From ChatGPT

Introduction:

In 1989, after 26 years of thrilling audiences with its time-traveling
adventures and captivating storytelling, Doctor Who faced an untimely
cancellation. The decision to end the series left fans devastated and marked
the end of an era in television history. This article explores the reasons why
Doctor Who should have never been cancelled in 1989, delving into its cultural
significance, its enduring legacy, and the missed opportunities
that arose from its premature demise.

Cultural Phenomenon:

Doctor Who transcended the confines of television to become a cultural
phenomenon beloved by fans around the world. Since its inception in 1963, the
series captured the imagination of viewers with its imaginative narratives,
iconic characters, and groundbreaking special effects. Doctor Who became more
than just a TV show; it was a shared experience that brought people together
across generations and continents.

The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 deprived fans of a beloved institution
and left a void in popular culture. The absence of new episodes meant the end
of an era for millions of viewers who had grown up with the Doctor's
adventures. Furthermore, the cancellation prevented the series from reaching
new audiences and engaging with a new generation of fans.

Enduring Legacy:

Despite its cancellation, Doctor Who's legacy endured long after its final
episode aired. The series continued to inspire countless spin-offs, novels,
audio dramas, and comic books, keeping the spirit of the show alive for years
to come. The dedicated fanbase, known affectionately as Whovians, remained
devoted to the series, organizing conventions, fan clubs, and online
communities to celebrate their love for the Doctor and their companions.

The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 only served to strengthen the dedication
of its fanbase and cement its status as a cultural icon. The show's influence
extended beyond television to influence other works of science fiction and
fantasy, inspiring countless creators and artists to explore the boundless
possibilities of time and space.

Missed Opportunities:

The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 represented a missed opportunity for the
series to evolve and grow in new directions. With advances in technology and
storytelling techniques, Doctor Who had the potential to reach new heights of
creativity and innovation. The cancellation prevented the series from exploring
new story arcs, introducing new characters,
and pushing the boundaries of the sci-fi genre.

Furthermore, the cancellation deprived fans of closure for ongoing storylines
and character arcs. The Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, was left
without a proper send-off, and many questions remained unanswered. The
cancellation left fans with a sense of unfinished business and a longing for
resolution that would not be realised for many years.

Revival and Renewal:

Despite its cancellation in 1989, Doctor Who would eventually be revived in
2005, much to the delight of fans worldwide. The revival of the series breathed
new life into the franchise, introducing a new generation of fans to the
wonders of time and space. The success of the revival series proved that there
was still a hunger for Doctor Who's unique brand of storytelling
and that the Doctor's adventures were far from over.

In hindsight, the cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 was a missed opportunity
to keep the series alive and thriving for future generations. While the revival
series has brought renewed interest and enthusiasm for the Doctor's adventures,
one can't help but wonder what could have been
if the series had been allowed to continue uninterrupted.

Conclusion:

The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 remains a source of disappointment for
fans who mourn the loss of one of television's most beloved series. The
decision to end the show prematurely deprived audiences of new adventures,
compelling characters, and imaginative storytelling. However, while the
cancellation may have been a setback,
it was not the end of the Doctor's journey.

Doctor Who's enduring legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of fans
who continue to celebrate the series' rich history and enduring appeal.
The cancellation in 1989 may have been a missed opportunity,
but it ultimately paved the way for the series' triumphant return
and ensured that the Doctor's adventures would continue to inspire
and captivate audiences for generations to come.
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

