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3 Russell T. Davies' Shows to Watch During the Wait for Doctor Who

How to kill time, get to know the writer, and soothe that expectation.

By Angie LovedayPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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3 Russell T. Davies' Shows to Watch During the Wait for Doctor Who
Photo by Dante Candal on Unsplash

With Russell T. Davies' imminent return to Doctor Who, the fandom is abuzz with theories and expectation. Having been the showrunner for DW during the series revival in 2005 and until 2010, creating the widely beloved Tenth Doctor (played by David Tennant), two spin-off shows (Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures) and giving the world both classic and new aliens and monsters, excitement for the upcoming 60th anniversary celebration and series 14 is at an all-time high.

However, with the 60th anniversary happening in 2023, there is still a long way to go for his acclaimed return. But Doctor Who isn't the only beloved hit series that RTD has led. So, in the meantime, why not watch some of his other work and get re-acquainted with this writer's style and interests in the years since leaving DW.

1. A Very English Scandal (2018)

1 season | 3 episodes | 1 hr each

Based on a book, in turn based on a real event, A Very English Scandal follows the turbulent relationship and assassination attempt of British Member of Parliament Jeremy Thorpe and Norman Josiffe/Scott.

Despite not coming straight for Russel T. Davies' imagination, he manages to portray the events in such a way that not only is the case and the relationship put on display, but rather there is an exposition of the difficult environment England was in the 70's for gay men. Without falling into a justification of Jeremy Thorpe's crime, he dives into the heavy implications of being ousted. Davies captures the lives and environments of two very distinct characters who have almost nothing in common other than their sexual orientation.

A Very English Scandal received nominations across all main television awards and manage to sweep a few of them. Most notable perhaps, Davies won 'Best Writer' at the BAFTA Awards, Wales.

2. Years and Years (2019)

1 season | 6 episodes | 1 hr each

Years and Years covers the lives of a family, as diverse as they come, across 15 years going into the future while Britain experiences political turmoil, the rise of an authoritarian leader, and human rights violations.

Davies' created a star-studded ensemble cast that portray all sorts of different struggles, with his dialogue stripping them of any façades and revealing their raw emotions that make you want to cry and scream along with them against the injustices. Every key point of the drama can be traced back to a real-life concern and problem that while it might seem insignificant or irrelevant in the present, it can devolve into a situation that is so much worse 15 years into the future. Years and Years is a direct call to action, to stand up against injustices, to take responsibility for the choices of the general population before it is too late. It is an incredibly moving and gut-wrenching criticism of the current state of our society.

The mini-series was nominated for several awards but went unnoticed by some of the major organizations. It received an award for 'Authentic Representation' from the Ruderman Family Foundation Seal of Authentic Representation for the casting of Ruth Madeley in the role of a person with a disability.

3. It's A Sin (2021)

1 season | 5 episodes | 45 min each

It's a Sin follows a group of young gay men who are experiencing London and their sexuality for the first time. This freedom unfortunately coincides with the appearance of AIDS in England in the 80's, a moment in which they went from no news onto rampant disinformation, all while they're just trying to have fun and be themselves.

Based on some events lived by Davies' himself as well as stories of friends and acquaintances, this drama has a very personal take on the AIDS crisis. It successfully combines the seriousness of the situation with young men who just want to free and live their lives. There is good fun, good music, love, and dance only to turn around and receive a punch to the gut with a positive test. His writing makes you fall in love with the vibrant characters in such a way that you must mourn their loss. Russel T. Davies is truly a master of combining the comedic, the dramatic, and the tragic in order to make a beautiful celebration of life while criticizing why it couldn't have been better.

The series had a very strong presence not only in award shows with nominations for several categories but also in widely recognized festivals such as Berlinale. It won several awards for 'Best TV Series' and 'Program of the Year'.

By Charlie Seaman on Unsplash

Before stepping back into the TARDIS, take a look at these series, because with a wonderful writer such a Russell T. Davies no one can never get enough of his work. Until then...

Allons-y!

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About the Creator

Angie Loveday

An asexual Costa Rican filmmaker and writer fumbling her way through words, hoping to make some sense to the netizens. You can follow me online @ang_lovestheday

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