A new book by Lizbeth Myles examines the politics of Doctor Who, picking up on themes of colonialism, environmentalism, and much more.
You may know Myles for writing Breaking Bubbles and Other Stories (well, the “Breaking Bubbles” part of it anyway), The Seas of Titan, The Grey Man of the Mountain, and more for Big Finish, as well as the Black Archive entry for The Ambassadors of Death. Her new book, out now, takes into account the political aspects of Doctor Who, exploring feminism, scientific responsibility, transhumanism, and nuclear annihilation — all pretty heavy themes, I think you’ll agree!
Here’s the blurb for Where We Stand, Where We Fall – The Politics of Doctor Who:
An insightful, intelligent and entertaining book that explores some of the most prominent political themes present in the Doctor Who TV series.
This book demonstrates that cultural icon Doctor Who is, always has been, and always should be, a political narrative.
As this much-loved science-fiction show, now in its 63rd year, continues to entertain audiences around the world, some people have complained that the writing, themes, and presentation are too political. But, claims Lizbeth Myles, Doctor Who has always explored important and controversial political issues, and it is vital that it continues to do so. This insightful, intelligent, and entertaining book looks back at some of the most prominent political themes that the series has tackled over the decades – including Nuclear Annihilation, Feminism, Colonialism, Environmentalism, Scientific Responsibility, and Transhumanism – the historical context in which they have been framed, and how the messaging has changed in different eras of the show’s history.
It’s already impressed the likes of Ace actress, Sophie Aldred (“an engaging, thoughtful, deeply researched and heartfelt look at our beloved programme”) and former showrunner, Steven Moffat (“This book offers an intelligent and thought-provoking look at one of the most debated aspects of it – its politics. Liz Myles knows her stuff”).
And while many of us ponder the right way for Doctor Who a “Message” (big “M”), it’s promising that the blurb mentions “how the messaging has changed in different eras of the show’s history”.
Where We Stand, Where We Fall – The Politics of Doctor Who is available now.
