Poll: Is Doctor Who science fiction?

[carelesshx]

Sir Terry Pratchett has been guest editor of SFX Magazine this month, and has written an article about what he doesn't like about Doctor Who.

http://www.sfx.co.uk/2010/05/03/guest-blog-terry-pratchett-on-doctor-who/

Basically, Doctor Who suffers from poor pacing, and relies too much on deus ex machina to be considered 'proper' science fiction.

I have to say I agree with most of what he says. Not enough internal consistency and too many maguffins - at least Star Trek obeyed most of its own rules most of the time.

 

[TimeLord]

It may not be "proper" Science Fiction

But it's still Science Fiction

 

[Hurr Durr Derp]

Like many things considered "science fiction" by the unwashed masses (Star Wars being the most popular example), Doctor Who is actually science fantasy. Doesn't make it any worse (or better), but it's too fuzzy to be considered science fiction.

 

[carelesshx]

Yes. It's technology fantasy. That's pretty much my definition of science fiction.

To what extent does technology play a part in a typical Doctor Who episode?

I ask because I've never considered DW to be dependent on technology. DW stories are almost never resolved by technology, but by cunning, daring, ingenuity and blind luck. In fact, the best DW episodes are the ones that completely bypass science and technology and go straight into the realms of psychological horror, fairytale or human drama.

 

[InitHello]

It is definitely and unequivocally science fiction. Whether it is good science fiction is left to the viewer to evaluate. I personally think it's very good.

 

[DarkenedWolfEye]

I don't know what else you could possibly classify it as. Of course.

 

[AwesomeExpress]

It's poor science fiction, but it's still 'science fiction'.

 

[Blindswordmaster]

Doctor Who is an immortal, time traveling alien; they're his rules and he doesn't have to obey them.