# What non-scifi/fantasy characters would have the best (or worst) reaction to meeting the Doctor? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 5, 2015, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910 "2015-02-05T18:32:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2015, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/21 "2015-02-06T00:54:55Z")
> [@Octarine](#): > > Harry Potter and Co. would probably first think he was some sort of ultra-powerful wizard, before learning that there’s a _whole universe_ up there that their world has, for some reason, entirely ignored. The Doctor would have fun poking at various plot holes in their lives, while they’d magick the TARDIS up and make him insane. > > Pretty much no one on the Discworld would be phased at all, given the things everyone there takes for granted on a daily basis. “Oh, travel through space in a blue box, do you? Well, the creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions are due to attack tomorrow, and I’ve got to have a little chat with a couple gods in a half hour. Come back next week, alright?” > > Ponder might find the mechanics of time travel interesting, though (bless his logical little soul). Maybe the TARDIS and Hex could be friends! There was a reason I ruled out fantasy characters in the OP. But I think you’re right that Harry and Hermione and so forth would not be gob smacked by the Doctor, nor he by them. Hell, the Tenth Doctor felt magic and super-science and poetry were different forms of the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2015, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/22 "2015-02-06T01:56:04Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > I think that’s a good suggestion. Some characters will simply refuse to credit their eyes, though. “It’s bigger on the inside? Um. Wow? No, really; that’s great. It’s just that, well, we have a guy who can build a television set out of dried seaweed and two coconuts.” ---
**Author:** ![Sefton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Sefton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sefton)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2015, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/23 "2015-02-06T02:19:09Z")
I’m sure Timothy Leary would feel right at home. Same goes for the late Hunter S. Thompson. ---
**Author:** ![Achren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/898d66/32.png) [@Achren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achren)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2015, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/24 "2015-02-06T02:23:54Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > Penny’s not an idiot; she’s just not of a technical bent. She’d realize without help that the inside-bigger thing was effed up. Yeah, but she’d likely stop whatever technobabble explanation with, “No no, I’m good, does this thing have a place I can plug my charger?” Whereas the others would want to understand the babble. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2015, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/25 "2015-02-06T02:35:02Z")
> [@Sefton](#): > > I’m sure Timothy Leary would feel right at home. Same goes for the late Hunter S. Thompson. Now that makes me want to see Rev. Jim of Taxi meet the Doctor. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2015, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/26 "2015-02-06T02:47:15Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Now that makes me want to see Rev. Jim of Taxi meet the Doctor. Or Exidor of _Mork & Mindy._ He’d just take it in stride. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2015, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/27 "2015-02-06T15:51:34Z")
The cast from MASH: Hawkeye: “Oh really? You can go back in time? How about back to when this hellpit wasn’t worth fighting over and countless lives wouldn’t have to be wasted?” BJ: “Uh-huh, whatever you say pal, let’s just get this nice jacket on you…” Potter: “Horsefeathers! Of all the colossal bird-brained tall tales I’ve heard for getting out of here, this takes the cake and the whole wedding party to boot!” Houlihan: “You pilot this marvelous machine all over space and time? That is so masculine and virile! Make babies with me NOW!” Winchester: “Oh my, been partaking of the local Meoruhju a bit exceedingly, haven’t we? Don’t worry my friend, the _delirium tremens_ will eventually subside and the flitting magic blue boxes will leave you alone, ha ha.” Klinger: “You can go back in time? Oh bless you, great Seraphim of Allah! Here! Take today’s newspaper stock section and show it to me the year before I got drafted. I’ll take it from there!” Father Mulcahey: “Why, this is truly a miracle of God! Unless of course, you are engaging me in some complex stratagem of jocularity to make me look the fool!” ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2015, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/28 "2015-02-07T00:45:33Z")
Again, a real person but -------- Patton. With his belief in past lives and all, it would be interesting as Hell for him to meet a Time Lord. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2015, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/29 "2015-02-07T16:08:34Z")
