Doctor Who: Settling the 62-Year Name Debate

The latest episode of Doctor Who, "Wish World," finally addresses a 62-year-old debate among fans: is it acceptable to call the beloved Time Lord "Doctor Who?" This question has lingered since the show's inception, with passionate arguments on both sides.

For decades, the Doctor's true name has been shrouded in mystery, a closely guarded secret within the Doctor Who universe. While the topic has surfaced occasionally, it's often been treated as something best left unacknowledged. But "Wish World" offers a clever resolution, not by revealing the Doctor's actual name, but by suggesting how fans can refer to him.

The Doctor's alias, John Smith, is a familiar one, often adopted when blending in with humanity. However, "Wish World" presents a unique twist, echoing the Tenth Doctor's experience in "The Family of Blood," where he genuinely believed himself to be John Smith. While Omega's return is a key plot point, the episode also subtly tackles the Doctor's naming convention.

The "Doctor Who" Debate Explained

The central conflict revolves around whether the character should exclusively be called "The Doctor," or if "Doctor Who" is also acceptable, or even preferred by some. While the character is almost always referred to as "The Doctor," there have been instances where characters use "Doctor Who."

In "Wish World," Jonah Hauer-King's character, Conrad Clark, consistently refers to him as Doctor Who. As Earth's storyteller, Conrad crafts narratives centered around the Doctor, whom he explicitly calls "Doctor Who." This is especially noticeable when Conrad reads a children's book, clearly inspired by Harry Potter, featuring a character named Doctor Who.

While some viewers might find the repeated use of "Doctor Who" jarring, it seems to be a deliberate choice by showrunner Russell T. Davies. The implication is clear: using the name Doctor Who is perfectly acceptable within the context of the show.

Related: A Doctor Who Detail Hidden Throughout Season 15 May Reveal RTD's Next Big Mystery

Arguments exist on both sides of this Doctor Who debate. "Doctor Who," while unconventional, accurately identifies the Doctor as the title character of Doctor Who. In casual conversation, "Doctor Who" is arguably more common than "The Doctor," making it a logical choice for some fans. Conversely, the rarity of "Doctor Who" might lead some to view its usage as incorrect. If the show's title were a question, it would include a question mark.

Other Instances of "Doctor Who"

Conrad isn't alone in using "Doctor Who." History is filled with examples. Certain eras credited the lead actor as playing "Doctor Who," suggesting it's the character's name, or at least how others address him. Missy, played by Michelle Gomez, pretends to be the Doctor in "World Enough and Time" (2017), calling herself "Doctor Who."

Similarly, the 1970 story featuring Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor was titled "Doctor Who and the Silurians." In "World Enough and Time," when Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor corrects Missy, he states, "Her name isn't Doctor Who, my name is Doctor Who." This moment, though humorous, contributes to the ongoing debate about the character's name.

Ultimately, "Wish World" seems to settle the Doctor Who name debate by implying that referring to the character as Doctor Who is perfectly acceptable. While his true name remains a mystery, fans can now confidently use "Doctor Who" without fear of being incorrect.