Doctor Who is the longest-running television science-fiction series. Before watching the episodes listed in Course Assignments, familiarize yourself with the background and lore surrounding the show.
Please go to the following links to familiarize yourself with Doctor Who lore:
As a Time Traveler the Doctor originates from an alien race set down as Guardians of Time as much as travelers. Yet the Doctor is a fundamentally tragic character despite his genius. There have been ten different incarnations of doctors thus far and each actor has added to the persona of the doctor, interpreting the character in their own ways (an 11th Doctor is expected to appear in 2010). The current doctor (the 10th played by David Tennat) is the last of his time, having witnessed the destruction of his race and planet by the Daleks. Despite the revolving presence of a companion, he assumes all the responsibility of time's various misfortunes, including the death of loved ones. All of his relationships are inconstant for no one can journey with him forever through time as he seems bound both by curiosity, love and obligation to do. Though he is exuberant in his curiosity and ever fascinated with all of the conundrums yet to be solved within the universe, Time Travel is as much his gift as it is his curse.
For a further character analysis of the doctor with the actor who currently stars in the role, David Tennat:
Far left: the Tardis (The Doctor's Time Machine - permanently set to resemble an old police box), Rose (Doctor's Companion New Season 1-2) and the current Doctor.
"Girl in the Fireplace"
In this episode, the Doctor with his companions, discover a ship drifting in space. Within the ship are open doorways to the past, particularly to the life of Madame de Pompadour (to read about the life of the Madame, click on her name). It is up to the Doctor to save Madame de Pompadour from futuristic robots out to capture her brain. Why? Pay attention to the name of the ship at the end of the show.
This episode particularly highlights the difficulty the Doctor experiences in forming relationships. Certainly, you will note there is romantic tension already established between Rose and the Doctor, and certainly another layer is added with Madame de Pompadour. However, what you will hopefully realize at the end of this episode is the isolation the Doctor experiences, the loss that he is doomed to always suffer by virtue of what he is and the role he plays. He must always say "goodbye" at some point, even to his companions.
Trailer for season 2 episode: Doctor Who "Girl in the Fireplace"
"Blink"
This episode, from the third season, focuses on an ordinary girl, Sally, who is somehow connected to the Doctor (watch the episode to find out how). Sally finds herself in the midst of a creepy mystery with clues behind wall paper, friends disappearing, and a video tape of the Doctor that seems to actually be talking to her.
In contrast to "Girl in the Fireplace", here we see a more objectvie view of the Doctor. This episode does not focus so much on his personal turmoil so much as the jovial quirky aspect of his personality. Also in this episode, you are presented with an interesting perspective of time, not as a linear progression, but something more tangled.
Alternate Trailer for season 3 episode: Doctor Who "Blink"
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