Doctor Who Season 11: 10 Huge Questions After 'Demons Of The Punjab'

The thirteenth Doctor is markedly different from her predecessors. Whenever she reacts like one of them, such as when taking the alien artefact out of its housing, or when assuming that she was the Vijarians’ target, or, it backfires or gets subverted. She feels a sense of freedom with this incarnation that she finds liberating, but she does worry about being too nice. At times it is as if she is rebelling against her better judgement and loving the thrill of it.

This Doctor cannot help herself, she is moved into helping Yaz go back to see her grandmother as a young woman, probably around the same age as Yaz is now. The fact that they can all repeat the no interfering mantra, suggests this isn’t the first time she’s taken them to where they want to go. It’s all very heart-warming and refreshing, but it is likely to get irritating over time.

The Doctor cannot always be ‘nice’ otherwise she becomes less complex than the likes of Matt Smith’s eleventh Doctor who could turn on a sixpence. Her relatability also makes her seem less alien, stretching credibility and limiting storytelling possibilities. It may simply be the case that this is an intentional break from the past, but could there be a twist to come? Are we all being lulled into a false sense of security along with Yaz and co?

The fact that the Doctor is aware she is in danger of being too nice suggests that we might see some character development through Jodie Whittaker’s time on the show. So far, she has got away with being ‘nice’ but there is every chance that something will happen to make her back off, to regret her willingness to please, and to perhaps even make her reject her friends for their own good. In the meantime, let’s stick with the program and embrace this new caring side to the Doctor.

What questions did Demons of the Punjab leave you with? Let us know down in the comments.