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==Current usage==
==Current usage==
In the foreword to his 1992 book ''The Universal Databank'' [[Jean-Marc Lofficier]] uses Whoniverse to refer to the fictional setting.<ref name=Databank>Lofficier (1992) [[http://www.lofficier.com/dwfrwrd.html Foreward]</ref>
In the foreword to his 1992 book ''The Universal Databank'' [[Jean-Marc Lofficier]] uses Whoniverse to refer to the fictional setting.<ref name=Databank>Lofficier (1992) [[http://www.lofficier.com/dwfrwrd.html Foreward]</ref>

==Features==
<!--
This entire section is intended to summarise the fictional universe's features effectively. It IS NOT for trivia, and massive expansion on specific themes. It is simply meant to serve as a broad overview of the universe in which Doctor Who is set, with appropriate citations/footnotes and inline references. It is also not intended for geeky fan jargon and arguments – it should be understandable to anyone who is not a fan of the series.

The first describes order in the universe

<!--This paragraph describes faith and deities in the universe-->''Doctor Who'' is set in a rational universe,<ref name=StageFright>{{cite episode
| title = Stage Fright
| series = [[Doctor Who Confidential]]
| credits = "[[The Shakespeare Code]]" cast and crew
| network = BBC Three
|quote='''[[Russell T Davies]]''': "The Doctor exists in a rational universe... If magic was real, well that's just not ''Doctor Who'' to me.}}</ref> where everything is explained through applications of different sorts of science, the [[List of Doctor Who monsters and aliens#Carrionite|Carrionites]] being just one example of aliens using complex science to seemingly magical ends.<ref name=Shakespeare/> Concepts of faith, deities and magic are not absent in the universe, however (and the Third Doctor story [[The Daemons]] suggests that magic and psychic powers are two ways of looking at the same thing). The series had established that there is a "[[Black Guardian]]" and "[[White Guardian]]" who serve as personifications of chaos and order, respectively, balancing the forces of the universe. There appears to be at least some indication of a [[monotheism|monotheistic deity]] (the term 'creation' is often used to describe the universe/multiverse) and [[Devil|adversary]]<ref name=SatanPit>{{cite episode
| title = [[The Satan Pit]]
| episodelink =
| series = [[Doctor Who]]
| serieslink =
| credits = [[Russell T Davies]], [[Matt Jones (writer)|Matt Jones]], [[James Strong (director)|James Strong]]
| network = [[BBC]]
| station =
| city =
| airdate = 2006-06-10
}}</ref> with some place in the universe. [[List of Doctor Who villains#Beast|The Beast]] and [[List of Torchwood monsters and aliens#Abaddon|Abaddon]]<ref name=EndofDays>{{cite episode
| title = End of Days
| episodelink = End of Days (Torchwood)
| series = [[Torchwood]]
| serieslink =
| credits = [[Russell T Davies]], [[Chris Chibnall]], [[Ashley Way]]
| network = [[BBC]]
| station =
| city =
| airdate = 2007-01-01
}}</ref> are demons revealed to have been sealed away in planets "before the dawn of time", with the suggestion that there are more demons sealed away in a similar fashion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.torchwood.org.uk/html/endofdays/abaddon.shtml |title= Notes on Abaddon|accessdate=2 January 2007 |work=Torchwood Institute External Hub Interface }}</ref> This seems to indicate some sort of [[dualism|dualistic]] higher power (also evidenced by the Guardians) with at least some control over creation. Simultaneously, ''Torchwood'' presents [[Themes in Torchwood#Existentialism|existentialist themes]] throughout its entire first series.