On 2/17/2024 6:45 AM, The Doctor wrote:
> From ChatGPT
>
> Introduction:
>
> In 1989, after 26 years of thrilling audiences with its time-traveling
> adventures and captivating storytelling, Doctor Who faced an untimely
> cancellation. The decision to end the series left fans devastated and marked
> the end of an era in television history. This article explores the reasons why
> Doctor Who should have never been cancelled in 1989, delving into its cultural
> significance, its enduring legacy, and the missed opportunities
> that arose from its premature demise.
>
> Cultural Phenomenon:
>
> Doctor Who transcended the confines of television to become a cultural
> phenomenon beloved by fans around the world. Since its inception in 1963, the
> series captured the imagination of viewers with its imaginative narratives,
> iconic characters, and groundbreaking special effects. Doctor Who became more
> than just a TV show; it was a shared experience that brought people together
> across generations and continents.
>
> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 deprived fans of a beloved institution
> and left a void in popular culture. The absence of new episodes meant the end
> of an era for millions of viewers who had grown up with the Doctor's
> adventures. Furthermore, the cancellation prevented the series from reaching
> new audiences and engaging with a new generation of fans.
>
> Enduring Legacy:
>
> Despite its cancellation, Doctor Who's legacy endured long after its final
> episode aired. The series continued to inspire countless spin-offs, novels,
> audio dramas, and comic books, keeping the spirit of the show alive for years
> to come. The dedicated fanbase, known affectionately as Whovians, remained
> devoted to the series, organizing conventions, fan clubs, and online
> communities to celebrate their love for the Doctor and their companions.
>
> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 only served to strengthen the dedication
> of its fanbase and cement its status as a cultural icon. The show's influence
> extended beyond television to influence other works of science fiction and
> fantasy, inspiring countless creators and artists to explore the boundless
> possibilities of time and space.
>

This. The show came back strong so in the end the cancellation didn't
hurt. Sure, it deprived hard core fans such as myself with the ability
to enjoy the show. But it's back now and going strong.

> Missed Opportunities:
>
> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 represented a missed opportunity for the
> series to evolve and grow in new directions. With advances in technology and
> storytelling techniques, Doctor Who had the potential to reach new heights of
> creativity and innovation. The cancellation prevented the series from exploring
> new story arcs, introducing new characters,
> and pushing the boundaries of the sci-fi genre.
>
> Furthermore, the cancellation deprived fans of closure for ongoing storylines
> and character arcs. The Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, was left
> without a proper send-off, and many questions remained unanswered. The
> cancellation left fans with a sense of unfinished business and a longing for
> resolution that would not be realised for many years.
>
> Revival and Renewal:
>

Yes, until the revival which allowed the show to wrap up many
storylines. Unfortunately some of those wrap ups have been off screen,
but they are being wrapped up. And the ones that aren't I probably
don't remember anyway! LOL ;-)

[SNIP machine generated text]

Dave, if you can’t articulate your own feelings then I’m sorry. But I’m no
more interested in computers generating I’ll-considered opinions for you
than I am in computers generating substandard artwork for you.

Speak for yourself. Don’t treat a computer like it’s your “thinking brain”
support animal. It’s not fair on you.

The Doctor wrote:

> From ChatGPT
>
> Introduction:
>
> In 1989, after 26 years of thrilling audiences with its
> time-traveling adventures and captivating storytelling,
> Doctor Who faced an untimely cancellation.

BlueshirtGPT says: Timely cancellation!

Like an injured horse it was put out of its misery.

> This article explores the reasons why Doctor Who should
> have never been cancelled in 1989,

It's Chat-GPT... it didn't have to sit through that era of the show.

Doctor Who HAD to die in 1989, so that it could live again and start
afresh when the time came.

If Doctor Who hadn't been cancelled in 1989 it would have been
cancelled in 1990, or 1991 (etc.)... People were not watching it.
Out of that, the Expanded Universe arose and allowed Doctor Who to
live.

Arthur Lipscomb wrote:

> On 2/17/2024 6:45 AM, The Doctor wrote:
> >
> > The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 only served to strengthen
> > the dedication of its fanbase and cement its status as a
> > cultural icon. The show's influence extended beyond television
> > to influence other works of science fiction and fantasy,
> > inspiring countless creators and artists to explore the
> > boundless possibilities of time and space.
> >
>
> This. The show came back strong so in the end the cancellation
> didn't hurt. Sure, it deprived hard core fans such as myself with
> the ability to enjoy the show. But it's back now and going strong.

I genuinely think Doctor Who was better off for being cancelled. It
allowed the VNA's to exist, followed by the BBC EDA's and then the
Big Finish audio adventures... Doctor Who fandom thrived and "Doctor
Who" was rebuilt as a cult icon leading eventually to its
resurrection in 2005.

It had to die to live.

On 2024-02-17 20:29:50 +0000, The Last Doctor said:

> [SNIP machine generated text]
>
> Dave, if you can’t articulate your own feelings then I’m sorry. But I’m no
> more interested in computers generating I’ll-considered opinions for you
> than I am in computers generating substandard artwork for you.
>
> Speak for yourself. Don’t treat a computer like it’s your “thinking brain”
> support animal. It’s not fair on you.

