10 Questionable Creative Decisions Made On Doctor Who

As a fan, I'm very grateful that the creators behind The TV Movie acknowledged Sylvester McCoy's incarnation in such a big way. They knew he was still the current Doctor, and wished to bridge the gap between the previous era, and theirs. Not only was it a move that ensured good will with existing fans, but it also helped to establish the Americanised version of Doctor Who as canon, and a complete continuation of the Classic run.

On the other hand, it was a questionable decision, considering The TV Movie was meant to be a backdoor pilot for an American network. This opening story had to win over an American audience, who weren't as well-versed with Doctor Who. They needed to be eased into the complicated world of the show, which British audiences had become well accustomed to.

By having Paul McGann's incarnation narrate the opening (which, in itself, was a lot to swallow for a newcomer), and then have Sylvester McCoy appear as The Doctor, must have been rather confusing. Before the American audience could get to know this mysterious protagonist, he suddenly dies, before later returning to life with a new face and persona.

Fundamentally, the creators should've been more pre-occupied with their target audience, instead of trying to please past fans. By making something that's very faithful to what's come before, it ultimately alienated any newcomer because they simply couldn't keep up with the already existing mythology that was being rammed down their throats.