James Lark on 1.48pm on Tuesday 12th January, 2010
The "it's a kids' programme" argument doesn't wash, for three reasons:
1. Some kids ARE very discerning and appreciate good writing even if they can't explain why it's good.
2. Even if they can't, it's up to us to teach them.
3. The amount of money the BBC are chucking at Doctor Who, it damn well ought to be better.
The best children's writing - and I include Doctor Who when it IS at its best - is not condescending, patronising or lazy, but treats its audience with respect, and as a result it rises above the narrow confines of "children's material" to find a much wider audience. Now let's hear no more of this nonsense.
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No but...
The "it's a kids' programme" argument doesn't wash, for three reasons:
1. Some kids ARE very discerning and appreciate good writing even if they can't explain why it's good.
2. Even if they can't, it's up to us to teach them.
3. The amount of money the BBC are chucking at Doctor Who, it damn well ought to be better.
The best children's writing - and I include Doctor Who when it IS at its best - is not condescending, patronising or lazy, but treats its audience with respect, and as a result it rises above the narrow confines of "children's material" to find a much wider audience. Now let's hear no more of this nonsense.
You make a good point about Cribbins.