Exploring Doctor Who: Time Travellers and Their Adventures in Space and Time
Doctor Who is one of the most iconic and enduring science fiction franchises in the world. This British television series follows an alien called a Time Lord, who travels through time and space in a magical police box, the TARDIS. The Time Lord, often referred to as simply The Doctor, is a humanoid figure known for their ability to regenerate, leading to a series of actors playing the role while maintaining the same title and essence. Let's delve deeper into what makes Doctor Who so fascinating.
Introduction to Doctor Who
Doctor Who is the story of an extraterrestrial called a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. Appearing superficially human, the Time Lord has a unique biological makeup, with different internal organs from humans. Their hearts, for instance, have nine instead of four chambers. This alien has a deep affection for humanity and often intervenes to protect Earth from various alien threats. The Time Lord travels through time and space in a craft known as a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space).
The TARDIS: A Time-Traveling Ship
The TARDIS is not just a simple police box; it's a spaceship that can traverse both space and time. It exists within its own dimensional pocket, appearing as a small, lockable cubicle that can morph to blend with its surroundings. However, something peculiar about this particular TARDIS is that its entrance looks like a 1960s blue police box, which is a small lockable cubicle originally used by police in the UK for making calls and writing reports. This unique design has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the show.
Reginald Biggleswade-Smithfield: A New Kind of Doctor
While Doctor Who is a timeless adventure series, it's not the only story about doctors going on adventures. There's a lesser-known story about a crusty country doctor named Reginald Biggleswade-Smithfield. Unlike the traditional Doctor Who, this story follows a human doctor in a completely different timeline and setting. Reginald, a doctor from a small English village named Bogchester, is part of a unique adventure that challenges the norms of the Doctor Who franchise.
The Accident and Its Consequences
Reginald travels to Scotland to visit his niece when a station clock falls and hits him on the head, knocking him unconscious. He wakes up in a hospital in Riga, Latvia, with amnesia. During his recovery, he befriends Beāte, who works as a nurse and helps him learn Latvian. Eventually, they fall in love, and Reginald decides to build a new life in Riga with Beāte.
Discovering the Truth
On the day of his discharge, a man calls out from the street, "Doctor, Doctor, who!" which prompts Reginald to run to the man, who dies in his arms. Armed with the knowledge that he was once a doctor, Reginald and Beāte embark on a journey to piece together his past and restore his memory.
Conclusion: Doctor Who and Its Enduring Popularity
Doctor Who and the story of Reginald Biggleswade-Smithfield are both captivating tales that explore the themes of identity, memory, and the ability to start anew. Whether you're a long-time fan of Doctor Who or a curious newcomer, these stories offer a unique perspective on the world of time travel and the adventures of doctors in space.