After almost 50 years generations of people have found
something fascinating about the sonic-ing Doctor and his wobbly, timey wimey
adventures. Whether they hopped aboard the Tardis in the 60s, 2005 or
yesterday, the madman with a box has his appeal, but why?
1. Always fresh but always the same
With the ingenious idea of 'Regeneration' the Doctor can
completely rewrite his biology, essentially thwarting death and giving himself
a completely different body and face. Upon regenerating a whole new actor can
take up the mantle of the Doctor while technically still playing the same
character. With 11 personalities to discover, a galaxy of alien species', and a
host of companions, you'll never be at a loss for something fresh. The core
story however, of a lonely alien man looking to heal and find peace, is always
there. It’s comfortingly familiar, but spontaneous and different at the same
time.
2. Something to interest all
With some of the most witty, creative and outlandish writing
ever to hit television screens, Doctor Who combines and interweaves genres
better than most. Ranging from Romantic, Comedic, Innocent, and Fun to
Dramatic, Intellectual, Tragic, Sad and Dark there are times when the show can
have you laughing and crying in the space of 2-3 (literally) all without a
single trip in the Tardis.
3. The acting
A character like the Doctor is layered in complexity and
needs actors that can fulfil that versatility and range. From talent to talent
each Doctor has met the bar and raised it, each catching the heart of different
fans. With strong introductions (such as the 11th Doctor's opening speech to
the Atraxi) or heart breaking goodbyes ("I don't want to go") the
ability the actors have to twist language and tug at your heart strings will
have you hooked.
4. Creativity
While the show can be grounded in reality, morality and the
bitter/beautiful truths of our world and those beyond, it is for creative and
adventurous minds as well. Only on Doctor Who can you find fish fingers and
custard or horses on a spaceship.
5. Intellectually stimulating
As popular as it is with kids who enjoy following the
adventures and humour, even the mature and sharpest of minds can love it. With
an in-depth canon, scientific/grand monologues and concepts that fit together
like a puzzle piece, this show won't spell it out for you. Ideas that span over
entire seasons will come together, sometimes only an expression of realization
or one line of dialogue. For History buffs several historical figures appear,
in episodes celebrating the brilliance of their lives, along with in-jokes the
historically minded will notice.
So - one show, all of time and space, everything that ever
happened or ever will, where would you like to start?
A series finale theory
With the show at it's strongest and a 50th Anniversary is on its way it's hard to imagine Doctor Who leaving our screens any time soon. However like all good things it must one day come to an end, and I have an idea of what may happen when it does.
During 'The Wedding Of River Song' two of Doctor Who's biggest constants reappeared, with a subtle Dalek cameo and the biggest question of the show - Doctor WHO being explored. The Time War between the Daleks and the Timelords, as well as that ultimate question, was the beginning of it all. According to Dorium 'Doctor Who?' is the first question, what if it is the last as well?
It was made clear during Tennant's era that The Master suffered from a never ending drumbeat that plagued his mind, a beat that was planted in his head and was ultimately used by the banished Time Lords to try and escape. Could the answer to the question, The Doctor's name, be a weapon in itself? In 'A Good Man Goes To War' Lorna reveals that 'Doctor' means 'great warrior' in the language of her people, and the Doctor is sometimes referred to as the 'Destroyer of Worlds' by multiple people/races. Think back to the beginning of the Narnia series; 'The Magician's Nephew' where the White Witch held a word in her mind with the power to destroy whole worlds, perhaps the Doctor's name holds a similar power, and the 'Destroyer of Worlds' title is much more than just a misnomer. I believe in the final episode of Doctor Who to ever bless our screens, the final confrontation between The Doctor and the Daleks will occur, and when his name is spoken it will somehow mean the end of the Daleks, The waiting Time Lords and the Doctor himself. Essentially, the final episode will end the Time War once and for all and both of the tired races will find their rest.
and finally... I recorded a version of the Pandorica speech just for funsies :)
