Doctor Who has been causing kids to hide behind the sofa in terror of aliens for 50 years. Today we celebrate two of the greatest creations of reboot era Doctor Who: The Weeping Angels and the Silence.
As we rev up to the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, we’ll be celebrating some of what made Doctor Who successful when it came back to TV screens in 2005. One of the best parts of Doctor Who are the new monsters and aliens.
In this article, Hypable writers Laura Byrne-Cristiano and Tariq Kyle try to explain why they think either the Angels or the Silence are scarier. Let’s start of with Laura’s choice: The Weeping Angels.
Appearance
You want real terror, pick something that you can’t avoid. One of the best parts of The Weeping Angels is that they are everywhere in real life where they naturally look creepy. Let’s face it, who wasn’t freaked out by decaying angel statues in graveyards before Steven Moffat ever penned the words “Don’t Blink”? Stone angels are kind of like the Mona Lisa, only in 3-D. Wherever you go their sightless eyes always seem to follow you. Those ominous, and decaying due to acid rain, stone faces haunt you, even if you won’t admit it.
Longevity
The Weeping Angels, so far, have played a major role in 3 episodes over 3 seasons. The tenth and eleventh Doctors have faced them as have River, Martha, Amy, and Rory. Each time we learn more about them and we discover just how much they are survivors. Not only can they zap you back in time, “killing you” and feeding off your energy, but they can also seemingly do it in an endless loop. For example, if it weren’t for Amy and Rory creating a paradox, Rory’s life would have been nothing but an endless food chain for the Weeping Angels.
Level of Threat
It comes down to two words: Don’t Blink. Seriously, just try it. How long can you last before your eyes tear and your face feels like it will burst as your muscles spasm. To quote the tenth Doctor, “Blink and you’re dead.” It’s just that simple. No one can fight that urge, not even the Doctor. It’s not often that we see the Doctor helpless and reduced to tears, but that is exactly what he was when the Weeping Angels zapped Rory back in time again, and Amy chose to follow. Any being that can face the Doctor multiple times, and claim victory (even a small one) is a being to be feared.
Fan Reaction
Ask any Doctor Who fan what is the scariest episode in the reboot era and chances are they are going to say Blink. Even somewhat jaded, old-timer Whovians who are devout Tom Baker fans give props to the Weeping Angels. It was the first proper scare in the reboot era that had kids cowering behind the sofa, and adults peeking out between their fingers. The Weeping Angels are on tee shirts, mugs, etc. Perhaps the only alien to appear on more merchandise is the Daleks.
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.