Actor Billie Piper spoke about her shockingDoctor Whoregeneration, confirming my worst fears about the risky twist in the finale of season 15.Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor left Doctor Whoafter two seasons, leading to a shocking regeneration that fans are still talking about two months later.
With the exception of the Fourteenth Doctor, Doctor Who has brought a new face to the show with every new regeneration. However, Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor regenerated into formerDoctor Who actor Billie Piper, who served as a companion in RTD’s first era. Unfortunately, Billie Piper addressed the regeneration in a recent interview, confirming a fear I’ve been in denial about.
Billie Piper Was Approached “Very Last-Minute” For The Doctor Who Season 15 Finale
Billie Piper’s Doctor Who Return Was A Last-Minute Decision
Since the finale of Doctor Who season 15,I’ve had this gnawing feeling in my gut that the Billie Piper regeneration was a last-minute decision made for shock value and headlines. It seemed like a twist meant to get attention. After all, Disney+ waited to decide about renewing its co-production agreement until after the ratings came in for Doctor Who season 15. However, I’ve been in hardcore denial about the possibility because I wanted to be wrong.
Unfortunately,Billie Piper’s recent response about the regenerationseems to confirm my worst fears. She stated that she wasn’t brought on for the shocking regeneration until very late in the game.She explained, “All I can say is I was approached very last-minute, and I can’t talk about in what capacity.”This seems to confirm that the decision wasn’t planned out ahead of time.
The Billie Piper Regeneration Was Clearly An Unplanned Gimmick
I’m Worried That Billie Piper’s Return Wasn’t Planned Out
If the Billie Piper regeneration was a gimmick meant to generate buzz, it succeeded at its goal. However, it probably wasn’t the kind of buzz they were hoping for. While some fans were more positive about the risky regeneration, others felt like I did: annoyed that Doctor Who cared more about a shocking ending than solid storytelling.
I’m not against Billie Piper taking over as the Sixteenth Doctor, the Moment, or even Bad Wolf. I’m against them doing it just for views.It feels like the show has been pulling non-stop twists that verge on gimmicks.These include the David Tennant Fourteenth Doctor, the Doctor’s bi-generation, the Ruby Sunday mystery, the Susan visions, and the Rani’s bi-generation.
I don’t mind retcons and interesting twists that expand the lore, but I need them to pay off in a way that’s narratively sound. It doesn’t feel like they’ve been doing that, and I’m starting to get worried that Billie Piper’s regeneration will be the same way. I truly hope I’m wrong.
I’d Still Love To See Billie Piper As The Sixteenth Doctor Regardless
Billie Piper Is An Incredible Actress Who Could Handle The Iconic Role
Even if the Billie Piper regeneration was just a last-minute gimmick, I’m hoping that they craft a good story that makes sense to go along with her Doctor Who return. The Doctor regenerating into her needs a good explanation. It can’t just be another David Tennant situation, where the logic feels like an afterthought.
The BBC and Disney+ have not renewed their co-production deal yet, and Doctor Who season 16 isn’t confirmed.
Luckily, Piper is a fantastic actor, soI could see her giving a great performance no matter the character she’s playing. It would be entertaining for them to bring back the Moment or Bad Wolf. However, I’d also be enthusiastic about her playing the Sixteenth Doctor.
