Practice. Learn. Practice More

Master your instrument, whatever it is. Practice singing or playing regularly. Experiment with other instruments or try playing your guitar upside down with your “wrong” hands.

If your DAW is your instrument, treat it as such. It’s often one of the most critical tools you need to master. Use it, experiment, and continuously learn new techniques.

  1. Do Many Good Live Shows

Play as many shows as you can. Analyse your performances and learn from your mistakes. Then play more shows.

If live performances aren’t for you, find other ways to promote your music effectively.

  1. Make Great Recordings

By now, you should be well-prepared. Secure a great record deal, go to a reputable studio, and record your songs meticulously. Mix and master them with care.

If you choose to mix and master your recordings yourself, ensure you have the necessary skills (see ).

  1. Be Original

This is the hardest yet most crucial task. Be original. Be yourself. Be unique, different, creative, and innovative. Be a leader, a trendsetter, a game changer, and ultimately, a legend.

  1. Establish Good Routines

Set up your environment to facilitate creativity. Ensure you can start creating immediately without spending 30 minutes preparing your gear. This way, you won’t lose the magical moment of inspiration.

  1. Don’t Take It Too Seriously

“Music, it’s just entertainment, folks!” (as Devin Townsend says). “Art is too important to be taken seriously” (as Oscar Wilde notes).

For perspective: in 100 years, no one will remember you personally. However, people may still listen to and remember your music.

  1. Critics Are Both Right and Wrong

Critics are simply doing their job: listening to music and sharing their feelings about it. Honest reviews benefit everyone, so consider their feedback.

However, a review is just one person’s opinion. A bad review isn’t the end of the world. Some people won’t connect with your music, and that’s okay. Learn from feedback and move forward.

  1. A Practical Piece of Advice: Back Up Everything

This might be the most underrated yet crucial advice. Always back up your work. Losing a great song because of a computer crash can be devastating. Ensure you have backups to avoid such losses.

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