The Top Five Values I Have Seen In Doctor Who

Doctor Who. British Sci-fi show. 50% Science Fiction, 50% tears. Yes, it's a heartbreaking show about a man, the last of his species - the Timelords. He travels through time and space, wherever he is needed, to help in times of extreme crisis. For over 50 years the show has been running. To this day there have been 13 Doctors (including the War Doctor) and numerous companions. But over all this time and change, there have been some standing ideas and values that weave their way through the series. Here are my top five things that I have seen through the show:

Important Historical Figures featured in Doctor Who

1. History is Like it is for a Reason
First and foremost, Doctor Who is about time travel. With the power to go forwards and backwards in time, the Doctor and his companions are seeing history with every journey. The Doctor makes it very clear that even when they witness the most terrible of times, they must only observe and not try to change or prevent the events of history because they happen for a reason. By changing one day, the rest of time could be drastically different. The Doctor emphasizes seeing and learning from all of time and space, instead of taking matters into one's own hands and meddling with happenings already ordained.

Some of the Companions

2. Living in the Present
The Doctor always encourages his companions to live their lives to the fullest in the moment. He emphasizes leaving hard pasts behind and teaches people to find joy in unpleasant circumstances. Though characters, and even the Doctor himself, go through hard times, they always find hope and the ability to press onwards. In Doctor Who it's about what you can learn NOW and how you can make a difference NOW, because there might not be a later.

The Doctor and his "weapons".
Clockwise from top left
Brandy, a water pistol, a jammie dodger and a spoon

3. The Value of Life
In association with #2, Doctor Who stresses the value of life. The Doctor continuously saves lives whenever possible. As a time traveller and having gone through wars etc. he has seen many many deaths. He is saddened by each one. The Doctor never intentionally kills anyone and he does not arm himself. Life is valued throughout the entire series. Though him and his companions may work towards "eliminating" the imposing monsters and other antagonists, they always strive to put creatures back in their place where they can live without destroying Earth or eating humans. The humans and aliens are all valued.

Rory, the Patient Centurion

4. Loyalty and Companionship
Another great quality Doctor Who presents would be loyalty and the need for companionship. (Shh, I know that's two) The Doctor is extremely loyal to his companions, always willing to risk himself for them, never questioning his safety if they are in danger. The most well-known example of loyalty would have to be the story of Rory and Amy. Long story short, Rory protected Amy for 2000 years. He never left her and faithfully guarded her. :') The Doctor is the epitome of independence, yet through this he proves that everyone needs people around them. Being the last of his kind (Timelord), he is extremely lonely. When he is alone, his pain shows through and gives viewers a glimpse to complete and utter loneliness. It definitely makes you more thankful for the loved ones around you!

An Ood, a friendly alien. 

5. Respect
Most of all, Doctor Who implements respect. It is a science fiction show, there are many aliens. But the Doctor shows that each and every one of them are to be respected. (Even the bad ones) They are still living things, they still have lives, feelings (some of them), and their own races and cultures. Though we may not have aliens in our world (or do we?!) this very important value can still be grasped. Every person, people group and culture deserves our respect. In one of the very first episodes in the 1960s, Susan (the Doctor's granddaughter) is terrified of a species from another planet because they looked odd. They turned out to be very kind, gentle monsters. Over and over it is emphasized that we should not judge by appearance.



 So there you have it, the values I see in Doctor Who. If you already watch the show, do you agree? If you don't watch Doctor Who, are you interested in trying it out?