One thing that inspires me today: Doctor Who

My first recollection of Doctor Who was from this old second hand book titled "Heroes and Legends". It was a book with entries based on King Arthur, Robin Hood to Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers and of course Doctor Who.

I remember reading it and thinking what the hell is this? A hero who "regenerated"? There was a picture of Tom Baker and he certainly didn't look like a hero. Wide, cheesy grin and ridiculously long scarf... I banished Doctor Who from my thoughts. 

Let's be clear - I've never seen the old tv show. I have no sense of nostalgia what so ever. However when my father in law bought me and my wife 2 box sets of the new Doctor Who series for Christmas, I found a series that is brimming with ideas, excitement, humanity and imagination.

The writers and creators of Doctor Who just unleash a fun and ferocious imagination. The core premise of the Doctor going on adventures in different places, planets and times gives so much room for them to explore.

However what gives the new series of Doctor Who the edge for me is the development of the emotional life of the Doctor, the unabashed humanity, both the inspirational side and the darker side and the compelling characters that drive the series. Rose Tyler is an ordinary shop girl but believably became saviour of the universe and Martha's unrequited love for the Doctor makes her so relatable. 

My favourite character is the Doctor though - especially the David Tennant incarnation. Here he is, a mad, lonely, off the wall, brilliant, joyous, powerful alien and while his emotions are always every so slightly larger than life, you always look up to him as the guy who will always try to do what is right and noble. 

I am not afraid to admit I cried several times while watching this series. Russell T. Davies the showrunner and producer responsible for resurrecting Doctor Who did a marvelous, daunting job in making Doctor Who more than a sci-fi curiousity. 

I love Doctor Who.