Neal Caffrey from **White Collar** would want his own psychic paper and sonic screwdriver and would attempt to pick the Doctor’s pocket to get them. (Wouldn’t be surprised if the Doctor’s pocket was booby trapped.) My husband, (Andy L) says Mozzie would believe in him immediately, and would also want psychic paper. We both agree that psychic paper wouldn’t work on either of them. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2015, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/30 "2015-02-07T18:52:00Z")
I would imagine that **Frankenstein’s Monster** (Boris Karloff edition) would have a really, really bad reaction. The Doctor might end up with a skull-crushing headache. **The Lady Fuchsia** from Mervyn Peake’s _Titus Groan_ and _Gormenghast_would be extremely enthusiastic. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2015, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/31 "2015-02-07T18:59:49Z")
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Pinky?” ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2015, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/32 "2015-02-08T21:16:48Z")
The A-Team (80’s version.) B.A. would deem the Doctor a “crazy fool”. The Doctor might agree with him, depending on the Doctor. Murdock would like him a lot, and there is no doubt in my mind that he could fly the TARDIS. Face would hit on the companion. My husband (Andy L) says that Mr. Rogers (he of the Neighborhood) would be very nice to him. Probably even the Daleks would like Mr. Rogers. Slight hijack: What if Barney were a Dalek instead of a dinosaur? The same thing, but less creepy. “I love you. You love me OR YOU WILL BE EXTERMINATED!” ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/33 "2015-02-09T00:13:57Z")
I’m wondering how Hannibal Lecter would react to a real-live time machine. Would he want to go back and change anything? And Hannibal would be far too intelligent to try and steal it, while the Doctor would see what he is right away. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/34 "2015-02-09T13:29:43Z")
The Andy Griffith Show: Barney Fife: “An alien invasion? We’ve got to nip it in the bud, Andy!” Aunt Bea would give the Doctor some pie. Opie would love exploring the TARDIS. And Otis wouldn’t be surprised by anything he saw…unless he was, and went on the wagon. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/35 "2015-02-09T13:47:46Z")
Reddington from _The Blacklist_: Have you tried the fugu? It is to DIE for. Literally. Fugu contains lethal amounts of a poison known as tetrodotoxin, which is 1200 times deadlier than cyanide, and there is no known antidote. It requires at least three years of rigorous training to prepare this dish so it can be consumed without dire consequence. By the way, your companion is in safe hands. Very charming young lady. She tried to convince us she was actually you. Such an amusing stratagem. She’ll be returned to you once you have taken me back in time to a certain event that occurred 26 years ago… ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/36 "2015-02-09T13:49:53Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I’m wondering how Hannibal Lecter would react to a real-live time machine. Would he want to go back and change anything? And Hannibal would be far too intelligent to try and steal it, while the Doctor would see what he is right away. Based on material from the novel _Hannibal_, he does want very much to somehow alter time and prevent the death of his sister Mischa. Harris mentions sheets of paper covered with mathematical formulas. It is only after he gives up on this being possible, apparently, that he goes with trying to make Clarice Starling into a replacement Mischa. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/37 "2015-02-09T15:13:05Z")
Chandler: Could this inside BE any bigger? ---
**Author:** ![johnspartan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a183cd/32.png) [@johnspartan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnspartan)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/38 "2015-02-09T15:22:26Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Chandler: Could this inside BE any bigger? Oh, hey, the 1970s called. They want their… oh actually, they’re on the line now? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/39 "2015-02-09T16:36:50Z")
> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > I would imagine that **Frankenstein’s Monster** (Boris Karloff edition) would have a really, really bad reaction. The Doctor might end up with a skull-crushing headache. The novel’s version, OTOH, would be tickled pink the Doctor wants to be friends with him (since no one else in the world does). ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2015, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910/40 "2015-02-09T16:40:22Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Based on material from the novel _Hannibal_, he does want very much to somehow alter time and prevent the death of his sister Mischa. Wait, AIUI, in the Whoniverse there is no way to change the past – except for one super-secret Gadget of Rassillon the Time Lords have got, which also erases all records and memory of the alteration (so who knows whether it even works or not?). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-scifi-fantasy-characters-would-have-the-best-or-worst-reaction-to-meeting-the-doctor/711910.md?page=3)