The Doctor's Control Over the TARDIS In Doctor Who: Waxing and Waning Influence

Viewers of Doctor Who have long marveled at the relationship between the Doctor and the TARDIS, often wondering just how much control the TARDIS exerts over its human pilot. This article explores the nuanced complexities of the Doctor's control over TARDIS, drawing from the various story arcs and writerly intentions that have shaped the series over the decades. This exploration reveals the evolving balance of power between the two central characters of the series, and how the ability to control the TARDIS has both waxed and waned over the years.

Introduction

The iconic relationship between the Time Lord, commonly referred to as the Doctor, and his TARDIS—short for "Time and Relative Dimension in Space"—is one of the defining traits of the long-running British science fiction TV series. This bond has been a core element of the series, continually evolving as the writers seek to balance the freedom of the TARDIS with the storytelling needs of the episodes.

The Random Landings of the First Doctor

Watson,

In the earliest series, the TARDIS often behaved more independently, landing in random locations, as was the case with the First Doctor. In such episodes, the TARDIS is a mysterious, unpredictable force that brings the Doctor to where he is needed, whether by chance or destiny. The spontaneity of these landings adds an exciting and unexpected dimension to the adventures, as the Doctor and his companions must quickly adapt to their surroundings. For instance, in An Unearthly Child (1963), the TARDIS lands in the middle of a prehistoric sheepfold, which leads to the Doctor's first meeting with Susan, Ian, and Barbara.

The Doctor's Increasing Agency

Over time, the dynamics shifted, and the Doctor began to exert more control over the TARDIS. This change can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing complexity of storylines and the desire to prioritize narrative convenience. In the Third Doctor era, for example, the TARDIS began to serve as more of a fixed point for journeys, allowing the Doctor to plan more methodically. In episodes such as William Shelley (1974) and Genesis of the Daleks (1975), the Doctor uses the TARDIS to travel to specific times and places, driven by his desire to thwart evil forces.

The Complexity of TARDIS Behavior

While the Doctor's increasing control over the TARDIS was a clear trend, the storylines also illustrate the TARDIS's complexity and varied behavior. This complexity often stems from the emotional and psychological state of the Doctor, rather than his command of the ship. For instance, in the Seventh Doctor's revival, portrayed in the movie Doctor Who: The Movie (1996), the TARDIS takes on a more sentient and even rebellious role, almost forcing the Doctor to face his past and is important to note that the TARDIS's actions are not simply a matter of the Doctor's will, but a reflection of his internal state and the technological nature of the vessel itself. In the episode The Satan Pit (1981), the TARDIS, driven by the Doctor's guilt, takes on a malevolent persona, attempting to sabotage the Doctor's plans.

Specific Examples and Conflicts

A notable example of the TARDIS's independent behavior, despite the Doctor's control, is seen in the episode Snakedance (2006), in which the Doctor attempts to travel to the planet Metebelis III, but the TARDIS resists. The TARDIS, acting on behalf of a higher force, prevents the Doctor from reaching the planet, thus maintaining its own narrative integrity. This demonstrates the intricate balance between the Doctor's desire and the TARDIS's ability to override it. Similarly, in The Pandorica Opens (2010), the TARDIS refuses to travel to the year 513, as the Doctor directs, because of its internal logic and the timeline it must protect.

Conclusion

The Doctor's control over the TARDIS is an ever-evolving concept that reflects the changing narrative dynamics of the series. While the TARDIS ultimately serves the story, it also operates as a powerful force in its own right, a constant in the ever-shifting landscape of Doctor Who. This dynamic interaction between the Doctor and his ship is what makes the TARDIS a timeless and intriguing element of the series, with its control serving as a symbol of the broader themes of destiny, freedom, and the responsibility of the Time Lords.

Related Reading

For more insights into the multifaceted relationship between the Doctor and the TARDIS, consider reading episodes such as An Unearthly Child, Genesis of the Daleks, The Pandorica Opens, and The Satan Pit. These episodes showcase the various ways in which the TARDIS influences the Doctor and the adventures he embarks upon.