It's not fair on the computer! :-p

The Last Doctor wrote:

> [SNIP machine generated text]
>
> Dave, if you can’t articulate your own feelings then I’m sorry.
> But I’m no more interested in computers generating I’ll-considered
> opinions for you than I am in computers generating substandard
> artwork for you.

I'm gonna play devil's advocate and say at least he is posting
something on-topic that is generating some discussion...

I'm seeing it as his way of defending his favourite era of the show,
plus all of the words are spelt properly... so it's a start!

In article <uqqtlu$hhbr$2@dont-email.me>,
Arthur Lipscomb <arthur@alum.calberkeley.org> wrote:
>On 2/17/2024 6:45 AM, The Doctor wrote:
>> From ChatGPT
>>
>> Introduction:
>>
>> In 1989, after 26 years of thrilling audiences with its time-traveling
>> adventures and captivating storytelling, Doctor Who faced an untimely
>> cancellation. The decision to end the series left fans devastated and marked
>> the end of an era in television history. This article explores the reasons why
>> Doctor Who should have never been cancelled in 1989, delving into its cultural
>> significance, its enduring legacy, and the missed opportunities
>> that arose from its premature demise.
>>
>> Cultural Phenomenon:
>>
>> Doctor Who transcended the confines of television to become a cultural
>> phenomenon beloved by fans around the world. Since its inception in 1963, the
>> series captured the imagination of viewers with its imaginative narratives,
>> iconic characters, and groundbreaking special effects. Doctor Who became more
>> than just a TV show; it was a shared experience that brought people together
>> across generations and continents.
>>
>> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 deprived fans of a beloved institution
>> and left a void in popular culture. The absence of new episodes meant the end
>> of an era for millions of viewers who had grown up with the Doctor's
>> adventures. Furthermore, the cancellation prevented the series from reaching
>> new audiences and engaging with a new generation of fans.
>>
>> Enduring Legacy:
>>
>> Despite its cancellation, Doctor Who's legacy endured long after its final
>> episode aired. The series continued to inspire countless spin-offs, novels,
>> audio dramas, and comic books, keeping the spirit of the show alive for years
>> to come. The dedicated fanbase, known affectionately as Whovians, remained
>> devoted to the series, organizing conventions, fan clubs, and online
>> communities to celebrate their love for the Doctor and their companions.
>>
>> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 only served to strengthen the
>dedication
>> of its fanbase and cement its status as a cultural icon. The show's influence
>> extended beyond television to influence other works of science fiction and
>> fantasy, inspiring countless creators and artists to explore the boundless
>> possibilities of time and space.
>>
>
>This. The show came back strong so in the end the cancellation didn't
>hurt. Sure, it deprived hard core fans such as myself with the ability
>to enjoy the show. But it's back now and going strong.
>

There should have never been a cancellation to start with!

>> Missed Opportunities:
>>
>> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 represented a missed
>opportunity for the
>> series to evolve and grow in new directions. With advances in technology and
>> storytelling techniques, Doctor Who had the potential to reach new heights of
>> creativity and innovation. The cancellation prevented the series from
>exploring
>> new story arcs, introducing new characters,
>> and pushing the boundaries of the sci-fi genre.
>>
>> Furthermore, the cancellation deprived fans of closure for ongoing storylines
>> and character arcs. The Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, was left
>> without a proper send-off, and many questions remained unanswered. The
>> cancellation left fans with a sense of unfinished business and a longing for
>> resolution that would not be realised for many years.
>>
>> Revival and Renewal:
>>
>
>Yes, until the revival which allowed the show to wrap up many
>storylines. Unfortunately some of those wrap ups have been off screen,
>but they are being wrapped up. And the ones that aren't I probably
>don't remember anyway! LOL ;-)
>
>
>

Why is that?
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In article <uqr4vu$j69n$1@dont-email.me>,
The Last Doctor <mike@xenocyte.com> wrote:
>[SNIP machine generated text]
>
>Dave, if you can’t articulate your own feelings then I’m sorry. But I’m no
>more interested in computers generating I’ll-considered opinions for you
>than I am in computers generating substandard artwork for you.
>
>Speak for yourself. Don’t treat a computer like it’s your
>“thinking brain”
>support animal. It’s not fair on you.

I would if I disagree with it!

