TV Guide: The Doctor's a Legend

The new issue of TV Guide Magazine in the US features a list this week of their "top 25 greatest science fiction legends", featuring characters (or, in one case, a real person) who have impacted the science fiction genre. The Doctor came in on the list at #22 (remember, this is the US!). The article on the Doctor reads as follows: "Known only as 'The Doctor', the title character of this low-budget British series was a cranky, two-hearted, time-traveling alien. The Doctor was as charming as he was quirky, and dedicated himself to protecting the species he loved best -- humans. Fans never tired of the Doctor, in part because the series was frequently freshened with new actors -- seven in all, including No. 4, Tom Baker, above -- explained by his ability to 'regenerate' his body. An eighth Doctor appeared in a 1996 TV-movie. Who's next? Christopher Eccleston will star in new BBC episodes next year." The list was actually topped by "Twilight Zone" creator Rod Serling, followed by the various "Star Trek" crews, Ray Walston's Uncle Martin ("My Favorite Martian"), George Jetson ("The Jetsons") and Jane Badler's Diana ("V") rounding out the top 5. Some strange choices to be sure -- and Doctor Who should've been closer to the top. Check it out in the new issue this week. (Thanks to Felicity Kusinitz, Stephen Kelley)