The fantastic Doctor Who season 11 premiere exceeded fan expectations this past weekend, with even the most cynical Whovians finding themselves enjoying it. However, there was one thing that people seem to be taking issue with.
But first, let’s go over what worked well. Jodie Whittaker was convincing as the Doctor from her very first scene, new showrunner Chris Chibnall has remixed the look and pace of the show for the better, and Segun Akinola’s score worked beautifully. Yes, the monster-of-the-week was a bit bland, but it did help keep the focus on the still-regenerating Doctor.
Speaking of which, some viewers are complaining that they actually had trouble understanding what No. 13 was saying due to her thick accent. Not only that, but it seems like a lot of people needed to use subtitles to get through the episode, and below you’ll find just a sampling of what folks are saying in regards to the way Jodie speaks.
https://twitter.com/dotski_w/status/1047936811002187777
Loved the show, but my American hubby kept asking me what she was saying and I had to explain about the spoons, it being Sheffield. And we both missed the opening with the familiar music. Maybe they'll add it in next week. As for her accent, guess we'll be adding in the subtitles
— T. K. Gardiner (@TKGwrites) October 7, 2018
I haven’t watched British television in a while so I had to turn the subtitles on 😂 #DoctorWho
— liv n (@sophaaachi) October 7, 2018
Absolutely loved the first episode of @bbcdoctorwho 😍😍😍 except that their accents seem to be thicker this season and I’m struggling a little 😂
— kaitlin (@KaitCzurylo) October 8, 2018
I really enjoyed the new #DoctorWho episode!!! I love her accent (even I may need subtitles to understand her XD)!!! pic.twitter.com/QylsRXxrSt
— AnaScully 👽 Missing Fennec Shand 🧡 (@anasyx) October 7, 2018
The accents are great but tbh can't understand half of what they're saying #DoctorWho
— Lizard (@StardustObiWan) October 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/SadieJane_/status/1049275295050678273
any other yorkshire men and women feel their own accent getting broader in their own head whilst watching doctor who? cause like yeah same
— lou (@Uhuras) October 8, 2018
Despite all of this, there’s no denying that Whittaker was a terrific piece of casting, presenting us with a warm, caring and charming to a fault hero who we can’t help but to fall in love with. The actress nailed the Doctor’s stream-of-consciousness dialogue, too, and easily handled of all the exposition she had to deliver. If the intention of Chibnall and his team was to show us that this woman is the same person as the eccentric, loveable, heroic man who’s been on our screens for over half a century, then mission accomplished.
Tell us, what did you think of the Doctor Who season 11 premiere? Did you find it hard to understand Jodie, and did you enjoy her take on the Time Lord? Be sure to let us know by commenting below.
