‘Doctor Who’: Exploring the hidden wonders of a British classic

If you had a machine that could travel anywhere in time and space, where would you go?

With new worlds, intelligent life forms and the mysteries of the universe to explore, the BBC science fiction television hit “Doctor Who” explores the endless possibilities offered by this machine.

In this show, which began in 1963, a man called the Doctor from the planet Gallifrey travels the universe in his time machine, or TARDIS, accompanied by various human companions. While journeying through time and space, he fights hostile aliens and saves the the peoples of the universe countless times.

The show has featured 11 actors playing the doctor, because whenever the character dies he regenerates into a new body. This use of multiple actors has enabled the show to run from 1963-1989 (the classic series), and more recently from 2005-present (the modern series).

“Because it’s a time machine, there are no constraints to it,” sophomore Helen Wong said. “It’s inspiring because you can go anywhere and do anything.”

“Doctor Who” is also not just about time travel. It has aspects that appeal to all audiences, said English and Drama teacher Sarah Thermond.

“I think it’s very quick-witted, which I enjoy,” Thermond said. “I like that they’re not afraid to be funny, zany and over the top in one episode, and then serious and dark in the next.”

What also sets it apart from American television is its British background. The show is enormously popular in England, making it a national treasure.

“Throughout the entirety of England, you can make a ‘Doctor Who’ reference and anyone will understand,” Wong said. “It’s become a cultural thing that has spread to the younger generation.”

Junior Janey Heyman said the show also incorporates writing and plot development that captures viewers.

“I fell in love with the show because the episodes are addicting and the acting and writing is truly fantastic,” Heyman said. “There’s something about it that really touches your heart.”

Thermond, who also appreciates its intricate plots, showed an episode of “Doctor Who” called “Blink” that functions as a suspenseful short story to her sophomore English class as part of her lesson plan.

“I wanted them to pay attention to how TV writers can create the same suspense that a novelist can,” Thermond said.

Wong said another interesting aspect the show is its special effects, ranging from advanced graphics in the modern series to the primitive solutions used in the classic series.

“When [the first doctor] regenerated into the second doctor, they did this cool thing with water, a camera and sand,” Wong said. “When they moved the camera and poured the water over his face, his face actually appeared to shift very realistically.”

Heyman said shows like “Doctor Who” have had a lasting impact on her growing fascination for British culture.

“British TV is what ultimately led me to fall in love with British culture,” Heyman said. “Now I know where I’ll be heading [for college]: London, England. Unless, of course, I find a TARDIS waiting for me the night before I graduate.”