Authoritarianism and the Abuse of Power
Power structures—personal, institutional, and extra-terrestrial—are central to this theme, with authority figures wielding control to suppress dissent and perpetuate harm. The Commandant and Gatwick security represent institutional authority that dismisses the extraordinary, prioritizing protocol over truth, enabling alien infiltration. Blade epitomizes calculated authoritarianism as he manipulates human systems (airport, police) to eliminate perceived threats without remorse. Spencer’s obedience to Blade’s orders reflects how power dynamics within authoritarian systems demand complicity. The Doctor’s resistance to these structures underscores the theme, as he exposes abuses and advocates for justice despite being marginalized by bureaucratic skepticism.
Events Exemplifying This Theme
In Air Traffic Control, the Commandant initially dismisses the pilot’s report of a 'police box' on the runway as absurd, ordering the aircraft to return to the holding stack. However, …
The Commandant, initially dismissive of the TARDIS as a harmless prank, abruptly shifts tone after learning four suspects fled the scene. His frustration with the police for losing the suspects—likely …
In the Chameleon Tours office, Blade and Spencer debate how to handle the Doctor and Polly after the latter witnessed Spencer’s murder of Gascoigne. Blade dismisses Spencer’s proposal to kill …
The Doctor and Jamie attempt to report Polly’s disappearance and the murder of Detective Inspector Gascoigne to the Commandant, but their credibility is immediately undermined by the absurdity of their …