Looks like MM is going as nuts as chibnall.
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In article <xn0oi6yxxl5p06t008@news.eternal-september.org>,
Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
>The Doctor wrote:
>
>> From ChatGPT
>>
>> Introduction:
>>
>> In 1989, after 26 years of thrilling audiences with its
>> time-traveling adventures and captivating storytelling,
>> Doctor Who faced an untimely cancellation.
>
>BlueshirtGPT says: Timely cancellation!
>
>Like an injured horse it was put out of its misery.
>

IYIO

>> This article explores the reasons why Doctor Who should
>> have never been cancelled in 1989,
>
>It's Chat-GPT... it didn't have to sit through that era of the show.
>
>Doctor Who HAD to die in 1989, so that it could live again and start
>afresh when the time came.
>
>If Doctor Who hadn't been cancelled in 1989 it would have been
>cancelled in 1990, or 1991 (etc.)... People were not watching it.
>Out of that, the Expanded Universe arose and allowed Doctor Who to
>live.

But you are in the wrong Captain BlueBeard!
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In article <xn0oi6zful6exvo00b@news.eternal-september.org>,
Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
>Arthur Lipscomb wrote:
>
>> On 2/17/2024 6:45 AM, The Doctor wrote:
>> >
>> > The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 only served to strengthen
>> > the dedication of its fanbase and cement its status as a
>> > cultural icon. The show's influence extended beyond television
>> > to influence other works of science fiction and fantasy,
>> > inspiring countless creators and artists to explore the
>> > boundless possibilities of time and space.
>> >
>>
>> This. The show came back strong so in the end the cancellation
>> didn't hurt. Sure, it deprived hard core fans such as myself with
>> the ability to enjoy the show. But it's back now and going strong.
>
>I genuinely think Doctor Who was better off for being cancelled. It
>allowed the VNA's to exist, followed by the BBC EDA's and then the
>Big Finish audio adventures... Doctor Who fandom thrived and "Doctor
>Who" was rebuilt as a cult icon leading eventually to its
>resurrection in 2005.
>
>It had to die to live.

Then you are NOT a Doctor Who fan!!
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In article <uqr8al$jr2l$1@dont-email.me>,
Your Name <YourName@YourISP.com> wrote:
>On 2024-02-17 20:29:50 +0000, The Last Doctor said:
>
>> [SNIP machine generated text]
>>
>> Dave, if you can’t articulate your own feelings then I’m sorry.
>But I’m no
>> more interested in computers generating I’ll-considered opinions for you
>> than I am in computers generating substandard artwork for you.
>>
>> Speak for yourself. Don’t treat a computer like it’s your
>“thinking brain”
>> support animal. It’s not fair on you.
>
>It's not fair on the computer! :-p
>

Good for a laugh!

Of Course you now have to flame Captain Blueshirt Blueshirt for this.

He cannot generate a proper counter argument!
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In article <xn0oi6zozl6s6u900c@news.eternal-september.org>,
Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
>The Last Doctor wrote:
>
>> [SNIP machine generated text]
>>
>> Dave, if you can’t articulate your own feelings then I’m sorry.
>> But I’m no more interested in computers generating I’ll-considered
>> opinions for you than I am in computers generating substandard
>> artwork for you.
>
>I'm gonna play devil's advocate and say at least he is posting
>something on-topic that is generating some discussion...
>
>I'm seeing it as his way of defending his favourite era of the show,
>plus all of the words are spelt properly... so it's a start!

Thank you! But you encouraged the events!
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

The Doctor wrote:

> In article <xn0oi6zful6exvo00b@news.eternal-september.org>,
> Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
> >
> > I genuinely think Doctor Who was better off for being cancelled.
> > It allowed the VNA's to exist, followed by the BBC EDA's and
> > then the Big Finish audio adventures... Doctor Who fandom
> > thrived and "Doctor Who" was rebuilt as a cult icon leading
> > eventually to its resurrection in 2005.
> >
> > It had to die to live.
>
> Then you are NOT a Doctor Who fan!!

Why would a fan want to watch a once great show wither away to
nothing in front of their eyes? Which is where the Sylvester McCoy
era of Doctor Who was going... the storylines were poor, it looked
crap and the ratings were rock bottom. If it was your pet would let
it suffer like that or would you be off to the vet?

