Doctor Who Review: In The Forest Of The Night - 10 Ways The Story Grew
5. Evolution
There is no shame in fear. To paraphrase the Doctor life is built on a series of catastrophes. The forest is a primal fear and the subject of many fairy tales. The dark places that hid the predators of our early existence never leave us. They lay hidden in our subconscious, surfacing within the creak of a branch or the cry of a raptor. We were hunted once. It is understandable that we perceive new experiences as a threat because they often were. Growing up isnt about no longer getting lost in the forest but not panicking. We either get eaten by the wolf every time we walk the path or we find a new way to handle the situation so we dont succumb. Creative thinking is the key to survival. The Doctors evolutionary journey is not so different than our own. He is struggling to understand a culture that is very different from what he knew. He is asking himself to experience other points of view. He is not human but he no longer considers himself separate from humanity. Hes grown enough to realize that the world he chooses to protect is a part of him. Home isnt where you come from. Its where you choose to live.
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.
