The Impossible Astronaut

On the surface, Doctor Who seems like just a nerdy sci-fi show about a time and space traveler and his companions. Though that is in many ways an accurate description of the show, a closer look proves more. Because of the genre of the show, it doesn't really aim to construct a reality that is familiar to the reality of the audience. However, through the role of the Doctor's various companions over the years, this show sends a pretty accepting message to its viewers. In recent years, companions of the doctor have represented a broad range of ages, social backgrounds, races, genders, and sexual orientations. The settings and story lines are often unrealistic because they involve alien planets and species created by the writers of the show. The human companions provide a link to the audience

The thing I most appreciate about Doctor Who is that it assumes its audience is smart and knowledgeable. In this season's premiere, The Doctor and his friends Amy, Rory, and River, journey to America in 1969, at the time of the moon landing. The dialogue between the characters as The Doctor explains where they're going provides some context but assumes that the audience is familiar with the historical setting. While this may seem to alienate viewers who are less familiar with history, I think the story provides enough context to understand the events in the episode but the viewing is enhanced if the audience is familiar with the historical facts. For example, when The Doctor meets President Richard Nixon at the beginning of his term and Nixon learns that The Doctor is from the future, he asks if his term as president will be successful or not. The Doctor answers him with a knowing smile and says, "They'll never forget you." Though it is never directly referenced, it is implied that The Doctor is alluding to Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal. Understanding the historical context allows the audience to enjoy the show more and discern between historical fact and the imagined "facts" contained in the plot.