8 Times Doctor Who Mocked Itself

8. The Fourth Doctor Mocks The Overpowered Sonic Screwdriver

It's one of the most iconic and important parts of Doctor Who, but over the years, the sonic screwdriver has evolved into something of a joke.

Rather than having a firm set of rules about what this device can actually do, its functions seem to be generated on the fly, based on the needs of the script. Does the Doctor need a pen? Well, guess what - the sonic is a pen! Does the Doctor need to open an impossible-to-open door? Well, that's no problem for the sonic!

Fortunately though, the writers are aware that the sonic is ridiculously overpowered. Not only have they attempted to lean into the joke by giving it funny weaknesses - like wood - but they've also directly mocked its near-limitless capabilities.

In the second episode of The Invasion Of Time, the Fourth Doctor tries to use his sonic to open a door, assuming it will work - because why wouldn't it?! However, he quickly realises that it isn't going to work, at which point, he looks straight into the camera, and delivers a memorable one-liner:

"Even the sonic screwdriver won't get me out of this one."

It's a clear-as-daylight dig at the sonic's overuse - as well as its extreme power. Could the writers have gone with a subtle remark here? Probably. But for such a pressing topic... only a fourth wall break will suffice!