The Delightful Charm of Doctor Who's Silly Yet Unforgettable Monsters
Weaving humor and imagination, Doctor Who's best monsters captivate audiences with their delightful quirkiness This article explores why the show's playful approach, rather than excessive gore, makes for truly memorable encounters
Article Overview
Silly monsters are a key element of Doctor Who's unique tone, providing harmless creepiness and a fairytale nursery absurdity.
The presence of more menacing entities in the show is made even more surprising and impactful by the inclusion of goofier monsters like the Daleks.
Doctor Who deliberately adopts a lighthearted and joyful style, choosing to engage its audience with amusing challenges rather than intense danger.
Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat explains why the show's monsters have a humorous side. Moffat, who was previously a series writer under showrunner Russell T. Davies, took over as showrunner from 2010 to 2017. His tenure is widely regarded as one of the best in the show's history, overseeing the popular Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi eras before passing the baton to the less well-received Chris Chibnall. However, Davies is set to return as the showrunner for Doctor Who season 14.
In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Moffat discusses the distinctive tone that Doctor Who's monsters embody, describing them as inherently comical. He uses the Daleks as an example, referring to them as both lovable and frightening. Moffat justifies this approach by explaining that the show doesn't rely on excessive violence but instead embraces a more playful sense of unease. Read Moffat's full quote below.
There is an inherent absurdity to a notable Doctor Who monster that resonates with children. The Daleks, in particular, elicit a peculiar mix of fear and affection from kids, as they become reminiscent of beloved toys. They possess a lovable yet terrifying quality.
Therefore, it is essential to fully embrace the whimsical and silly nature that resembles nursery rhymes, while also capturing a certain level of harmless creepiness. Doctor Who does not rely heavily on graphic violence or gruesome scenes, as it aims to uphold a more child-friendly ghost story atmosphere, which is fitting and appropriate.
Why Silly Monsters Are The Best Choice For Doctor Who
The "silly" monsters serve as a reflection of Doctor Who's overall approach. While the show has its heartfelt moments (like David Tennant's departure as the Tenth Doctor), it predominantly embraces a carefree tone. Just as the monsters lean towards being silly rather than menacing, the show's adventures tend to prioritize joy over extreme danger.
The presence of more comical monsters, such as the Daleks, makes the appearance of malicious forces all the more surprising. An excellent example of this is seen in Doctor Who's well-known episode "Blink" from season 3, written by Moffat. In this episode, the Weeping Angels are introduced as statuesque creatures capable of sending their victims back in time. Unlike the Daleks, the Weeping Angels possess a genuinely eerie quality, greatly amplified by their stark contrast to other monsters in the show.
The fact that Moffat’s remarks align with the intentionality of Doctor Who is a clear indication. Despite the show branching out in various directions, it remains incredibly aware of its audience's preferences. Rather than adopting a chilling approach, Doctor Who fans desire to embark on an adventure alongside the Time Lord, encountering obstacles that are equally entertaining as their voyages.
Source: RadioTimes.com
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I find the silly monsters in Doctor Who to be a refreshing change from the more serious and scary monsters that are often seen in other shows. I think that the show's playful approach to monsters makes it more accessible to a wider audience, including children. I also appreciate that the show doesn't rely on excessive gore or violence to create a sense of suspense or fear. Instead, the writers use their imaginations to create monsters that are both funny and creepy.
Overall, I think that the silly monsters in Doctor Who are a big part of what makes the show so special. They add a sense of whimsy and fun to the show, and they help to make it a more enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages.
