2. The "I'm Not A Hero" Complex
Apparently, the definition of "hero" is only applicable to hopelessly famous adrenaline junkies whose inflated egos surpass the believed human (or non human - whatever!) capacity. Yet they still manage to gain admiration for "subconsciously" saving the world as we know it. Whether it be through trouncing criminals' surreptitious agendas or banishing two dimensional creatures using a trusty 2D-is (pronounced too-dis, if you will), the Doctor and Sherlock have developed irrefutable reputations that are bound to attract some unwanted attention and earn staunch loyalty from people who are certain to be disappointed. With all of their arrogant boasting and unabashed flaunting of skills, God forbid that they be accused of "goodness". The Doctor has spent an inordinate amount of time debating whether or not he is a good man and a hero. Does the answer really need saying? His character simply becomes less realistic when he ponders questions on such a large scale. Brooding over the subject just leads to unnecessary drama. By critically analysing the substance of his character, the Doctor assumes the role of the audience. He becomes less of a person and more of a set of traits to be dissected. Instead of pausing to reflect on this all encompassing, nebulous question, go out and be a good man in whatever way you are capable. Convince us and yourself that you're not an idiot... or you could just do the exact opposite. As for Sherlock, his gimmick of Im not a hero, Im a high-functioning sociopath! seems like a snide one liner extracted from a Marvel movie. When it comes to protecting John and Mary, Sherlock transforms into the most valiant hero of them all.
Anna Rinaldi
Anna is an aspiring writer who has an incurable obsession with Doctor Who. When she is not writing about Doctor Who, she's watching favorite episodes and contemplating what to write next. When she's writing about Doctor Who, she anticipates her reward: watching yet another Doctor Who episode. She also manages to read science fiction (especially Ray Bradbury), recite lines from Shakespeare's Macbeth, and make terrible puns in her free time (she likes to imagine she has great puntential, though)
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