Doctor Who has never shied away from pushing the envelope, and the most recent episode titled “Rogue” is no exception. In this episode, The Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, shares a historic same-sex kiss with the male bounty hunter Rogue, played by Jonathan Groff. This moment marks a significant milestone for the series, stirring diverse reactions on social media.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) received a few complaints about the episode, specifically regarding its “inappropriate sexual innuendo” and the rapid development of the romance between The Doctor and Rogue. However, the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit swiftly dismissed these complaints, noting that the innuendo was mild and that the quick pace of the romance suited the plot’s constraints. According to LGBTQ Nation, the BBC emphasized that the relationship served the storyline’s needs and was unlikely to impact viewers’ perceptions of real-life relationships.
Reactions on Reddit showcased a mix of support and indifference to the controversy. User spasske pointed out that “Dr Who has featured non-straight characters for over two decades, Captain Jack Harkness.” This sentiment was echoed by CaptainHalloween, who remarked, “It wasn’t the first though,” referencing past instances of same-sex affection in the series.
Some fans felt the complaints were blown out of proportion. User dangermouse13 noted, “You often see the daily mail etc reporting on complaints and turns out there’s a tiny percentage of the viewership complaining but they like to stir the pot.” This comment underscores the sentiment that the backlash, while vocal, came from a small fraction of viewers.
In contrast, many praised the episode’s progression and inclusivity. According to Edge Media Network, only two official complaints were filed regarding the episode’s content. This speaks to a broad acceptance and endorsement of the series’ direction. User Sterling028 aptly summed it up, saying, “The world’s on fire, people are starving, but yet people are worried about a fictional alien character kissing another fictional character? Must be nice to have nothing else to worry about…”
Support also came from other sections of social media. A user MuvyTikit commented on a different but related post discussing backlash to same-sex representation, “The very online are often the most toxic, commenting their vile BS. But the actual creatives, the content creators making videos and breakdowns — the response has been almost universally positive.”
Russell T. Davies, the series’ current writer known for his groundbreaking LGBTQ+ narratives, continues to push boundaries. According to Deadline, the episode aligns with Davies’ commitment to inclusivity in storytelling, reflecting evolving societal norms and a broader acceptance of diverse relationships.
The reaction to the same-sex kiss in Doctor Who underscores the ongoing conversation about representation in media. As the series continues to evolve, it’s clear that moments like these, though they may stir controversy among a vocal minority, are celebrated and appreciated by the wider audience.