I'm a fan of what you do on this blog. Can I ask what your expectations for Doctor Who's Bill are? Do you think the writers will treat her positively, considering Who's bumpy history with black characters? How do you think the fans will react to her? I recognize we know little about Bill right now, but I'm really interested in your perspective on having a companion of color again and how the show and fandom work with that. Thank you :)
I always have the highest of hopes for black characters. The most recent major black Who character was Danny, who basically got an extended fridging to benefit Clara’s story. I found his arc to be convoluted (typical of Moffat) and unsatisfying. So I’m not entirely confident that Bill will be well treated. But she is a companion, so at least in theory other characters’ arcs will be for her. I’m keeping it positive. I’m looking forward to her!
I am not looking forward to how fandom will treat her. No matter how she’s written, she won’t be good enough for many fans. I’m unsure how the narrative will treat her, but I’m completely sure how the fandom will treat her: Like crap. I hope that she’s supported by more fans than I expect, but she won’t be as well-received as Clara.
One good thing is that, compared when Martha was introduced a decade(!) ago and with the show being much more accessible in the US, there are more Black American Who fans. And there will be even more when Bill comes on, I’m sure. It won’t take years for Bill to have a formidable defense squad like it did with Martha.
tangentwithtanner
blakekathryn
kianamaiart
snowghoul
ellievsbear
izzy806
2087
gummygunk
origamiaround
