Doctor Who: A Continuity Story Without Reboots

Doctor Who, the granddaddy of all television series, has been on our screens for an astounding 59 years. Throughout this period, it has remained a meticulously constructed narrative that ties its various storylines and characters together with incredible coherence and consistency. Never has it been rebooted.

Never a Reboot: Continuity, Retcons, and the Rich Universe of Doctor Who

Every episode, every story, and every character in the long-running series forms a crucial and interconnected part of the same overarching narrative. From the exhilarating adventures in the TARDIS to the intricate webs of plot that span across decades, the show has woven an epic tale that fans can dive into and explore with great enthusiasm.

Outside the realm of the TV series, Doctor Who has branched out into many other formats, creating a vast universe filled with audio adventures, comics, and novels. Each of these different mediums, however, is rigorously examined for their level of 'canonicity,' deciding their alignment with the main narrative. Writers and producers can dip into these resources as needed, ensuring that the show's universe remains a seamless and cohesive whole.

Even the term 'reboot,' which in the context of many other series denotes a complete refashioning and reset of the show, does not apply to Doctor Who. The series has embraced retcons (retroactive continuity changes) with humor and wit, making it easy for the narrative to adjust and evolve with ease. This elastic quality of canon allows the show to navigate complex plot timelines and introduce new story arcs with a high level of internal consistency.

The Special Case of "Dr. Who and the Daleks" Films (1960s)

There have been attempts to introduce elements that diverge from the main narrative, with the notable exception of the two 'Dr. Who and the Daleks' films in the 1960s. These films are a unique variant because the protagonist is named "Doctor Who," portrayed by Peter Cushing, and he is a human inventor and adventurer rather than a Time Lord. His adventures in these films are largely unrelated to the main TV series, making them stand out as a distinct and separate entity.

Canonical in nature, the films are described as American films based on the memoirs of one of Doctor Who's early companions. While the series itself did not receive these films, the narrative universe within the context of canonical Doctor Who allows for these stories to coexist. In the 50th anniversary special, 'The Day of the Doctor,' a scene was filmed but unused, showing the two movie posters in the Black Archive. These films are also mentioned in the novelization of the episode, further cementing their place in the overarching universe.

Continuity and Revivals

The modern era of Doctor Who indeed continues from the classic era, but it is not a reboot. Rather, it is a revival—a continuation of an existing story with a fresh approach. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nature of the series. The revival maintains the continuity established over the decades, ensuring a seamless narrative arc.

Each new series, even with significant changes in character portrayals and storylines, builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors. The series has shown remarkable adaptability, blending new elements with long established canon while maintaining a unified and compelling storyline. This ensures that the vast and intricate universe of Doctor Who remains both cohesive and accessible to both long-time fans and newer audiences.