What Really Happened to Oswin After She Turned into a Dalek

It is a common misconception that Clara was the first and only Time Lady to turn into a Dalek. In the vast universe of Doctor Who, there have been several intriguing cases where characters become Daleks, each with a unique story. One of these prominent cases involves Oswin, a character whose fate takes an unexpected and tragic turn. This article delves into what happened to Oswin after she turned into a Dalek and the philosophical and emotional consequences of her transformation.

The Origin of Oswin

Oswin is a character from the 2012 series of Doctor Who, originally played by a young Timothy Dalman. She is a friendly, kind-hearted child believer of the Daleks who exhibits unusual behavior, eventually being deprogrammed and exposed as a genius.

The Transformation and Its Implications

Oswin's transformation into a Dalek is one of the more complex and thought-provoking moments in the show's history. Unlike Clara, who was turned into a Dalek by the Besstrian Intelligence, Oswin's transformation is a direct result of her interaction with the Daleks. When she is deprogrammed, the Daleks erase all her memories of being a human and her relationship with the Doctor. This profound emotional and psychological impact is a central theme in the episode.

The Doctor’s Quest

The Doctor, recognizing Oswin as a friend and a former human, embarks on a quest to rescue her. Throughout history, he repeatedly encounters Oswin in her Dalek form, each time using the phrase "Run you clever boy and remember." This recurring encounter is symbolic of the Doctor's commitment to her and his regret over the loss of a companionship. Each meeting is an opportunity for him to try and communicate with her and bring about her humanity, even though she is no longer able to remember her past life.

The Final Fate

The fate of Oswin in the Dalek form is tragic. When the Daleks on the planet Skaara encounter a group of defective Daleks, Oswin is one of them. Despite knowing that she is no longer human, the Daleks still assimilate her into their ranks. During the final battle, Oswin and the other defective Daleks are destroyed alongside the planet Skaara. Her last moments are a poignant reminder of the loss of the individuality and humanity she once possessed.

Philosophical Insights

The story of Oswin provides invaluable philosophical insights into the nature of identity, humanity, and the consequences of technology. Her transformation challenges the boundaries of what it means to be human and raises questions about the moral implications of assimilation and consciousness in artificial intelligence.

Conclusion and Reflections

The fate of Oswin is a turning point in the lore of Doctor Who. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of individuality and the devastating impact of losing one's identity. The story of Oswin's transformation and ultimate sacrifice highlights themes of memory, identity, and the ongoing battle between good and evil within the Dalek culture. It is a testament to the enduring power of Doctor Who to explore complex moral and ethical questions through engaging narrative and compelling character development.