Dr. Who: Exterminate/Regenerate by John Higgs- Book Review (and Some Thoughts)

John Higgs, known for his quirky deep dives into cultural phenomena like The KLF and William Blake, has turned his analytical eye to a British institution: Doctor Who. As someone with a passing interest in the Doctor (I watched the show on occasion but my best childhood friend had a friend who was the real Whovian, bless him and Rodney's Books and Games), I was intrigued to see what Higgs would uncover.

Higgs, in his signature style, doesn't just rehash the show's history. Instead, he uses Doctor Who as a lens to explore broader themes: science, religion, history, philosophy, and the very nature of storytelling. He begins with a Tom Baker anecdote that beautifully captures the show's enduring power.

What follows is a fascinating journey through the show's evolution, from its shaky beginnings in the 1960s to its modern-day revival. Higgs delves into the surprising origins of the series, highlighting the contributions of key figures like Verity Lambert and the groundbreaking work of Delia Derbyshire on the iconic theme music. But he doesn't stop there as he meticulously examines how each Doctor's era reflected the socio-political landscape of its time:

  • William Hartnell's era establishes the Doctor as a mysterious, almost alien figure. Higgs explores Hartnell's own complex personality and connects the early TARDIS travels to mythical journeys in British folklore.

  • Patrick Troughton's Doctor emerges as a ‘cosmic hobo,’ a trickster figure who reassured audiences during a time of social change. Higgs delves into Troughton's personal life and how it informed his portrayal, and examines the rise of iconic monsters like the Cybermen.

  • With Jon Pertwee, the show shifts to a more action-oriented, ‘Boys' Own Adventure’ style. Higgs discusses Pertwee's background in naval intelligence and the era's reflection of a changing Britain, including the emergence of social issues in the storylines.

  • Tom Baker's long and influential run sees the show embrace a darker, more gothic tone, reflecting the anxieties of the 1970s. Higgs explores Baker's unique personality and the growing influence of fandom, both positive and negative.

  • The Peter Davison era is presented as a deliberate move towards a more grounded and vulnerable Doctor. Higgs analyzes the reasons behind this shift and its impact on the show's popularity.

  • Colin Baker's time in the TARDIS is marked by controversy, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Higgs delves into the behind-the-scenes turmoil, the criticism of the character's treatment of his companion, and the show's near-cancellation.

  • Sylvester McCoy's Doctor sees a return to mystery and manipulation, with a darker undercurrent. Higgs connects this era to broader cultural trends and the show's eventual departure from television in the 1990s.

  • The wilderness years and the Paul McGann TV movie are portrayed as a time of uncertainty and unfulfilled potential. Higgs discusses the film's shortcomings and the continuation of the Doctor's adventures in other media including audiobooks.

  • The 21st-century revival, spearheaded by Christopher Eccleston, is examined as a successful attempt to bring the Doctor to a new generation. Higgs highlights the contributions of Russell T Davies and the show's renewed popularity.

  • David Tennant's era is presented as a peak in the show's modern popularity, with Tennant's charismatic portrayal of the Doctor resonating with a wide audience.

  • Matt Smith and Steven Moffat bring a ‘wibbly wobbly, timey wimey’ complexity to the series, with a focus on intricate storytelling. Higgs discusses the impact of social media on the fandom during this era.

  • Peter Capaldi's incarnation is analyzed for its darker, more intense tone, and the increasing influence of streaming on the show's viewership.

  • The casting of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor is explored in detail, including the backlash from some fans and the show's attempts to diversify its cast and crew.

  • Finally, Higgs brings us to the present day, with Ncuti Gatwa taking on the role of the Doctor in an increasingly globalized and politically charged landscape.