The Concept of Horror in The Doctor Who Universe Part 3: Monsters

"There are corners of the universe that have bred terrible things. Things which are against everything we believe in. They must be fought!" -- The Doctor from Moonbase

"Roll up, Roll up to the Monster Show..."--The Showman, Vorg from Carnival of Monsters

It's difficult to imagine Doctor Who without monsters, yet when Sydney Newman conceived of the program, he emphasized his adherence to the idea of monsters. He wanted the show to be historical and educational. When the Daleks appeared in just the second story arc, the program would take Doctor Who in a direction he never intended.

1

It was inevitable that a fantasy program such as Doctor Who would come to rely on monsters to send children behind the sofa and increase ratings.

2

Daleks, Cybermen and Sontarons are the most famous Doctor Who monsters.

3

Writers of Doctor Who have also relied on old traditional monsters(though the name may have changed and a "Doctor Who" spin may have been supplied to the myth) to tell their tales.

The Vampires of Venice had the look and feel of a Hammer horror film

Many of the 180 Doctor Who monsters listed on Wikipedia shouldn't be considered monsters at all. Many alien races like the Draconians are articulate, sophisticated and culturally advanced. The Forest of Cheem from The End of the World are direct descendents from the tropical rain forest and are noble and good. Yet, sadly, these are considered monsters in most listings simply because of their appearance

The magma creature in The Caves of Androzani is an example of monsters being included only to supply a cliff hanger ending or frightening scene without concern for plot, or character development. These monsters often come across as lame and unnecessary.

Monsters continue to be an integral part of the show whether it is reworkings of the traditional Doctor Who monsters or new developments like the weeping angels brought forth from the pen of Steven Moffatt; monsters will always be a part of the Doctor Who formula.

(Possibly the creepiest monsters ever. The weeping angels creep up on you when your not looking)

1. Peter Haining Doctor Who The Key To Time A Year-by-Year Record

(W.H. Allen & Co., 1984) p20

2. Peter Haining Doctor Who A Celebration Two Decades Through Time And Space (W.H. Allen & Co., 1983) p. 10-11

3. Lance Parkin, All Creatures Great and Small Doctor Who Monthly Magazine #263 (Marvel Comics, 4/1998) p8