Summary
The Doctor's biology suggests they come from a different planet with harsh conditions and unpredictable radiation levels, not Gallifrey.
Time Lords possess unique physiological traits such as dual hearts, resilience against radiation, and the capacity to endure in the absence of oxygen. These evolutionary adaptations are believed to have developed due to their existence in an inhospitable environment.
The discovery of the Timeless Child has profoundly impacted the Doctor's origins and has brought forth the notion of a multiverse. This revelation has the potential to unveil an array of formidable extraterrestrial species and emphasizes the Doctor's imperative to reestablish their connection with their humanity.
The revelation of the Timeless Child has reshaped Doctor Who's history, offering clues to the mystery of their origin. Jodie Whittaker's era disclosed that the Doctor, although raised as a Gallifreyan, did not originate from Gallifrey but was discovered by explorer Tecteun in a wormhole from a different universe. This retcon, altering the essence of the Doctor's identity, received mixed reactions due to its significant impact on decades of established Doctor Who lore.
As the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who approaches, exciting developments are underway. David Tennant, reprising his role, will portray the 14th Doctor and pass the baton to Ncuti Gatwa. With Russell T Davies returning as showrunner for season 14, Gatwa's 15th Doctor will be properly introduced alongside the new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). Given Davies' focus on Classic Who, there is anticipation that he may choose to disregard or even reverse the Timeless Child retcon. However, until such changes occur, the Timeless Child remains a canonical element, leaving fans eager for additional information.
Time Lord Physiology May Hint At The Timeless Child's Native Universe
The Timeless Child serves as the fundamental genetic blueprint for the entire Time Lord race, which explains why the Doctor shares the same physical characteristics as Gallifreyans despite not being one. While it has always been assumed that the Doctor's unique anatomy originated from Gallifrey, the discovery of the Timeless Child suggests that their biology is specific to the Child's own planet. Upon closer examination of Time Lord biology, certain features imply adaptation to a harsh and dangerous environment, contrasting with the hospitable conditions on Gallifrey. This suggests that the Timeless Child may have originated from another planet, possibly one characterized by unpredictable radiation levels and an unstable ecosystem.
In Doctor Who, Time Lords possess two hearts and can sustain themselves with only one. Additionally, their lower body temperature enables them to endure extreme temperatures. They exhibit an exceptional resistance to radiation and possess a respiratory bypass system, allowing them to survive without oxygen for a certain period of time. However, the most remarkable attribute is their ability to regenerate, a process that enables a Time Lord to renew and restore their body, effectively escaping fatal circumstances. Regeneration may have evolved as a crucial survival mechanism for the inhabitants of this planet, as they struggled to subsist in such a hostile environment.
Why Doctor Who Still Needs To Reveal The Timeless Child's True Universe
Little is now known about the Doctor's origins due to the introduction of the Timeless Child. The Timeless Child's genetic code is seen as incredibly powerful by the Gallifreyans, surpassing their own achievements. This revelation has not only altered the Doctor's origin story, but has also introduced the concept of a multiverse to Doctor Who. This opens up the possibility of a vast array of more powerful alien species existing within this universe. Considering the Doctor's unique biology, it is highly likely that other planets with equally or even more powerful genetic codes exist.
In addition, the Timeless Child retcon has caused the Doctor to lose a part of their identity. Throughout Doctor Who's history, the Doctor's tormented past with their home planet, Gallifrey, has been a defining aspect of their character. To restore their identity, it is crucial for Doctor Who to reveal the true planet of the Timeless Child. This revelation will not only help unravel the Doctor's biological limitations, but also prevent them from becoming too distant from humanity. The Timeless Child's existence has further distanced the Doctor from their beloved humanity, necessitating the need to reestablish these connections and solidify a strong identity for the character.