Did SCP-173 Influence the Creation of the Weeping Angels in Doctor Who?

There is speculation and debate online about whether the mysterious entity SCP-173, as featured in the SCP Foundation collaborative storytelling project, might have inspired the Weeping Angels from the BBC series Doctor Who. This article aims to explore the timeline of events, key characteristics, and potential influences to determine if there is any concrete evidence to support this claim.

Timeline and Context

Delving into the origins of these entities, we find that the Weeping Angels first appeared in the Doctor Who episode "Blink," which originally aired in the UK on June 9, 2007. Meanwhile, SCP-173 was posted as a one-off 'creepypasta' on 4chan on June 22, 2007. This significant date difference suggests that SCP-173 could not have been an inspiration for the Weeping Angels, as it appeared after the UK release of the episode.

Considering the writing timeline, the episode "Blink" was likely conceived and written considerably earlier, probably around a year before its initial UK release. Therefore, the creator of SCP-173 would have had no access to the Weeping Angels storyline, making it highly unlikely that SCP-173 was influenced by the Weeping Angels.

Characteristics and Influences

Despite the timing not supporting one entity influencing the other, it is worth noting that both SCP-173 and the Weeping Angels share similar characteristics, particularly the concept of being immobile when observed and moving rapidly when not being watched. Specifically, SCP-173, a statue that can only move when unobserved, leads to deadly encounters with those who fail to maintain constant visual contact. Similar to the Weeping Angels, which appear as stone statues but can move at incredible speeds when unobserved, transporting their victims back in time.

These similarities raise interesting questions about the overlap between internet horror culture and traditional media. Both entities have become iconic figures in their respective narratives, suggesting a broader cultural influence on each other. However, despite these similarities, the behavior is largely based on the concept of observation vs. non-observation, leading to movement.

Theoretical Influence vs. Coincidence

While there is a theoretical possibility that the creators of the Weeping Angels were inspired by SCP-173, the timing and geographical context make this highly improbable. The creators of the Weeping Angels are known for their creativity and likely drew inspiration from various sources, including the prevailing fear of hidden dangers and the concept of time travel, which is a common theme in science fiction and fantasy.

It is also important to acknowledge that the internet serves as a melting pot for ideas, and there are countless similar stories and concepts floating around. The concept of an entity that moves only when unwatched is a common motif in horror and science fiction, appearing in various forms across different narratives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are similarities between SCP-173 and the Weeping Angels, the timeline and geographical context strongly suggest that SCP-173 was not an inspiration for the Weeping Angels. Both entities, however, share a similar thematic element, highlighting the interconnected nature of cultural influences within the internet and traditional media.

Future research may uncover more about the true influence behind these entities, but for now, it seems that any connection between SCP-173 and the Weeping Angels is a fascinating coincidence rather than a definitive influence.