The Doctor wrote:

> In article <xn0oi6zozl6s6u900c@news.eternal-september.org>,
> Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
> > The Last Doctor wrote:
> >
> >> [SNIP machine generated text]
> >>
> >> Dave, if you can't articulate your own feelings then I'm
> >> sorry. But I'm no more interested in computers generating
> >> I'll-considered opinions for you than I am in computers
> >> generating substandard artwork for you.
> >
> > I'm gonna play devil's advocate and say at least he is posting
> > something on-topic that is generating some discussion...
> >
> > I'm seeing it as his way of defending his favourite era of the
> > show, plus all of the words are spelt properly... so it's a
> > start!
>
> Thank you! But you encouraged the events!

I will never change my opinion on that dire era of the show. I sat
through most of it! I grew up with the excitement of the Jon Pertwee
and Tom Baker eras of Doctor Who, watching McCoy in action was about
as exciting as watching paint dry compared to those engaging
Doctors. I wasn't surprised the BBC cancelled Doctor Who. I'd have
cancelled it too!

You can use AI to put your support of that era more coherently than
you could yourself, but it won't change the facts. It might have
been for a variety of reasons but it is indisputable that the
Sylvester McCoy era of Doctor Who got the show cancelled.

In article <xn0oi72zylba01a000@news.eternal-september.org>,
Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
>The Doctor wrote:
>
>> In article <xn0oi6zful6exvo00b@news.eternal-september.org>,
>> Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
>> >
>> > I genuinely think Doctor Who was better off for being cancelled.
>> > It allowed the VNA's to exist, followed by the BBC EDA's and
>> > then the Big Finish audio adventures... Doctor Who fandom
>> > thrived and "Doctor Who" was rebuilt as a cult icon leading
>> > eventually to its resurrection in 2005.
>> >
>> > It had to die to live.
>>
>> Then you are NOT a Doctor Who fan!!
>
>Why would a fan want to watch a once great show wither away to
>nothing in front of their eyes? Which is where the Sylvester McCoy
>era of Doctor Who was going... the storylines were poor, it looked
>crap and the ratings were rock bottom. If it was your pet would let
>it suffer like that or would you be off to the vet?

I would rate Season 24 8/10

Season 25 8/10

Season 26 8/10 !
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In article <xn0oi736olbjpbi001@news.eternal-september.org>,
Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
>The Doctor wrote:
>
>> In article <xn0oi6zozl6s6u900c@news.eternal-september.org>,
>> Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:
>> > The Last Doctor wrote:
>> >
>> >> [SNIP machine generated text]
>> >>
>> >> Dave, if you can't articulate your own feelings then I'm
>> >> sorry. But I'm no more interested in computers generating
>> >> I'll-considered opinions for you than I am in computers
>> >> generating substandard artwork for you.
>> >
>> > I'm gonna play devil's advocate and say at least he is posting
>> > something on-topic that is generating some discussion...
>> >
>> > I'm seeing it as his way of defending his favourite era of the
>> > show, plus all of the words are spelt properly... so it's a
>> > start!
>>
>> Thank you! But you encouraged the events!
>
>I will never change my opinion on that dire era of the show. I sat
>through most of it! I grew up with the excitement of the Jon Pertwee
>and Tom Baker eras of Doctor Who, watching McCoy in action was about
>as exciting as watching paint dry compared to those engaging
>Doctors. I wasn't surprised the BBC cancelled Doctor Who. I'd have
>cancelled it too!
>
>You can use AI to put your support of that era more coherently than
>you could yourself, but it won't change the facts. It might have
>been for a variety of reasons but it is indisputable that the
>Sylvester McCoy era of Doctor Who got the show cancelled.

Your arguments hold not water!
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In message <xn0oi736olbjpbi001@news.eternal-september.org>, Blueshirt
<blueshirt@indigo.news> writes
<snip>
>I will never change my opinion on that dire era of the show. I sat
>through most of it! I grew up with the excitement of the Jon Pertwee
>and Tom Baker eras of Doctor Who, watching McCoy in action was about as
>exciting as watching paint dry compared to those engaging Doctors. I
>wasn't surprised the BBC cancelled Doctor Who. I'd have cancelled it too!

