2. The Ridiculous To The Sublime
Reboots often try to distance themselves from their predecessors by changing tone. Instead of taking the time and effort to present something original they fall back on exaggeration the comedy becomes broader or the drama grittier. Doctor Who is not immune to this but it gets away with it by never losing sight of the need for a compelling story. The character of the Doctor and the universe he lives in are fascinating because you never know what you are going to get. The aura of mystery that surrounds the character makes it possible for him to remain believable whether he is acting as clown or soldier. There are times in the new series where the Doctor seems on the verge of falling into bitterness and self-pity. We live in an era of disillusionment where our leaders have failed us and our world is literally falling apart. The program reflects this but while its not short of death and destruction it is suffused with hope. The Doctor perseveres in the sight of overwhelming odds and we have no choice but to do the same or die trying.