Movies
I say, this is all terribly formal. Must I go on calling you Dr. Peal?
— John Steed ‧ The Avengers
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
A polite, mildly teasing protest against stiff formality. The speaker finds the use of a formal title a bit much and asks, in a very proper way, whether they must keep at it. It's a courteous nudge toward first names and a friendlier tone.
Context reviewed