Steven Moffat and Fandom’s Favorite Troll

Abstract

Chapter 1, “Steven Moffat and Fandom’s Favorite Troll,” interrogates how Moffat both avows and disavows fandom. On one hand, Moffat-as-fanboy is both the author of the show and his own ideal audience as he performs and expects broad and deep knowledge of the text’s history. On the other, there is tension with actual fans—as opposed to the imagined fans who are just like himself—and he rejects those he thinks are not being fans the right way. Indeed, this chapter contends that the most standout characteristic of Moffat’s brand may well be being abrasive to anyone and everyone. The chapter concludes by considering the substantial concerns his work raises around inclusion—or lack thereof.