The Mystical Rondelles: Symbolic Windows to the TARDIS's Inner Workings

The round things on both sides of the TARDIS door in the classic Doctor Who have long been a point of fascination for fans. These rondelles, as they are called, serve more than just a decorative purpose. They are essential elements that have changed over the years, reflecting the evolving nature of the show's sets and the adventures within the iconic time machine.

The Original Rondelles - More Than Meets the Eye

The Doctor Who TARDIS we first met with was not just a visually stunning spacecraft, but a complex machine with intricate workings. Even in its earliest iterations, these rondelles were not just aesthetically pleasing but functional as well. Originally, they were simple paper-covered cut-outs, illuminated from the outside. However, as the series evolved, so too did the rondelles, playing a more integral role in the set design and becoming more detailed representations of the ship's inner workings.

Rondelles as Access Panels

Before the rondelles were depicted as removable, they served as manual hatches. These hatches served crucial functions, such as allowing the Doctor and companions to manually open the doors when the TARDIS was victimized by external factors. For example, in Death to the Daleks, Doc 3 and Sarah Jane used one of these hatches to insert a crank handle to achieve manual door opening. These hatches were essential in maintaining the functionality of the time machine, even when external forces threatened to disable it.

The Clean Living Areas - A Service to Rebellion

The rondelles also functioned as access panels, revealing the intricacies of the TARDIS's inner workings. These panels hidden all the wires, tubes, and pipes that the TARDIS's functioning depended upon. This was more than a mere aesthetic choice; it was a way to keep the living areas clean and usable. Following the Time War, the Doctor faced extensive repairs with limited resources, making the possession of these access panels crucial.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the rondelles is their evolution as the show progressed. Before the Time War, the Doctor and companions did not grapple with the intricate workings of the TARDIS as much. With the chameleon circuit locked, the Doctor often found himself tinkering with the inner mechanisms of the ship, making the access panels a necessary component. The rondelles thus became not just decorative but functional, symbolizing the ship's complex inner life.

Modern TARDIS: A St John Ambulance Update

As Doctor Who continues its journey through time and space, the visual aspects of the TARDIS have also evolved. Most recently, the TARDIS made a striking appearance with a badge of St John Ambulance attached to the exterior. This addition highlights the ongoing transformation and historical significance of the TARDIS. The round things that once symbolized the inner workings and access points now represent a blend of past and present, reflecting the show's commitment to blending the old and new in a compelling narrative.

In conclusion, the rondelles on the TARDIS are far more than just decorative elements. They serve as crucial access points and integral features of the TARDIS's design, reflecting the ship's complex nature and the challenges faced by the Doctor and companions. As the series continues, these rondelles will undoubtedly change and evolve, adding to the rich tapestry of Doctor Who lore.