Bad Wolf

Bad Wolf

Bad Wolf is a significant narrative element in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It serves as a recurring motif and plot device throughout the 2005 series, which was the first series of the show following its revival. The phrase "Bad Wolf" is used to create a sense of mystery and foreshadowing, ultimately leading to a climactic revelation in the series finale.

Overview

The "Bad Wolf" arc is introduced in the first episode of the 2005 series, "Rose", and continues to appear in various forms throughout the series. The phrase is seen or heard in different contexts, often as graffiti, signs, or spoken words, creating an enigmatic thread that ties the episodes together.

Plot Significance

The "Bad Wolf" motif culminates in the two-part series finale, "Bad Wolf" and "The Parting of the Ways". In these episodes, it is revealed that the phrase "Bad Wolf" is a message scattered across time and space by Rose Tyler, the Doctor's companion. After absorbing the energy of the Time Vortex, Rose becomes the "Bad Wolf" entity, gaining omnipotent powers that allow her to send the message to herself across time, ensuring that she and the Doctor would be able to defeat the Daleks.

Episodes Featuring "Bad Wolf"

The "Bad Wolf" phrase appears in several episodes of the 2005 series, including:

• "Rose" - The phrase is seen as graffiti on the TARDIS.
• "The End of the World" - The Moxx of Balhoon mentions "the Bad Wolf scenario."
• "The Unquiet Dead" - A poster in the background reads "Bad Wolf."
• "Aliens of London" - A boy sprays "Bad Wolf" on the side of the TARDIS.
• "Boom Town" - The nuclear power plant is named "Blaidd Drwg," which is Welsh for "Bad Wolf."

Cultural Impact

The "Bad Wolf" arc is notable for its innovative use of a recurring phrase to build suspense and intrigue throughout the series. It has become a memorable part of Doctor Who lore, often referenced in later episodes and by fans of the series. The phrase symbolizes the interconnectedness of time and the influence of the Doctor and his companions across the universe.

Legacy

The "Bad Wolf" concept has been revisited in subsequent Doctor Who media, including novels, audio dramas, and spin-off series. It remains a popular topic of discussion among fans and is often cited as an example of the show's ability to weave complex, time-spanning narratives.

See Also

• Doctor Who story arcs
• Rose Tyler
• Daleks
• Time Vortex

References

• "Bad Wolf" and "The Parting of the Ways" episodes, Doctor Who Series 1, 2005.
• Russell T Davies, showrunner and writer of the 2005 series.