Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat defends Doctor comments that ‘upset’ some fans

But one aspect of the episode left some fans unhappy, something Moffat was keen to admit on his X account last night.

In this tense installment, the usually affable Fifteenth Doctor was faced with the terrifying prospect of saving himself – and the entire planet – after stepping on a landmine and being unable to move.

At one point, the Doctor criticizes Anglican Marines fighting a non-existent enemy, saying: “I mean, most armies would notice that they’re fighting smoke and shadows. But not this group, Ruby. Do you know why? They have faith.”

He goes on to call faith “the magic word that makes you never have to think for yourself” and sarcastically chides Sethu’s Mundy Flynn for asking him to prove what he means by saying, “What, seriously? Now do you need proof, Faith Girl? “

Acknowledging that some fans took issue with the comments, Moffat yesterday wrote: “Ah. Faith Issue: I know some believers have been upset, but keep in mind: The Doctor being scared, heartbroken, and very angry is not all he thinks about the subject, it’s just what comes out of his mouth when he angry.”

He continued, “That’s why I included that last line about the need for faith. The Doctor believes that the universe has meaning and that kindness can work: but there is no objective evidence for this. How different is this from believing in God?

Towards the end of the episode, the Doctor tells young Splice (Caoilinn Springall) to “keep the faith”. After Mundy notes that she doesn’t think he likes faith very much, the Doctor hugs her and admits, “Just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean I don’t need it.”

While these themes may not have resonated with every viewer, Moffat previously explained that Boom “wasn’t me making any grand musings about faith.”

Speaking to Nerdist at the time of the episode’s release, Moffat said: “I don’t have one, but the Doctor is interesting when it comes to faith. Because he always, as in “The Time of Angels” with Father Octavian, is quite dismissive, but he believes in many things.

“He believes that there is order in the universe, that truth and beauty are one and the same, that in the end everything will make sense. He believes in these things. Therefore, when he neglects faith, he is a complete hypocrite.”

Moffat continued: “He’s interested in the subject matter. He has, of course, grown to love Mandi and actually respects her faith. It bothers me when people ask (why faith is part of this episode) that they think I’m disparaging it. I’m not disparaging it at all.”

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While Boom signaled Moffat’s return to the Whoniverse, it won’t be his last work on the sci-fi series as he brings us joy to the world that will hit our screens this Christmas.

As part of the Doctor Who Day celebrations, additional teasers and a promotional image have been revealed, giving a closer look at the drama that will unfold for Doctor Gatwa and guest star Nicola Coughlan’s Joy.

While we don’t yet know the exact storylines for Moffat’s Christmas special, he has previously spoken about being approached by Russell T Davies to write it: “The truth is I’m really enjoying doing the Doctor Who Christmas special because I’m a big fan of Christmas, I just love Christmas.”

Doctor Who returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas. Previous seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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