Epic stories need a cause the hero must fight for, a reason for sacrifice, a catalyst for growth. The Daleks are the most ruthlessly destructive force in the Doctor Who universe they are not sadistic but simply do not care. They are a testing ground not so much for the Doctor who has already proven himself in battle but more for the sake of the companions and the other beings they meet along the way. They are a plot device upon which integrity is measured you either give in to them or you fight, even when a successful outcome is hopeless. We live in a world where it is common to feel humiliated and defeated by the pressures surrounding us. Problems seem insurmountable poverty, greed, abuse of power. We hide our excesses, our atrocities, behind long-winded speeches and mindless spectacle. We find ourselves part of a corporate machine marching along an inexorable path to our own self-destruction. That is why archetypes like the daleks exist. To remind us that, no matter how bad it is, how hopeless it may seem, the preservation of the earth, of the universe is something worth fighting for. The Doctor may be the lone voice crying out in the wilderness but he is always inviting us to join him.
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.
