Doctor Dismantles Jo’s Occult Beliefs
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Jo brings up the dawning of the age of Aquarius and its connection to the occult, but the Doctor dismisses it, asserting his belief in scientific explanations for everything, setting up their differing viewpoints.
Bessie unexpectedly starts up and drives erratically around the garage, baffling both the Doctor and Jo; the Doctor then reveals that he was controlling Bessie with a remote device, to prove there is a scientific explanation and to ridicule Jo's idea of magic, although Yates is shocked by the turn of events.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Initially defiant and slightly exasperated by the Doctor’s condescension, but her frustration gives way to curiosity when the conversation shifts to Devil’s End. She remains undeterred in her belief that some phenomena lack scientific explanations, and her request to watch the program reflects her proactive approach to investigating the unexplained.
Jo stands near Bessie in the garage, defending her belief in the supernatural and the 'age of Aquarius' with defiance. She watches in frustration as the Doctor reveals the radio control trick, calling it 'infuriating' and rejecting his dismissal of her ideas. Her curiosity is piqued when Yates mentions the TV program about Devil’s End, and she requests a lift to watch it, signaling her eagerness to explore the unexplained further.
- • To defend her belief in the supernatural and challenge the Doctor’s dismissive attitude.
- • To seek out additional information about the archaeological dig at Devil’s End, driven by her intuition that there may be more to the story.
- • Some phenomena cannot be explained by science alone, and the supernatural may play a role in the world.
- • The Doctor’s skepticism is overly rigid, and his 'knavish tricks' undermine genuine inquiry into the unexplained.
Initially smug and amused by his own trickery, masking a dismissive attitude toward Jo’s beliefs. His emotional state shifts to visceral alarm and tension upon hearing 'Devil’s End,' revealing suppressed anxiety or trauma linked to the location.
The Doctor stands in the UNIT garage, tinkering with Bessie’s engine before revealing a hidden radio control unit from his overalls. He demonstrates Bessie’s erratic behavior to debunk Jo’s mystical theories, adopting a condescending tone ('absurd ideas') while engaging in playful banter with Yates. His demeanor shifts abruptly to alarm when Yates mentions 'Devil’s End,' his voice tightening and posture stiffening as he repeats the name with uncharacteristic urgency, betraying a deep, unresolved connection to the location.
- • To debunk Jo’s supernatural theories using scientific reasoning and a practical demonstration (Bessie’s radio control).
- • To assert his authority as a rationalist and mentor, reinforcing his worldview over Jo’s openness to mysticism.
- • All phenomena have scientific explanations if one knows where to look.
- • Supernatural beliefs are irrational and hinder logical thinking, particularly in a companion like Jo.
Playfully engaged in the banter, Yates’ curiosity is piqued by the mention of Devil’s End, and he becomes more attentive to the Doctor’s reaction. His concern for the Doctor’s well-being is genuine, and he facilitates Jo’s request to watch the program, acting as a mediator between the two.
Yates leans against a workbench in the garage, initially joking about the possibility of magic explaining Bessie’s behavior. His tone shifts to curiosity when he mentions the TV program about Devil’s End, noting the village’s 'funny reputation.' He observes the Doctor’s sudden alarm with concern, asking if he’s all right before offering to give Jo a lift to watch the program. His demeanor is relaxed but attentive, bridging the gap between the Doctor’s skepticism and Jo’s openness.
- • To maintain a lighthearted but inquisitive tone, exploring the possibility of the unexplained without fully committing to it.
- • To support Jo’s curiosity and facilitate her access to information about Devil’s End, acting as a bridge between her and the Doctor.
- • While most phenomena have logical explanations, some locations or events carry unexplained reputations that are worth investigating.
- • The Doctor’s reactions, even when uncharacteristic, should be taken seriously and addressed with concern.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Bessie, the Doctor’s yellow Edwardian roadster, serves as the central prop in this event, demonstrating the Doctor’s hidden radio-controlled mechanism. Under his command, Bessie lurches forward, spins independently around the yard, and reverses back into the garage, debunking Jo’s supernatural theories with a practical, scientific explanation. The car’s erratic behavior—controlled by solenoids and a solar mechanism—highlight the Doctor’s technical ingenuity and his dismissive attitude toward mysticism. Bessie’s role extends beyond a mere demonstration; it symbolizes the clash between rationalism and the unexplained, setting the stage for the Daemon threat’s later revelation.