The final McCoy season was IMO a huge improvement and was better than
anything since at least the Peter Davison era. "Battlefield" is quite
possibly my favourite DW story of all time (and I've been watching the
show ever since the very first season back in 1963), and "The Curse of
Fenric" and "Survival" were also very good. I do wonder if many people
who pan the Sylvester McCoy era never actually watched that final season
because (understandably) they had given up on the show before then.
--
John Hall
"Acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people
from coughing."
Sir Ralph Richardson (1902-83)

John Hall <john_nospam@jhall.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <xn0oi736olbjpbi001@news.eternal-september.org>, Blueshirt
> <blueshirt@indigo.news> writes
> <snip>
>> I will never change my opinion on that dire era of the show. I sat
>> through most of it! I grew up with the excitement of the Jon Pertwee
>> and Tom Baker eras of Doctor Who, watching McCoy in action was about as
>> exciting as watching paint dry compared to those engaging Doctors. I
>> wasn't surprised the BBC cancelled Doctor Who. I'd have cancelled it too!
>
> The final McCoy season was IMO a huge improvement and was better than
> anything since at least the Peter Davison era. "Battlefield" is quite
> possibly my favourite DW story of all time (and I've been watching the
> show ever since the very first season back in 1963), and "The Curse of
> Fenric" and "Survival" were also very good. I do wonder if many people
> who pan the Sylvester McCoy era never actually watched that final season
> because (understandably) they had given up on the show before then.

Season 26 was a vast improvement on the previous few seasons (with the
possible exception of “Remembrance of the Daleks” from the previous year)
but still suffered from over intrusive and often incongruous background
music, choppy editing leaving important plot exposition on the cutting room
floor and events seemingly out of sequence, and from suddenly being
overambitious when it had seemed to utterly lack ambition for years.

McCoy was starting to learn to act and in the subsequent 35 years has
become competent, even accomplished - and turned in some fine work on Big
Finish that has definitely redeemed him in my eyes at least.

But at the time the quality uptick in season 26 was too little, too late,
and the decision to schedule it opposite Coronation Street at a time when
recording shows for later viewing was still a comparative rarity, was the
final nail in the show’s coffin, in my view.

--
“The timelines and … canon … are rupturing” - the Doctor

In article <AWROZTBBYc0lFwPI@jhall_nospamxx.co.uk>,
John Hall <john@jhall.co.uk> wrote:
>In message <xn0oi736olbjpbi001@news.eternal-september.org>, Blueshirt
><blueshirt@indigo.news> writes
><snip>
>>I will never change my opinion on that dire era of the show. I sat
>>through most of it! I grew up with the excitement of the Jon Pertwee
>>and Tom Baker eras of Doctor Who, watching McCoy in action was about as
>>exciting as watching paint dry compared to those engaging Doctors. I
>>wasn't surprised the BBC cancelled Doctor Who. I'd have cancelled it too!
>
>The final McCoy season was IMO a huge improvement and was better than
>anything since at least the Peter Davison era. "Battlefield" is quite
>possibly my favourite DW story of all time (and I've been watching the
>show ever since the very first season back in 1963), and "The Curse of
>Fenric" and "Survival" were also very good. I do wonder if many people
>who pan the Sylvester McCoy era never actually watched that final season
>because (understandably) they had given up on the show before then.

Like Blueshirt?

>--
>John Hall
> "Acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people
> from coughing."
> Sir Ralph Richardson (1902-83)

--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

In article <uqsj6f$vtak$1@dont-email.me>,
The Last Doctor <mike@xenocyte.com> wrote:
>John Hall <john_nospam@jhall.co.uk> wrote:
>> In message <xn0oi736olbjpbi001@news.eternal-september.org>, Blueshirt
>> <blueshirt@indigo.news> writes
>> <snip>
>>> I will never change my opinion on that dire era of the show. I sat
>>> through most of it! I grew up with the excitement of the Jon Pertwee
>>> and Tom Baker eras of Doctor Who, watching McCoy in action was about as
>>> exciting as watching paint dry compared to those engaging Doctors. I
>>> wasn't surprised the BBC cancelled Doctor Who. I'd have cancelled it too!
>>
>> The final McCoy season was IMO a huge improvement and was better than
>> anything since at least the Peter Davison era. "Battlefield" is quite
>> possibly my favourite DW story of all time (and I've been watching the
>> show ever since the very first season back in 1963), and "The Curse of
>> Fenric" and "Survival" were also very good. I do wonder if many people
>> who pan the Sylvester McCoy era never actually watched that final season
>> because (understandably) they had given up on the show before then.
>
>Season 26 was a vast improvement on the previous few seasons (with the
>possible exception of “Remembrance of the Daleks” from the previous year)
>but still suffered from over intrusive and often incongruous background
>music, choppy editing leaving important plot exposition on the cutting room
>floor and events seemingly out of sequence, and from suddenly being
>overambitious when it had seemed to utterly lack ambition for years.
>

WEll shortened series by the brass was of no help!

