If it wasnt for the Sonic Screwdriver, the Doctor would have run out of Regenerations centuries before he got to Trenzalore. While the issue of it basically being a magic wand has sort of been resolved in recent years with the introduction of Deadlock Seals and the rule that it wont work on wood, other than that it can basically do anything. Weve even seen it reattach damaged sections of barbed wire. It was originally just a screwdriver but, starting with the Third Doctors era, it evolved to be the constant saviour of both the Doctor and the writers. Its like the characters in Harry Potter having spells for any kind of situation imaginable. In fact it got so bad that, in the 1980s, it went the way of K-9 and was deliberately written out so that the writers couldnt use it as a crutch anymore. Which wouldn't go amiss these days to be honest. But were never given any kind of explanation as to why its such a nifty bit of technology. Its been implied that the Doctor built it but weve also seen other characters with similar devices so who knows where it really came from. Its one of those things that its best to just go with and not question or complain about. Unless youre having a hissy fit about it being overused of course. If there was ever a science-fiction equivalent of the phrase A wizard did it, it would definitely involve the Sonic Screwdriver. No wonder scientists have been trying to create a real one. What other facts do you have to accept to enjoy Doctor Who? Let us know in the comments section below...
JG Moore is a writer and filmmaker from the south of England. He also works as an editor and VFX artist, and has a BA in Media Production from the University Of Winchester.
