Diana Goddard's Smirk in Doctor Who: Analyzing the Motivations Behind Her Reaction

In the serialized adventure in the iconic series Doctor Who, the Doctor is warned by a companion to put on gloves when touching a Dalek. This classic line sets the stage for a character interaction that has generated much interest and speculation. One such interaction is the moment when Diana Goddard, the jilted bride, smirks at the Doctor's response. This article explores the possible motivations behind Goddard's smirk and the broader implications of this character interaction within the context of Doctor Who.

The Context of the Interaction

The scene in question is from the 1964 episode "The Daleks' Master Plan," during which the Doctor meets Diana Goddard for the first time. The Doctor is warned by one of the characters, likely a companion named Barbara or Helen, that the last person to touch a Dalek burst into flame. This warns the Doctor that Daleks are extremely dangerous and should be approached with caution.

Why Diana Goddard Smirks

The Doctor's response is to say that he won't touch the Dalek for that reason. This statement is a clever and sardonic response, highlighting the Doctor's intelligence and wit in a situation where most people might simply follow orders and avoid danger. Here are some possible motivations behind Goddard's smirk:

Motivation 1: She Thinks the Doctor is Smart

Diana Goddard's smirk could be a reaction to the Doctor's eloquent response. The Doctor, known for his quick wit and cleverness, has just demonstrated these qualities in a highly dramatic situation. Goddard might be impressed by the Doctor's ability to express himself in such a humorous and intelligent manner, and her smirk could be a sign of appreciation for his cunning and resourcefulness.

Motivation 2: She Thinks the Doctor is an Idiot

Alternatively, Goddard's smirk could stem from a different perspective. She might find the Doctor's response arrogant or overly intelligent, bordering on pretentious. She could be doubtful of the Doctor's judgment or might simply not agree with his approach to danger. In this case, the smirk could be sarcastic or critical, questioning the Doctor's practicality and caution.

Motivation 3: She Thinks the Doctor is Misinterpreting the Situation

A third possibility is that Goddard's smirk is a reaction to the Doctor's underestimation of the Dalek's danger. While the warning to put on gloves is real, the Doctor's response could be seen as dismissive. Goddard might think the Doctor is playing down the risks, and her smirk could be a subtle way of showing dissent or disagreement with his approach.

The Broader Implications

Understanding these dynamics can provide deeper insights into both the character and the show as a whole:

Character Dynamics

The interaction between the Doctor and Diana Goddard sets up an interesting dynamic. While the Doctor is initially seen as the protector, his response could be seen as a form of bravado or as a display of his bravery. This scene might also highlight the potential tension between the Doctor and his companions, who see him as overconfident or underprepared.

Show Dynamics

The show often uses interactions between characters to foreshadow events, build tension, or reveal character. Diana Goddard's smirk in this scene could serve a similar purpose. It might hint at the challenges the Doctor and his companions will face or the character development that will follow. For example, the smirk could be a sign of Goddard's growing fondness for the Doctor, despite her initial neutrality or even dislike.

Conclusion

While we may never know exactly why Diana Goddard smirked, the possible motivations behind her reaction offer a fascinating lens through which to view the character and the show. Whether it's admiration for the Doctor's cleverness, skepticism of his approach, or a subtle disagreement, this moment adds depth to the interactions and character development in Doctor Who. If you can't help but smirk at this moment too, you're probably not alone in appreciating the nuances of how this iconic series explores human (and alien) relationships.