In the 1960's, the Beatles burst onto the music scene, taking the American public by storm in a media frenzy that was dubbed "the British Invasion." Now, again, the Brits are making their presence felt across the pond, but this time on television with the incredibly popular series, Doctor Who. Like the Star Trek franchise, the original Doctor Who series premiered in the 1960's; but unlike Star Trek, the British sci-fi show managed to survive an astounding 26 seasons. The new series, which premiered in 2005, has proven to be just as popular as the original series.
Doctor Who was revolutionary in its concept; the story of a Time Lord who could travel through both time and space. The creators of the show took another daring step by creating a main character who periodically regenerates into a completely new persona; thereby regularly employing a new actor to play the part of the series' main character. It was a risky endeavor, but it apparently paid off. At present, the series is portrayed by the eleventh doctor in the series, actor Matt Smith.
The Doctor, who is the last of the Time Lords, seems to have the mission of tying up the loose strings of time and space. He knows what events are fixed points in time and which are fluid. The Doctor makes sure that the fixed points remain constant, managing to repeatedly save Earth in the process. He travels with one or two companions, usually humans and always young adults. He gives them the adventure of a lifetime and they help to keep him from becoming a brooding megalomaniac (like the Master). It's seems like a fair enough trade off- if they survive the adventure.
The series manages to keep a whimsical side by disguising the Doctor's ship (a Time and Relative Dimension in Space vehicle known by the acronym, Tardis) as an old, blue police box. Over the years, the Doctor appears to grow younger rather than older and each manifestation of the venerable Time Lord is unique and original. Some are more popular than others, but all bring their own depth to the character of the Doctor.
If you are new to the franchise, I recommend that you begin with the newer series. It took the writers of the new series a year or so to really get into stride, but a little patience will pay off. You'll love the quirky contradictions in the tenth doctor's personality (played by David Tennant, who is my favorite doctor in the series) and the innocent charm of the current doctor (Matt Smith). Many of the old villains are back, including the Daleks; but the new series introduces some chilling new ones- such as the infamous Weeping Angels.
However, the characters that viewers most identify with are the Doctor's companions. Whether it is the sweet and loving Rose or the brash and loud-mouthed Donna, we share their fears, their courage, and their admiration for the Doctor. We laughed and loved right along with Amy and Rory- and by the time that they left us, it was like losing our own family. And who could not love the funny (yet deadly) River Song? Can't wait to hear that familiar phrase, "Hello, Sweetie," again!
For those of you who are already fans of the series, I'll be joining you on Saturday, March 30th to watch the newest episode of season 7. I'll be the one wearing a Tardis blue t-shirt that says "Stay calm and don't blink." (I found this, and other great Doctor Who merchandise, at Amazon.) See you there!
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