Happy New Years to all of our Secret Identity family all over the world. Brian and I hope that this year will be a year of joy and happiness... and geeky goodness.
Below is a brief read of my 'Unofficial Doctor Who Companion'! The book is broken up into a chapter based on every Doctor featuring a look at the Doctor, his companions, a complete episode guide and a look at their life; select adventures and major points in his life. Enjoy!!!
76 Totter’s Lane
In a foggy and unassuming junk yard is where our odyssey begins. When young, cute and very quirky Susan Foreman begins to draw the attention of two of her teachers; Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, a visit to a junk yard on 76 Totter’s Lane is where we get our first view of the Doctor. Representing the best interest of Coal Hill School (in the Shoreditch area of London) as well as a bit of their own curiosity, the two teachers follow Susan home to see what kind of environment she is living in. Their hope is to better understand why she seems so odd and out of place. As they approach the clutter in the yard they are stopped by an elderly man dressed in a long coat, scarf and wearing an odd hat slightly covering his long grey hair. Before the inevitable interrogation can begin he tells them both he is the young girl’s grandfather and that they better leave his property immediately. But as soon as he gets the opportunity, Ian goes on the offensive by questioning the man who just answers everything asked with a sarcastic tone or a question of his own. Susan’s grandfather is quite standoffish and incredibly defensive and as soon as Ian Chesterton begins to inquire about this oddly placed police call box in the front of the yard, the Doctor becomes downright nasty, much like he is hiding something. With the conversation not going anywhere, Ian and Barbara decide to go fetch a policeman and want the elderly gentleman to accompany him, but Susan’s grandfather will have none of that. Suddenly everyone’s attention is drawn to Susan’s voice coming from within the junked police call box and the duo force their way in. What they discover is beyond their ‘earthy comprehension’ and Ian and Barbara become the first of many who notice its “bigger on the inside”. So now we have the Doctor, his TARDIS and a couple of companions to begin a trip that will last a thousand lifetimes.
WHOVIAN Encyclopedia Entry # 1
TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) - This is the preferred method of travel for the race known as the Time Lords from the planet Gallifrey. Within the TARDIS’ vast and advanced technology is a cloaking device called the ‘Chameleon Circuit’ that allows for the vehicle to change its appearance, allowing it to blend into any surroundings or environments that it finds itself in. A TARDIS is primarily used for scientific use; able to travel to any planet in the universe or any point in that planets history. The TARDIS is much larger than its outside frame and needs a crew of 5 or 6 for optimum usage.
First appearance: ‘An Unearthly Child’ - November 23, 1963