For a select few around the world, 2013 is a year of joy, mystery and edge-of-your-seat spoiler gathering.
It’s not our fault that we are so obsessed. It’s not our fault that we get labelled as “weird” because it’s not our fault that you don’t understand.
Of course, I’m talking about Doctor Who, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary on November 23, 2013. A television milestone usually made by the oldest soaps or current affairs shows, it’s really quite incredible that a sci-fi programme known for its cast changes, unorthodox plots and kooky special effects has made it this far.
There was once a time when the BBC hated Doctor Who, now it is one of its flagship shows with an impressive budget and a massive following.
The un-initiated often ask me, “why”, “how does that make sense”, “how can his name be ‘Doctor Who'” and “why does he get around in a beat-up, blue, police telephone box”
The simple answer is, does it matter In a television world dominated by near-fake characters, glitzy reality stars and gun totting anti-heroes, The Doctor stands tall. Good vs Evil, no guns, no fighting, just brain power and a whole lot of running.
After 50 years the show is able to keep itself fresh, always looking to the next surprise, story (and ultimately) the next Doctor, but never forgetting where he has come from.
The 50th anniversary episode has been toted as the second most important episode in the history of the show, after this week’s finale. “The Name of The Doctor” premieres in the UK on Saturday and showrunner, Stephen Moffat has promised just that, no bulls***, is the question seriously about to be answered Dr Who
Now, surely he isn’t called Gavin or Craig but nevertheless, any real answer to that question will bring about its own mysteries, no doubt aimed at the next 50 years.
I urge people now to pick up on an episode or two, start from series one or two, or travel with the 9th, 10th or 11th Doctor.
Don’t waste this momentous year, because as the question is answered this weekend, you will start to hear a lot more in the news but it will grow, the fanfare in the UK is set to be epic and it will reach our shores as well.
So get into it, don’t knock it till you have tried it and don’t miss out on what is a truly good story about a really good man. Call us weird, call us obsessed, but this year is the year of the Whovians and we being a kind intelligent bunch, invite you all to come along with us for the ride.
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November 23, two hours, two Doctors, two companions, two Tardis’, 50 years in the making.
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