Doctor Who, Hey, Doctor Who

     How do you explain Dr Who to a non-whovian? What is the show made of?

     It starts with his name - which we never learn. I’ve heard the rumor that it's a mathematical formula. In any case, he is called "the doctor." Not “Doctor Who.” That’s just the name of the show. Don’t worry, it gets weird.

     Add in a blue police box (kind of a phone booth) which is larger on the inside. Much larger on the inside. No, you don't understand: it is tremendously large on a scale I'm not entirely certain you're prepared to comprehend. Call it a TARDIS. It can travel to anywhere, at anywhen? Even outside reality. And it has this simply amazing ability to camouflage itself as anything. It got stuck on “blue police box” and won’t come out.

     Add a travelling companion. And another. One of them leaves, and here comes another one or three.

     Add in killer robots who run around (so to speak) exterminating and conquering. ( I think they have creatures inside. Did I imagine that episode?) These are the notorious bad guys of the whoniverse. They are the klingons to the doctor's Kirk. This is not the weird part.

     At this point, I must admit to a bit of confusion. When I refer to the doctor, should I capitalize Doctor? I think not, since it isn’t actually his name. It is, however, the closest we've heard to a name. *shrug* If we ever learn his name, I guarantee it will be less satisfying than wondering.

     Another critical piece of the doctor’s: he regenerates when he dies. He gains a new appearance, new mannerisms, an entirely new personality. Each regeneration comes with a shiny new set of clothes. A clever way to bring in a new actor and modernize his wardrobe, really. Also a very interesting story telling device which has been used on multiple occasions. Perhaps it’s starting to get weird.

     Then there are the weeping angels. Stone angels that only move when you blink. Stay away from them. Far away.

     There’s the sonic screwdriver. How has it taken me so long to mention the sonic screwdriver? It does a bit of everything, really. It's kind of the swiss army knife of hi-tech gadgetry. A cynical person might call it his special hi-tech plot device.

     Then there’s the psychic paper. It shows to the reader whatever the holder wants it to show. Unless the viewer is highly intelligent, or psychically trained.

     Of course, there’s the Time Lords of Gallifrey. Sounds like the title of an intergalactic drinking song, doesn't it? Some people call him a space cowboy, some people call him the doctor of love. Don’t look at me like that. Why not be weird? You can't be ordinary, anyway. There aren't any ordinary humans.

     And everyone's important.

     I hope everything is clear now. I'm not certain I can explain it any better. This entry seems to be getting a little wibbly wobbly.

     Until yesterday, I'll see you tomorrow.