Posted 13 November 2013 - 09:55 PM
Oh, I don't disagree that there are serious problems with seasons 6 and 7 (though moreso with 6- in 7 it's really just the final episode of each half that ruins things, in terms of the plot all falling apart - there are hickups elsewhere obviously but no more than standard for the Whoniverse. Season 6 is an enormous, crippled mess and also commits the inexplicable sin of absolutely destroying the previously brilliant character of River Song, especially the second half of it).
It's just that I don't think creative bankrupcy is the right accusation. Like I say, half the problems come from the fact that he's ramming so many ideas and things together that he ends up contradicting himself, or throws ideas in without thinking them through and then apparently abandons them for the next big thing.
One example, from the most recent Christmas special which I just rewatched: taken on its own, tbh, I think it's a fantastic episode, and holds up really well to a second view. There's a great fairytale vibe to his TARDIS on the cloud thing, Clara's whole governess act and all the rest. As a self-contained story it works very well.
However, the reason for his self-imposed exile and sulk not only makes him look like a petty dickhead, but really makes no sense whatsoever when you take it into any context whatsoever. I mean, River is right fucking there at the end of Angels Take Manhattan but apparently she suddenly means nothing to him. He's lost people before in similar circumstances and, hell, even this incarnation of the Doctor has abandoned them for hundreds of years at a time.
And if they'd just had Amy and Rory leave of their own free will like the whole half-season had been fucking well building up to, it would not only have removed half the plot holes but made his anger more understandable, coz he could see it as a betrayal and etc etc. It just wasn't thought through.
Huh. That turned into a rant. I wasn't expecting that.
I really really hope this new producer helps him, coz when he's good he's so so good. Even the worst bits have their moments.
I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.