<!--This paragraph describes the role of humanity in the universe-->People on [[Earth]] are to varying extents aware of alien life. Aliens have invaded Earth many times, most notably in recent years as part of "[[The Christmas Invasion]]" and "[[Doomsday (Doctor Who)|Doomsday]]", and [[Unified Intelligence Taskforce|UNIT]] and the [[Torchwood Institute]] are examples of government responses to the knowledge of [[extraterrestrial life]]. However, most members of the public remain ignorant of aliens as they have (as put by the Doctor) "an amazing capacity for self-deception".<ref name=RemembranceDaleks1>{{cite episode
| title = [[Remembrance of the Daleks, part I]]
| episodelink =
| series = [[Doctor Who]]
| serieslink =
| credits = [[Ben Aaronovitch]], [[Andrew Morgan (director)|Andrew Morgan]], [[John Nathan-Turner]]
| network = [[BBC]]
| station =
| city =
| airdate = 1988-10-05
|quote=[[Doctor (Doctor Who)|The Doctor]]: Your species has the most amazing capacity for self-deception, matched only by its ingenuity when trying to destroy itself.
}}</ref> Some people explain the events of these invasions as "[[mass hallucination]]s" caused by [[psychoactive drug|psychotropic drugs]] planted by terrorists in the water supply. (Something mentioned in the [[Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy]] series, by [[Douglas Adams]] who worked on the original series of ''Doctor Who'' for a time.)<ref name=EverythingChanges>{{cite episode
| title = Everything Changes
| episodelink = Everything Changes (Torchwood)
| series = [[Torchwood]]
| serieslink =
| credits = [[Russell T Davies]], [[Brian Kelly (director)|Brian Kelly]]
| network = [[BBC Three]]
| station =
| city =
| airdate = 2006-08-22
}}</ref><ref name=Bane>{{cite episode
| title = [[Invasion of the Bane]]
| episodelink =
| series = [[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]
| serieslink =
| credits = [[Gareth Roberts (writer)|]], [[Russell T Davies]], [[Colin Teague]]
| network = [[BBC]]
| station =
| city =
| airdate = 2007-01-01
}}</ref> Others form conspiracy groups, having become aware of the presence of the Doctor and alien life.<ref name=Rose/><ref name=LoveMonster>{{cite episode
| title = [[Love & Monsters]]
| episodelink =
| series = [[Doctor Who]]
| serieslink =
| credits = [[Russell T Davies]], [[Dan Zeff]]
| network = [[BBC]]
| station =
| city =
| airdate = 2006-07-17
}}</ref> In late 2007, Prime Minister [[Story arcs in Doctor Who#Mr Saxon|Harold Saxon]] finally confirms the presence of alien life forms to the universe when in the presence of the [[President of the United States|US President]] he establishes "[[first contact (science fiction)|first contact]]" with alien life.<ref name=Drums>{{cite episode
| title = [[The Sound of Drums]]
| episodelink =
| series = [[Doctor Who]]
| serieslink =
| credits = [[Russell T Davies]], [[Colin Teague]]
| network = [[BBC]]
| station =
| city =
| airdate = 2007-07-23
}}</ref> Saxon's actions also allowed the press within the ''Doctor Who'''s fictional universe to confirm to the world that many previously suspected alien encounters in the 2000s were all in fact true. In later years however, wide alien scepticism may have returned.<ref name=Bane/> The constant flux between widespread extraterrestrial knowledge and self-deception is shown in some episodes to continue throughout contemporary Earth.


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 14:23, 15 March 2014

Whoniverse, a portmanteau of the words "Who" and "universe", is a word used to describe the fictional setting[citation needed] of the television series Doctor Who, Torchwood, and The Sarah Jane Adventures, as well as other related stories.

The term is used to link characters, ideas or items which are seen across multiple productions, such as Sarah Jane Smith from Doctor Who, K-9 and Company (1981) and The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007-2011), Jack Harkness from Doctor Who and Torchwood as well as K-9 from Doctor Who, K-9 and Company, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and K-9.

Originally the term "Whoniverse" referred to everything connected with the programme behind-the-scenes.[1] In this original meaning, standing exhibitions, discussions about the filming of episodes and even fandom itself were considered part of the "Whoniverse".

Unlike the owners of other science fiction franchises, the BBC takes no position on which Doctor Who stories are definitive for future projects.[2][page needed] The show has no 'canon', and indeed, recent producers of the show have expressed distaste for the idea. Though the term is essentially an example of fanspeak[citation needed], it has recently begun to appear in mainstream press coverage following the popular success of the 2005 Doctor Who revival.[3]

Original usage

It is not known precisely when the term "Whoniverse" came into fan parlance. However, an early instance is found in the 1983 book, Doctor Who: A Celebration; Two Decades Through Time and Space by frequent Doctor Who non-fiction writer, Peter Haining. In this overview, Haining called his final chapter, "The Whoniverse".[1] The section assembled factual information about all the episodes to date, but also gave information about fan clubs and ancillary entertainments related to the programme. Thus, the author enjoined his readers to believe that their own efforts were connected to those of the show-runners[citation needed]. Fans, in other words, were a part of the Whoniverse as much as the plot details of specific episodes. The "Whoniverse" originally described both narrative intent and viewer reaction, plot and production, studio floor and convention hall.[1] This definition is still used today. [4][5][6][7]

Current usage

In the foreword to his 1992 book The Universal Databank Jean-Marc Lofficier uses Whoniverse to refer to the fictional setting.[8]

