Computers and Doctor Who

Esther Schindler writes "We all know that the arts reflect the technology of their times. So let's look at The Doctor ('the definite article,' as Tom Baker said in December 1974) and his use of computers. Actually, for a show so closely associated with the Slashdot-techie lifestyle, Doctor Who didn't have much to do with computers early on. This article by Peter Salus traces the formative years: 'In January 1970, Jon Pertwee (Doctor #3) acquired a Cambridge scientist (Caroline John as Liz Shaw) as his companion, which might lead the unsuspecting viewer to think that a firmer computer science basis might ensue. But only in April did Liz exhibit her technical knowledge (by recognizing a Geiger counter reading).' And then we get to K-9....."

Comments

what was the point?

[Anonymous Coward]

This read like a middle school student's book report. WTF was the point of cataloging the interactions of a tv series and a piece of technology? I thought maybe they would point out how the changes in technology affected the show, but that only got a final paragraph that seems unfinished.

In other news, Two and a half Men's coverage of stem cell research is, frankly, appalling. Had they know that in 2032 stem cells would cure alcoholism, they could have made heavier use of the subject. amirite?

Re:News for nerds

[alexander_686]

I would agree. The article was awfully thin. Doctor #1 did this, #2 did that. Not much in the way of analyst or insight.

MacGuffins, all of 'em

[TWX]

The point of Doctor Who in the time that I've seen it (eighties through current) is adventure with cleverness driving the story. Every thing in the story that serves to drive it is a MacGuffin, and computers and other tools fit into that category.

Even the TARDIS itself is generally a MacGuffin. Despite people's attempts to render what the TARDIS looks like in its pocket universe within the time stream, we really don't know what it looks like or how it truly functions. Things get made up as they're needed for the story, and over-explaining may hamper storytelling in the future.

Terry Pratchett's choice to not make detailed maps of the Discworld is for the same reason, he doesn't want to tie himself down with factoids that will later hamper future story telling.

Re:MacGuffins, all of 'em

[mikael]

The best Tom Baker stories were when they could see the world in an entirely new perspective such as dropping down to miniature size to fight a virus, or taking advantage of iconic technology of the time; Jodrell Bank, BT telephone tower. The excuse about the TARDIS was that it's chameleon device broke down while trying to imitate a police box.

Though the scariest parts were when they used jelly for the daleks eye-stalks. That had kids having nightmares. There there was the Seeds of Doom where people slowly turned into giant walking trees larger than manor houses.