Dr Who ?

Dr. Who is about the only British production that I will watch. I have, on occasions, enjoyed Red Dwarf, but Dr. Who brings the whole francise into a whole new era.

I’ve been big a fan since my early teens. Why ? Because ‘The Doctor’ is a rather unconventional hero for a sci-fi TV show. He does not command a large space battleship, he is not responsible for thousands of crewmen. Nor does he work for a super-secret government agency. He’s not being chased across the universe/space-time by evil industrialists/crooks/government agents. He has no super-powers, nor a secret identity. He doesn’t even have a weapon! ( The sonic screwdriver doesn’t count. )

What he does have is a magnetic personality, and a brilliant intellect. Lets not forget a sense of fun and adventure.

Every aspect of this show has a new twist on the old formulae of the series. There are long story arcs – but they are built as loosely connected episodes within a season – following the format of modern television. When the Doctor gains a companion all her ties with her old life are not severed. Indeed, the Doctor provides her with a trans-temporal cell phone. Many of the aliens may just be actors in rubber suits but the suits are enhanced by modern CGI technology and the special effects are frankly amazing.

In Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal of the Doctor there are traces of the previous incarnations. He can shift from the deadly seriousness to sly charm within moments.His working class accent and simple 1980s clothing makes him a unique Doctor though.

And just like the old series of Doctor Who it is the writing that transcends the effects, the acting, and the monsters. Davies, the controversial creator/writer/producer, has created a Doctor Who for the 21st Century. The shows are fast-paced and exciting. The dialog, snappy, with clever one-liners.

The Doctor is back. Long live The Doctor