WARNING! SPOILERS: This post contains spoilers and speculation for the Doctor Who series eight episode Into the Dalek. A Dalek is hatred given physical form a closed system with a singular focus. It cannot learn for every neural pathway that deviates from its central mission is blocked. Hatred is a selective emotion. To hate is to block out light, to choose to huddle in darkness ignoring any other option. Hatred is a construct, a thing that we cling to due to our past experience or upon listening to the guiding voices whispering in our ears. Its fueled by betrayal, deceit and fear of not only whats going on externally but of the chaos within ourselves. Daleks are bound to hate from the second they are born. They are not given any other choice. They are not soldiers they are slaves. Soldiers choose to carry their weapons and what they will do with them. Slaves do what they are told. For a dalek there is no hope, only obedience to a set of instructions. So what happens when a new variable is introduced? Can a dalek question its code? Let's try and find out...
Mary Ogle is the author and illustrator of “Orangeroof Zoo” a whimsical tale of magical realism told through the pages of a coloring book for adults. Working as a professional artist in the digital medium, Mary’s commissions have included everything from fine art to fan art, book cover design, illustration and book layout. Find more of Mary’s work at www.maryogle.com. Mary currently finds inspiration in the Ojai Valley, residing in a snug little cottage with a recalcitrant cat.
