Why a Lack of Sci-FI

Science Fiction writing offers many approaches and directions, and many acclaimed sci-fi writers have revolutionised the genre time and time again. So the question is, why has Doctor Who never employed such writers in its 60-year history? I think it’s safe to assume any writer who would receive an invitation to pen an idea for the show, would jump at the opportunity and come up with a well-rounded script with good plot development, characters, and an interesting story with credible science to keep things in control.

Doctor Who has always been guilty of rehiring the same writers over and over again, sometimes writing two serials or stories a season. The show has also been guided and largely written (during the revived series) by whoever took over the role as executive producer/showrunner. It’s not surprising that the person at the top would assume control of the series putting their creative input into every corner and edge. There is a sense of vanity at times when all the best episodes are assigned to the showrunner themselves, and fans atomically fall in love with the episodes with no sense or reason.

The writing for Doctor Who in recent years has also, simply put ‘not been great’, with childish storytelling, nonsensical tangents and silly gimmicks to save the day. Doctor Who was never the most intelligent sci-fi show to go out there; but there was still some integrity and originality when the show was in its prime. Sci-fi writers however always go the extra mile, and [they] probably are what’s needed at this point in time. They could pilot the TARDIS in the right direction and take Doctor Who back to the stars, to infinity and beyond, and to go where no man has ever gone before.