>McCoy was starting to learn to act and in the subsequent 35 years has
>become competent, even accomplished - and turned in some fine work on Big
>Finish that has definitely redeemed him in my eyes at least.
>
>But at the time the quality uptick in season 26 was too little, too late,
>and the decision to schedule it opposite Coronation Street at a time when
>recording shows for later viewing was still a comparative rarity, was the
>final nail in the show’s coffin, in my view.
>

Too litte!

You underrate the whole season!

>--
>“The timelines and … canon … are rupturing” - the Doctor

--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; unsubscribe from Google Groups to be seen
The ignorant won't rest until everyone is as dumb as they are. -unknown Beware https://mindspring.com

No Yads got ChatGPT to think for him:
>”
>
> In 1989, after 26 years of thrilling audiences with its time-traveling
> adventures and captivating storytelling,

Hyperbole. Wherever ChatGPT picked up its Doctor Who knowledge it was
clearly from extreme fanbois: I loved the show and it was usually
entertaining, but rarely thrilling and only occasionally captivating, even
at the best of times. Which were over by 1980 …

>Doctor Who faced an untimely
> cancellation.

Assuming a conclusion. At this point the computer has not established a
case that the cancellation was “untimely”. (It was, but in the sense that
it was LATE.)

> The decision to end the series left fans devastated and marked
> the end of an era in television history.

There weren’t many fans left to BE devastated. That was rather the point.
It did mark the end of an era. Mainly with an huge sigh of relief that the
poor, overworked, ailing, ageing pet had been mercifully put to sleep.

> This article explores the reasons why
> Doctor Who should have never been cancelled in 1989, delving into its cultural
> significance, its enduring legacy,

Lots of things that come to an end had cultural significance and an
enduring legacy. That doesn’t mean that they remained current and relevant.

> and the missed opportunities
> that arose from its premature demise.

Premature assumed again - essay needs to present evidence and it doesn’t.

> Cultural Phenomenon:
>
> Doctor Who transcended the confines of television to become a cultural
> phenomenon beloved by fans around the world. Since its inception in 1963, the
> series captured the imagination of viewers with its imaginative narratives,
> iconic characters, and groundbreaking special effects. Doctor Who became more
> than just a TV show; it was a shared experience that brought people together
> across generations and continents.

Yes it was a lovely thing. But the pitiful remains of that thing were
largely regarded with sadness or disdain in 1989.

>
> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 deprived fans of a beloved institution
> and left a void in popular culture.

Hardly. Fan made continuations in various media began almost immediately
and carry on to this day. Cancelling the show didn’t cancel fandom,
imagination or continuation by other means - from the New Adventures novels
to the BBV Stranger, PROBE and Downtime videos, the third Doctor audios
Paradise of Death and Ghosts of N- Space, the regrettable EastEnders
charity crossover - this “void” must be the least voidy void ever imagined.

> The absence of new episodes meant the end
> of an era for millions of viewers who had grown up with the Doctor's
> adventures. Furthermore, the cancellation prevented the series from reaching
> new audiences and engaging with a new generation of fans.

Self evident, but the show as it was was leaking fans. Not gaining new
ones.

>
> Enduring Legacy:
>
> Despite its cancellation, Doctor Who's legacy endured long after its final
> episode aired. The series continued to inspire countless spin-offs, novels,
> audio dramas, and comic books, keeping the spirit of the show alive for years
> to come. The dedicated fanbase, known affectionately as Whovians, remained
> devoted to the series, organizing conventions, fan clubs, and online
> communities to celebrate their love for the Doctor and their companions.
>
> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 only served to strengthen the dedication
> of its fanbase and cement its status as a cultural icon. The show's influence
> extended beyond television to influence other works of science fiction and
> fantasy, inspiring countless creators and artists to explore the boundless
> possibilities of time and space.

These paragraphs indicate how strong the Whoniverse became after
cancellation of the show - so certainly don’t show that the cancellation
was a bad thing! Who was livelier and fresher in the 90s than it had been
in the 80s.

