Yesterday, we looked at how, whenever the Doctor heads into the past, the civilizations he encounters are inevitably threatened by some alien menace. But what about the different historical figures he encounters during these travels as well?
There is something to be said for different historical figures appearing at times on Doctor Who. Appearances by such beings as Charles Dickens, Madame de Pompadour and Vincent Van Gogh have greatly added to the excellence of the episodes they were in. Queen Elizabeth’s appearances, however, were a lot more hit or miss. Yet, that degree of overlap provides a sense of realism to the Whoniverse.
However, that realism is swiftly lost with other ‘historical’ appearances. The introduction of Robin Hood as an actual part of history, and not just a myth, fell flat. Perhaps this was because of how he and the Doctor behaved like juveniles vying for Clara’s attention, but it just was not a good fit. Santa Claus, while a better character, likewise continued that destruction of the realism that the show attempts to keep intact.
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This is also not strictly a plot device used in the new incarnation of Doctor Who. Such notable figures as Abraham Lincoln, Harry Houdini and Adolf Hitler have made their appearances, amongst a list of historical figures that is truly impressive. But how much is too much, when it comes to the Doctor encountering these different beings?
It does make sense that the Doctor would seek these beings out. After all, as historically important figures in Earth’s history, the Doctor would gravitate towards seeing these beings in life. Whether they were benevolent or malevolent, philosophers or warlords, their impact upon history cannot be discounted.
And yet, Doctor Who does not need these appearances to make those episodes great. Much like how the show does not need an alien menace on every trip into the past, the Doctor does not need to run into some historic being. Sometimes, these journeys back into time can be worthwhile on their own.
Next: The influence of the Seventh Doctor on the new series
Appearances from historical figures can certainly be a benefit on Doctor Who if handled correctly. Likewise, these appearances should be handled in moderation, as less is certainly more in this case.