After months of speculation on how she would portray the Doctor, Jodie Whittaker's moment finally arrived. Last night, fans of the hit show finally got to see the first female Doctor Who in an episode titled The Woman Who Fell to Earth. While we got an a sneak peek of the first episode a week earlier (you can read our thoughts here), fans also took to social media to express their opinions.
There were those who loved her:
The #DoctorWho premiere is making my night. #JodieWhittaker is brilliant
— J (@Jonasantheapple) October 8, 2018
It's official. I'm in love with Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor. #doctorwho
— Some call me Jay (@paragonpostcard) October 7, 2018
Jodie Whittaker is simply spectacular in Doctor Who. She has synthesized all the things we know and love about the Doctor and made them familiar yet uniquely her own. She simply IS the Doctor from the moment she appears on screen. Brava! #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/9NYAWjTUVv
— Collin Kelley (@CollinKelley) October 8, 2018
And praised her acting skills in particular:
Wasn't sure #DoctorWho would be able to carry off a female Doctor. But genius casting and acting (fezzes off to Jodie Whittaker) made it so!
— Zena J (@Janey5_0) October 7, 2018
Yes yes yes! Masterfully done episode! Beautiful cinematography, great acting and Jodie Whittaker is already owning her role as the Doctor!
— Robert Price (@R_J_Price) October 7, 2018
I am so excited to see where this series goes! Loved it! #DoctorWho
While of course, there were a few who found fault with the episode:
watched Jodie Whittaker as the doctor and in my honest opinion I was bored out of my mind 😔 I will continue to watch Doctor who and give her a chance but I really hope her performance improves
— Tom Ledgard (@tomzbommerwickd) October 8, 2018
I’m sure Jodie Whittaker is a fine actor, but watching Dr Who just now was a tedious chore. What a terrible script.
— Prof. David Aldridge (@DavidAAldridge) October 7, 2018
Definately the worst debut episode of new #DoctorWho and perhaps one of the worst episodes ever. Boring, unexplained plot and lazy writing. And to think I thought this new doctor would be a breath of fresh air. Can't believe I'm saying this but, bring back Stephen Moffat.
— Freddie Tyrrell (@TyrrellFreddie) October 7, 2018
But maybe more importantly, it seems that most people also saw Whittaker's Doctor as a refreshing and uplifting change in the current political climate:
Put this on for your daughters. Let them know that they can save the world too. This is so bloody important, thank you so much Jodie Whittaker @bbcdoctorwho
— sarah (@newsfrmhome) October 7, 2018
Tonight, thousands of little girls will get to see what I always wanted - a woman kicking sci-fi/fantasy butt. I may not be a #DoctorWho fan, but I am a huge fan of Jodie Whittaker and female role models, so let’s celebrate something great in the world.
— Jen (@evilnoodle) October 7, 2018
The reactions to the first episode (from critics and fans) were mostly positive and, with nine episodes still to go in the new season, Whittaker has plenty of time to win over the doubters and establish herself in the pantheon of legendary Time Lords.
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Read more:
Jodie Whittaker on the new Doctor Who: 'She’s striving for brightness and inclusion'
New Doctor Who is announced and it is female
Going 'Overboard': Hollywood's glut of gender-swap remakes
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