I’m a Doctor Who fan.

I realize it’s cool to like Doctor Who, these days. Fans pop up in the most unexpected places, from High School jocks to University librarians. My daughter uses the show as a sort of litmus test. If she tells me, “Hey, Mikey likes Doctor Who!” then I know Mikey has achieved at least second level respect in her eyes. Friendship is a distinct possibility.

But it wasn’t always that way. When I was a kid, there were only four television channels to choose from. Despite the slim selection, I never heard another kid  mention the words “Doctor Who.” I discovered the show only by accident on a Saturday of extreme boredom, when no Godzilla-esque movies were airing and the Wide World of Sports was following a marathon. A few minutes of watching athletes splash cups of water into their own faces motivated me to get off the couch (no remotes) and change the channel. In desperation, I tried PBS. And there was The Doctor.

I don’t remember what episode it was. I do remember that I was instantly hooked by the odd British guy with the curly hair and excessive scarf.

Yes, that was a very long time ago. No, I’m not going to tell you how long. Look it up, if you really want to know. I believe there is only one incarnation with a scarf.

So why am I telling you this bit of personal history?  To establish my credentials as a geek—er, a longtime fan of The Doctor. Because I have a beef with the younger generation—those who joined the party with David Tennant or even as recently as Matt Smith.

Listen up, neo-Whovians: THE DOCTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE CUTE.

Oh, I’ve heard the complaints about the upcoming new-new-new-new doctor. Comments like these from a Doctor Who Facebook page I follow: “…I hate that face Grrrrrrrr at least make him cute…..” and “Please don’t let him be wearing a buttoned up white collared shirt without a tie, the Doctor is eccentric I grant you, but this is bad dress sense.”

Look, newbs, the Doctor is required to be clever, brilliant, dark, silly, quick-witted, handy, a good guy, dangerous, hard, compassionate, and any number of other characteristics. But good looks? Well, that’s just an accessory. If you don’t get that by now, then you don’t really get Doctor Who at all.

And fashion sense? Really? When has that ever been a requirement?! Check this out:

Personally, I think Peter Capaldi is a brilliant choice. I mean look at him. LOOK AT HIM.

And now, I leave you with this.

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[Tardis photo credit: aussiegall / Foter / CC BY]