5. The Power Of The Mythos
One way to tell how strong the impact a fictional universe makes on the audience is to remove the main character from the bulk of the plot and see if the story still holds up. There is no such thing as a so-called Doctor-lite episode because even when the character of the Doctor is not physically there the idea of him still impacts every move the other characters make. Its not so much the Doctor as a person that's the main character of the show as the Doctor as mythos. Everything that happens is colored by the fact that this is the Doctor's universe we're in. The companions interact with and comment upon the story but the Doctor drives the action even if he (or perhaps one day she) is nowhere to be seen. Reboots are by their nature derivative yet in order for them to survive on their own they must not become slaves to the past. The current show has lasted for 10 years because the myth of the Doctor is not allowed to remain stagnant. Doctor Who is not a character its a manufactured belief system and a world-building exercise that works because it mirrors reality and continues to evolve.
Mary Ogle
Contributor
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.
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