Features

Doctor Who is set in a rational universe,[9] where everything is explained through applications of different sorts of science, the Carrionites being just one example of aliens using complex science to seemingly magical ends.[10] Concepts of faith, deities and magic are not absent in the universe, however (and the Third Doctor story The Daemons suggests that magic and psychic powers are two ways of looking at the same thing). The series had established that there is a "Black Guardian" and "White Guardian" who serve as personifications of chaos and order, respectively, balancing the forces of the universe. There appears to be at least some indication of a monotheistic deity (the term 'creation' is often used to describe the universe/multiverse) and adversary[11] with some place in the universe. The Beast and Abaddon[12] are demons revealed to have been sealed away in planets "before the dawn of time", with the suggestion that there are more demons sealed away in a similar fashion.[13] This seems to indicate some sort of dualistic higher power (also evidenced by the Guardians) with at least some control over creation. Simultaneously, Torchwood presents existentialist themes throughout its entire first series.

People on Earth are to varying extents aware of alien life. Aliens have invaded Earth many times, most notably in recent years as part of "The Christmas Invasion" and "Doomsday", and UNIT and the Torchwood Institute are examples of government responses to the knowledge of extraterrestrial life. However, most members of the public remain ignorant of aliens as they have (as put by the Doctor) "an amazing capacity for self-deception".[14] Some people explain the events of these invasions as "mass hallucinations" caused by psychotropic drugs planted by terrorists in the water supply. (Something mentioned in the Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, by Douglas Adams who worked on the original series of Doctor Who for a time.)[15][16] Others form conspiracy groups, having become aware of the presence of the Doctor and alien life.[17][18] In late 2007, Prime Minister Harold Saxon finally confirms the presence of alien life forms to the universe when in the presence of the US President he establishes "first contact" with alien life.[19] Saxon's actions also allowed the press within the Doctor Who's fictional universe to confirm to the world that many previously suspected alien encounters in the 2000s were all in fact true. In later years however, wide alien scepticism may have returned.[16] The constant flux between widespread extraterrestrial knowledge and self-deception is shown in some episodes to continue throughout contemporary Earth.

See also

References

Citations
  1. ^ a b c Haining 1983
  2. ^ Davies, Russel T. (2005). Doctor Who Magazine (356). {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ^ Morrison, Ryan (12 July 2007). "Battle of Flowers: Cybermen and Dalek for Battle". BBC Jersey Entertainment Page.
  4. ^ A message from Matt Smith: “To the Whoniverse, thanks a million. You’re the best. I’ll miss you. And I’ll miss the madness.”
  5. ^ The Sarah Jane Adventures
  6. ^ Save The Day
  7. ^ [=http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/23/anglophenia.jsp?bc_id=76 Jessica Simpson to Enter the Whoniverse?]
  8. ^ Lofficier (1992) [Foreward
  9. ^ "The Shakespeare Code" cast and crew. "Stage Fright". Doctor Who Confidential. BBC Three. Russell T Davies: "The Doctor exists in a rational universe... If magic was real, well that's just not Doctor Who to me.
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference Shakespeare was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Russell T Davies, Matt Jones, James Strong (10 June 2006). "The Satan Pit". Doctor Who. BBC. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |episodelink=, |city=, and |serieslink= (help)
  12. ^ Russell T Davies, Chris Chibnall, Ashley Way (1 January 2007). "End of Days". Torchwood. BBC. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |city= and |serieslink= (help); Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ "Notes on Abaddon". Torchwood Institute External Hub Interface. Retrieved 2 January 2007.
  14. ^ Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Morgan, John Nathan-Turner (5 October 1988). "Remembrance of the Daleks, part I". Doctor Who. BBC. The Doctor: Your species has the most amazing capacity for self-deception, matched only by its ingenuity when trying to destroy itself. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |episodelink=, |city=, and |serieslink= (help)
  15. ^ Russell T Davies, Brian Kelly (22 August 2006). "Everything Changes". Torchwood. BBC Three. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |city= and |serieslink= (help); Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b [[Gareth Roberts (writer)|]], Russell T Davies, Colin Teague (1 January 2007). "Invasion of the Bane". The Sarah Jane Adventures. BBC. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |episodelink=, |city=, and |serieslink= (help)
  17. ^ Cite error: The named reference Rose was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ^ Russell T Davies, Dan Zeff (17 July 2006). "Love & Monsters". Doctor Who. BBC. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |episodelink=, |city=, and |serieslink= (help)
  19. ^ Russell T Davies, Colin Teague (23 July 2007). "The Sound of Drums". Doctor Who. BBC. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |episodelink=, |city=, and |serieslink= (help)
Bibliography

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