It seems to me that most television shows are conceived of in stasis. The basic premise is supposed to drag out and stay interesting through the entire run of the show. Most shows seem to actively resist any form of change. I was incredibly impressed by episodes like the second season finale of Batlestar Galactica (new). Though I don't think that the show is as good as most seems to. However, in the finale the basic premise is forever altered and about a year passes within the episode. The reason I bring all this up, is that I just watched the third season finale of the the new Doctor Who. I loved it, up until the ending. The episode was similar to the aforementioned episode of Battlestar in that one year passes and earth is rendered unrecognizable from its former self. However, they pull a Superman the movie and just turn back time. Nobobdy died, there was no problem. Nobody is aware if the doctor's existence. No I can't be too hard on the show. It is primarily a comedy, after all. I can't expect it to get too dark. However, it is just plain annoying when they explain away true development in favour of a quick fix. The world was also saved by the power of prayer, which just came toff a stupid to me. I'm trying to be vague enough to not ruin everything, yet specific enough to make my complaints. With only a couple of really annoying moments, it was a solid finale and continues to show true promise.
In retrospect, Doctor Who is a show which is designed to resist change. Every time the Doctor takes a new form is a development from the previous incarnation of the show, but it never really seems to build upon its own history, rather using this as a reimagining of the premise.
In retrospect, Doctor Who is a show which is designed to resist change. Every time the Doctor takes a new form is a development from the previous incarnation of the show, but it never really seems to build upon its own history, rather using this as a reimagining of the premise.