It’s easy to look back on something that’s run for a significant amount of time and remember it for only its flashiest moments. Perhaps this is why some have forgotten that the First Doctor (William Hartnell) questioned both the viability of pacifism and the inhumane realities of war. The Season 1 serial “The Daleks” introduced the Doctor’s nemeses (Davros didn’t enter the canon until 1975, over a decade later) and hit the ground running with those massive philosophical subjects. Also, since there were clear Aryan overtones, the arc handled racism, as well.
The Third Doctor (John Pertwee) broached the dire issue of environmentalism during the “Inferno” arc, the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) shined a light on big pharma during the “Caves of Adrozani” storyline, and the Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) dealt with the threat of nuclear warfare while surviving the “Battlefield” serial. More recently, the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) acknowledged the dangers of fake news and social media in the revival’s Season 1, Episode 7, “The Long Game.” Sexism, depression, Indigenous peoples’ rights, and suicidal ideation — “Doctor Who” explores it all.
Does the show always handle these serious topics with grace? No. These are three-dimensional, multilayered issues, and “Doctor Who” is a science-fiction series about a time traveler who considers carrots and fezes equally trendy fashion accessories. The tone shifts from silly to somber on a whim, and Russell T. Davies is but one of many showrunners who’ve steered the ship. For better and worse, though, “Doctor Who” always reaches for inclusivity. That’s gotta count for something.
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