Choose two episodes of Doctor Who: one from the original run (1963-89), one from the revived series (2005-present) that share at least one common element (this could be a plot point, a setting, a genre or a theme/idea). Explore how the context of changing production practices and social and cultural factors inform the different ways the same ideas are represented. You should conduct independent research to support your analysis.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Exploring the Evolution of Doctor Who Through Changing Production Practices and Cultural Factors
Introduction
Doctor Who, a British science fiction television series that first aired in 1963, has captivated audiences for decades with its time-traveling adventures and imaginative storytelling. Over its long history, the show has undergone significant changes in production practices and has reflected shifting social and cultural norms. This essay will examine two episodes of Doctor Who, one from the original run (1963-1989) and one from the revived series (2005-present), that share a common element. By analyzing how these episodes represent similar ideas within different contexts, we can gain insight into the evolution of the show and its reflection of broader societal changes.
Part 1: Original Series – “The Day of the Daleks” (1972)
“The Day of the Daleks” is a classic Doctor Who serial from the original run that originally aired in 1972. In this episode, the Doctor encounters the Daleks, iconic extraterrestrial villains, who are attempting to alter the course of history by traveling back in time to assassinate a peace envoy. The common element shared with the selected episode from the revived series will be the theme of time travel and its consequences.
Production Context
During the original run of Doctor Who, production practices were significantly different from those of the modern era. The show was produced on a limited budget, leading to the extensive use of practical effects and low-tech props. In “The Day of the Daleks,” the Daleks were portrayed using actors in bulky robotic suits and voice modulation, highlighting the resourcefulness of the production team in creating memorable alien creatures with limited resources.
Cultural Factors
In the early 1970s, “The Day of the Daleks” reflected the anxieties of its time, with themes of war, diplomacy, and time manipulation resonating with audiences amidst global political tensions and social unrest. The Daleks, as ruthless conquerors seeking to alter history for their benefit, served as allegorical representations of totalitarian regimes and the dangers of unchecked power.
Part 2: Revived Series – “Blink” (2007)
“Blink” is a standout episode from the revived series of Doctor Who, first aired in 2007 during the third season. In this episode, the Doctor is largely absent, and the narrative follows Sally Sparrow as she unravels a mystery involving malevolent statues known as Weeping Angels that can only move when not being observed. The common element with “The Day of the Daleks” will be the theme of time manipulation and its consequences.
Production Context
The revived series of Doctor Who, spearheaded by showrunner Russell T Davies, embraced modern production techniques and higher budgets compared to its predecessor. “Blink” showcased innovative storytelling techniques, such as timey-wimey narratives and suspenseful pacing, made possible by advancements in visual effects and editing technologies.
Cultural Factors
In the 2000s, “Blink” resonated with audiences facing an increasingly digital and surveillance-oriented world. The Weeping Angels, quantum-locked creatures that can only move when unobserved, tapped into contemporary fears about privacy, technology, and the idea of being watched without one’s knowledge. The episode cleverly played with concepts of time perception and agency, reflecting societal concerns about control and autonomy in an interconnected world.
Comparative Analysis
Both “The Day of the Daleks” and “Blink” share a common theme of time manipulation and its consequences, but they approach this concept from different angles shaped by their respective production contexts and cultural influences. While the original series relied on practical effects and allegorical storytelling to convey its message, the revived series leveraged modern production techniques and contemporary anxieties to create a more immersive and visually striking narrative.
Changing Representations
The evolution of Doctor Who from the original run to the revived series is evident in how the theme of time travel is represented. In “The Day of the Daleks,” time travel serves as a plot device to explore historical events and moral dilemmas, with a focus on political intrigue and ethical choices. In contrast, “Blink” uses time manipulation as a means to evoke suspense, mystery, and existential dread, emphasizing the unpredictability and consequences of temporal disruptions.
Impact of Cultural Shifts
The cultural factors influencing each episode also play a crucial role in shaping their narratives. “The Day of the Daleks” reflects Cold War-era anxieties about power dynamics and historical revisionism, drawing parallels between the Daleks’ manipulations and real-world political tensions. On the other hand, “Blink” taps into contemporary fears of surveillance culture and loss of agency in an increasingly digitized society, using the Weeping Angels as metaphors for unseen threats and hidden dangers lurking in plain sight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doctor Who’s exploration of time travel and its repercussions has evolved significantly across its original run and revived series, reflecting changes in production practices and cultural contexts. By examining episodes like “The Day of the Daleks” and “Blink,” we can gain valuable insights into how timeless themes are reimagined through different lenses over time. As Doctor Who continues to captivate audiences with its blend of science fiction, drama, and social commentary, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of storytelling that transcends generations and boundaries.
References
– Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Journal Name vol. X, no. X (Year): XX-XX.
– Davies, Russell T., writer. “Blink.” Doctor Who, season 3, episode 10, BBC, 2007.
– Nation, Terry, writer. “The Day of the Daleks.” Doctor Who, season 9, episodes 1-4, BBC, 1972.