The Doctor’s radio control unit is a hand-sized device retrieved from his overalls pocket, used to remotely operate Bessie. He twists its dials to make the car lurch, spin, and reverse, revealing the 'magic' behind Bessie’s behavior as a scientific trick. The device underscores the Doctor’s preference for empirical evidence over supernatural explanations, serving as a tool to assert his authority and debunk Jo’s theories. Its concealment in his overalls adds a layer of deception, highlighting his playful yet condescending approach to teaching.
The Doctor’s overalls serve as a practical garment for tinkering with Bessie, but their deep pockets also conceal the radio control unit, enabling his 'knavish trick.' The overalls symbolize his hands-on, mechanical approach to problem-solving and his ability to blend deception with scientific demonstration. Their role in this event is subtle but crucial, as they facilitate the concealment and reveal of the radio control unit, adding a layer of theatricality to the Doctor’s debunking.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The UNIT garage serves as the neutral ground for this event, its concrete floor and cluttered workbenches providing the setting for the Doctor’s demonstration. The space is functional yet intimate, with Bessie parked prominently in the center, surrounded by tools and spare parts. The garage’s industrial atmosphere contrasts with the playful yet tense exchange between the Doctor, Jo, and Yates, amplifying the clash of worldviews. The location’s practicality—as a workspace for mechanical tinkering—underscores the Doctor’s scientific approach, while its role as a gathering place for UNIT personnel highlights the organizational backdrop of the scene.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
UNIT is represented in this event through its physical headquarters—the garage—and the presence of its personnel (the Doctor, Yates, and Jo). The organization’s role is primarily as a backdrop, providing the resources (Bessie, tools, and the garage space) for the Doctor’s demonstration. Yates’ mention of the TV program about Devil’s End subtly ties UNIT’s monitoring activities to the broader narrative, hinting at the organization’s awareness of potential threats. The garage itself symbolizes UNIT’s reliance on technology and practical solutions, while the exchange between the characters reflects the organization’s internal dynamics, including the Doctor’s scientific approach and Jo’s openness to the unexplained.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"The Doctor's demonstration with Bessie is interrupted by Yates's mention of the TV program, piquing the Doctor's interest because of the location: Devil's End."
Doctor reacts to Devil's End"The Doctor's demonstration with Bessie is interrupted by Yates's mention of the TV program, piquing the Doctor's interest because of the location: Devil's End."
Doctor reacts to Devil's End"Yates mentioning Devil's End leads to the Doctor's decision to travel there."
Doctor decides to confront Devil's End threatThemes This Exemplifies
Thematic resonance and meaning
Key Dialogue
"JO: But it really is the dawning of the age of Aquarius. DOCTOR: So? JO: Well, that means the occult. Well, you know, the supernatural and all that magic bit. DOCTOR: You know, really, Jo, I'm obviously wasting my time trying to turn you into a scientist."
"JO: Yes, but suppose something was to happen and nobody knew the explanation. Well, nobody in the world, in the universe. Well, that would be magic, wouldn't it? DOCTOR: (Bessie starts up and drives off.) You know, Jo, for a reasonably intelligent young lady, you do have the most absurd ideas."
"DOCTOR: Would you believe magic? YATES: Magic? DOCTOR: Hmm. YATES: No! DOCTOR: Well, Jo would. JO: That's not fair. DOCTOR: Well, you explain it then. JO: I don't know. I suppose you did it. DOCTOR: (Holding up a radio control unit.) Naturally. Or should I say scientifically. Solenoids and a solar mechanism in Bessie and a radio control unit here. You see how easy it is to be a magician?"
"YATES: Devil's End. The village near the dig. DOCTOR: Devil's End? Devil's End? YATES: Doctor, are you all right?"