Pie Corbett’s non-fiction: Dr Who

Would the children like a Dalek for a neighbour? Let them argue their case with Pie Corbett's guide to discussion texts...

1. New neighbours

Should Daleksbe allowed to live on Earth?

Since the arrival of the Dalekson this planet, there has been much discussion about whether or not they should be allowed to live on Earth. This raging controversy is of vital importance because the Dalekshave made an application for residency to the world’s parliament.

Doctor Who, the famous Time Lord, has argued that the Daleksmight be allowed to stay because they could be used as a force for good. The Doctor has suggested that by changing the Dalek’sbasic DNA, a new breed could be created. There are a several reasons why this might be beneficial. First, they would act as ideal defenders in any intergalactic battle. Furthermore, the Daleksare tireless workers and totally fearless. This means that they might be prepared to work in areas that are dangerous. Moreover, The Doctor argues that their skill in technology would help the Earth considerably.

On the other hand, the large majority of people on planet Earth do not believe that the Daleksshould be allowed to stay. First of all, they point to the fact that when the Dalekshave previously visited, they have attempted to exterminate all other life forms. Furthermore, they add that these cyborgsfrom the planet Skarohave been waging war around the galaxy. Additionally, the Daleksare known to have no compassion and only feel hate.

Having considered the arguments from both sides, I personally believe that the Daleksshould not be allowed to stay on Earth as the risk is too great. Whilst the Doctor is usually right and has saved the galaxy on many occasions, I have concluded that perhaps he has been influenced in some way by these evil creatures!

2. Out of time

Should Doctor Who give up being a Time Lord?

We have been debating whether or not Dr Who should give up being a Time Lord and settle down.

The large majority of people that we have interviewed believe that Doctor Who should continue in his role as a Time Lord and they have a number of good reasons for suggesting this. First of all, they make the point that The Doctor has saved many planets, galaxies and civilisations from a range of intergalactic enemies. Furthermore, they add that the Doctor is the only person who is capable of controlling the Tardis(Time and Relative Dimensions In Space) and so no one else could make good use of the time travelling machine. Additionally, they point out that no one else has the capability to regenerate their body after death so the Doctor is irreplaceable.

On the other hand, Doctor Who has become increasingly tired of what seems to be endless battles against his old enemies the Daleks, Cybermenand Autons. First, he has argued that perhaps someone else might be able to vanquish these tyrants for good. Furthermore, the Doctor’s friends have suggested that they are concerned in case the Doctor transmogrifies in the same way that the Master did to become a renegade Time Lord. This could mean that the Doctor turned into a force for destruction and is therefore not a risk that should be taken! Finally, The Doctor argues that it is time to hang up his cloak as Time Lords can only regenerate 12 times so his career as a space and time saviour is almost over.

Having considered the arguments from both sides, I personally believe that the Doctor should be encouraged to continue in his role as a Time Lord as there is no one else who could fill his shoes! However, the Interplanetary Parliament must seek a new Time Lord as the Doctor has regenerated on eleven occasions and therefore his time is running out!

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