Dehumanization of the Other
The Sontarans embody dehumanization both as invaders and as foes stripped of individuality. Their nameless, faceless ranks—governed by rigid programming—serve as extensions of Stor’s will, devoid of fear or remorse. The Demat Gun’s annihilation of a Sontaran soldier is treated with clinical detachment, reflecting the narrative’s normalization of violence against entities deemed non-sentient or hostile. This theme extends to Gallifreyan politics, where institutions dehumanize the Doctor as an unreliable element, and to the Doctor’s own moments of ruthlessness, where tactical necessity overrides empathy—a cycle that perpetuates the dehumanization of all parties.
Events Exemplifying This Theme
A Sontaran warrior storms into the TARDIS swimming pool area, leading the pursuit for the shapeshifting Great Key. Before Stor can assert control, Andred lunges into the fray and hurls …
The Doctor navigates the TARDIS storeroom by emitting bird calls, deliberately unleashing the Sontaran’s aggression in response to the decoy. The guard advances, only to stumble backward into a waiting …
The Doctor activates the Demat gun, a weapon of ultimate destruction, using the Great Key as power source. Before the horrified protests of Borusa and Rodan can halt him, he …