>
> Missed Opportunities:
>
> The cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989 represented a missed opportunity for the
> series to evolve and grow in new directions.

The text is now contradicting itself, as it has just shown (as I had
earlier) that the series continued to
“evolve and grow in new directions” BECAUSE of the cancellation. Sounds
like opportunities seized, not missed.

> With advances in technology and
> storytelling techniques, Doctor Who had the potential to reach new heights of
> creativity and innovation.

It only had to improve to “poor” (as it did in season 26) to reach new
heights of creativity and innovation compared with previous seasons. It
wasn’t enough.

>The cancellation prevented the series from exploring
> new story arcs, introducing new characters,
> and pushing the boundaries of the sci-fi genre.

No, it did all those things. Just not on TV for a while.

>
> Furthermore, the cancellation deprived fans of closure for ongoing storylines
> and character arcs. The Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, was left
> without a proper send-off, and many questions remained unanswered. The
> cancellation left fans with a sense of unfinished business and a longing for
> resolution that would not be realised for many years.

The rest of the text just repeats the same points over and over, after
digressing into the revival which, given that it was 15 years after the
cancellation, is hardly relevant to the cancellation itself.

> … it ultimately paved the way for the series' triumphant return
> and ensured that the Doctor's adventures would continue to inspire
> and captivate audiences for generations to come.

So no harm, no foul. In the long run. And that breathing space was
necessary - it’s exceedingly unlikely that the modern show would have
arisen out of more McCoy and whatever horrors John Nathan-Turner might have
inflicted on us next.

--
“The timelines and … canon … are rupturing” - the Doctor

In message <uqsj6f$vtak$1@dont-email.me>, The Last Doctor
<mike@xenocyte.com> writes
<snip>
>But at the time the quality uptick in season 26 was too little, too
>late, and the decision to schedule it opposite Coronation Street at a
>time when recording shows for later viewing was still a comparative
>rarity, was the final nail in the show’s coffin, in my view.

Yes, one has to think that was done with malice aforethought.
--
John Hall
"Acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people
from coughing."
Sir Ralph Richardson (1902-83)

The Doctor wrote:

> In article <AWROZTBBYc0lFwPI@jhall_nospamxx.co.uk>,
> John Hall <john@jhall.co.uk> wrote:
> > In message <xn0oi736olbjpbi001@news.eternal-september.org>,
> > Blueshirt <blueshirt@indigo.news> writes
> > >
> > > I will never change my opinion on that dire era of the show. I
> > > sat through most of it! I grew up with the excitement of the
> > > Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker eras of Doctor Who, watching McCoy
> > > in action was about as exciting as watching paint dry compared
> > > to those engaging Doctors. I wasn't surprised the BBC
> > > cancelled Doctor Who. I'd have cancelled it too!
> >
> > The final McCoy season was IMO a huge improvement and was better
> > than anything since at least the Peter Davison era.
> > "Battlefield" is quite possibly my favourite DW story of all
> > time (and I've been watching the show ever since the very first
> > season back in 1963), and "The Curse of Fenric" and "Survival"
> > were also very good. I do wonder if many people who pan the
> > Sylvester McCoy era never actually watched that final season
> > because (understandably) they had given up on the show before
> > then.
>
> Like Blueshirt?

No Dave, unfortunately I watched it... it was the BBC putting Doctor
Who out of its misery that forced me to give up on that confusing
mess of a show.

Why don't you tell us what you liked about S26 Dave... and why you
thought it was so great?!

The Doctor wrote:

> In article <uqsj6f$vtak$1@dont-email.me>,
> The Last Doctor <mike@xenocyte.com> wrote:
> > McCoy was starting to learn to act and in the subsequent 35
> > years has become competent, even accomplished - and turned in
> > some fine work on Big Finish that has definitely redeemed him in
> > my eyes at least.
> >
> > But at the time the quality uptick in season 26 was too little,
> > too late, and the decision to schedule it opposite Coronation
> > Street at a time when recording shows for later viewing was
> > still a comparative rarity, was the final nail in the show's
> > coffin, in my view.
>
> Too litte!
>
> You underrate the whole season!

People have different opinions to you on the McCoy era Dave, but if
he "underrated the whole season" millions of UK viewers did too...
and they can't ALL be wrong!!!