'Doctor Who's "Legend of The Sea Devils" Trailer Brings A Pirate Queen

The changing of the guard at Doctor Who is not like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The latter is a many rehearsed seamless transition that's been going on for hundreds of years. The former never seems to be able to change over without awkward delay or, worse, some embarrassing exit. Whether it's Christopher Eccleston's long-held grudge against how the show treated him or a couple of years where the only episode is the holiday special, something always seems to drag on longer than anyone wanted.

Such is the case with 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall's exits, which comes at an awkward time for the BBC and the series. This year, 2022, marks the 100 year centenary of the former; next year, 2023, marks the 60th anniversary of the latter. Having Doctor Who off the air is not acceptable for either milestone. But Whittaker has finished her final season already, and showrunner Russell T Davies, who returns to take over the program for the first time since his exit in 2009, is not available until 2023. There's no help for it; the only answer is specials.

It is not the first time Doctor Who has bridged the gap this way. Tenth Doctor David Tennant's exit (and Davies' first leavetaking) was also marked by a year of special episodes airing in spring, fall, and Christmas/New Year's to fill the gap before Steve Moffat would take over as showrunner with his Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith. Some of those specials were good too. And considering how much better "Eve of the Daleks" was compared to the New Year's Special to Season 13's Flux, fans have high hopes for these. The trailer for the next special, Legend of the Sea Devils, at least looks enticing.