Doctor Who has addressed political topics all throughout its history. Not new, been there all along. They’re not always going to only address the topics you think fall within the purview of what makes for good Doctor Who. There’s escapism and there’s fluff. There’s making a point and pointless melodrama. Doctor Who has been all over the place and most fans disagree about where and when they’ve crossed the lines. Not new, been that way all along.
Russell T Davies is not the first gay producer of Doctor Who. John Nathan-Turner was at the helm for nine years. The fact that gay and sexual themes are appearing this season cannot necessarily be attributed to Davies being producer. Mostly likely explanation in my eyes is the fact that sixteen years have passed and times change. The world is ready for overtly sexy Doctor Who. Sexual tension has always been present on the show. Third Doctor and Jo Grant. You can’t tell me he wasn’t jealous when she got married in the Green Death. Fourth Doctor and Romana. Holding hands while traipsing through Paris in City of Death? Everybody knew they were getting it on. It’s just never been directly addressed.
I’m glad they’re keeping things interesting. I don’t even mind the farting aliens.