I've been putting off starting the essay until this last week, but today, I have manned up and opened a word document. I've stuck to my original essay theme of The Uncanny in Doctor Who, focusing on two episodes.Firstly, the episode 'Blink', written by Stephen Moffat and secondly, the first modern epsidode of Doctor Who; 'Rose', written by Russell T Davies featuring mannequins that come to life and are possessed by 'Autons'.
The 'enemies' in these two episodes definitely link to the Uncanny,being normal everyday still objects which suddenly have life and intent. Phil advised me to find a story mentioned in Freud's essay on the Uncanny about carved crocodile figures which move and have a will of their own. I have had no luck finding this, just a few references to it so I don't think I have enough to include it in my essay. I will keep looking though.
Also; the next person to tell me Doctor Who is only for kids gets a headbutt.
Headbutt away. Dr Who is awesome. I was thinking of doing an essay on those episodes as well but I saw you were doing them so I moved on.
Ah, sorry Earl. lol.
Hey there!
I'm just some random bloke on the webternets, checking how much Moffat has been linked to the Uncanny before I start my own essay.
In february, I did a 15-minute presentation focussing specifically on Blink and the uncanny nature of it. I am now expounding on it for a 3500 word essay on Moffat's use of the uncanny and how he blew it with the two-parter Weeping Angels episode in the fifth series.
Studying in the UK, I can tell you that most people would definitely join you in the headbutting (aka. a "Glasgow Kiss"). Fer chrissakes, we have a spin-off specifically created to be a made-for-kids Who-vian show in Sarah Jane Chronicles, since Dr Who clearly ISN'T. It's a family show, though, and some people would sniff at the lack of blood and sex. Those people have Torchwood to strangle their poodle to anyway. ^_^
I can let you know when I finish my essay, if you're interested, since we clearly have a shared interest in the subject.
Oh, and you can find me on magnulus.com.
I'd love to have a read of your essay once you're done. I agree with you about the spinoffs, Sarah Jane is very 'Songs of Praise' where Torchwood has gone completely the opposite, almost into soft-core porn!
Good luck with the piece, I've bookmarked your page as well. :)