Are Time Lords in Doctor Who Really Human?

Typically portrayed as the elite and enigmatic ruling class of the planet Gallifrey, Time Lords are not humans. However, the dynamics and relationships between Time Lords and humans introduce many intriguing scenarios, especially with the case of River Song. This article explores these themes and discusses the possibility of humans being descendants of Time Lords.

The Background of Time Lords

Time Lords are an advanced and technologically superior species from the planet Gallifrey. They have their own unique features and appearances, which are distinctly different from humans. For instance, Romana, a Time Lord from a classic episode, underwent several forms before settling into a final regeneration form, many of which were not human. This phenomenon is a clue suggesting that Time Lords can regenerate to look like other species they encounter, further complicating their connection to humans.

The Case of River Song

Indeed, the most pressing question revolves around River Song, a character born from two ordinary humans. How could she, a Time Lady, have emerged from a human mother? The answer lies in the unique circumstances of her birth. Time travel during pregnancy significantly altered her genetic makeup, turning her from a human fetus into a Gallifreyan one. This raises the fascinating possibility of a deeper, more interconnected bond between humans and Time Lords than previously thought.

Theoretical Implications

Could human beings be the descendants of Time Lords? Could we be their direct progeny? While this idea seems nearly inconceivable, the scientific and fictional aspects of the Time Lord concept do open the door to such possibilities. The ability of Time Lords to regenerate into species resembling those they interact with could lend credence to this theory. Under this scenario, a Time Lord sent on a mission to study a human civilization could regenerate to look human.

The Cinematic Reality

However, the show's reality is more grounded. Human actors play Time Lords, and they are programmed to look a certain, distinctive way. In newer episodes, it's often stated that all Time Lords look similar to British actors. One day, we might even see an aged, distinguished British actor like Judy Dench as a prominent Time Lord, further emphasizing the default look of a Time Lord as two-legged, two-armed beings without any tentacles.

Conclusion

While the Time Lords in Doctor Who are not technically human, the likelihood that they have blood relations with the human race leaves much to the imagination. The show’s narrative and lore hint at deeper connections, provoking viewers to ponder the complex relationship between these two species.