[ WHO IS THE DOCTOR? ]

'They all say, 'Who-o-o-o is Doctor Who?  Where is he from, what does he do?'
[Frazer Hines, 'Who Is Dr Who?']

For a wonderful lesson in Who, go to whosdw.com.

Who is the Doctor? (This section is mainly for those new to Who, but fans might be amused by my weak attempt at explaining...)  A benevolent Time Lord?  An enigmatic mystery wrapped in a scarf?  Well, actually, he's simply a television "hero", whom lots of people remember idolizing during childhood and into adulthood (the younger fans, like me, most likely discovered it in reruns or somesuch).  Doctor Who was on the air for 26 years and still has a large fan base.  The one uniting factor for all these people around the world who love the show? 

The Doctor. 

I, having no idea where to start with a good explanation of the Doctor, give you what good ol' Frazer Hines sang in 'Punch and Judy Man', which isn't supposed to be about the good Doctor but is darn close to a fitting description.

I heard the sound of children's laughter fill the air,
And as I joined the happy crowd that gathered there,
My head began to spin just like a carousel -
Oh, Punch and Judy man had weaved his magic spell....

Chorus: Hey, Punch and Judy man! The greatest show on earth.
Roll up, roll up my friends, you'll get your money's worth.
He'll make you laugh and sing and chase your blues away,
Oh, help me if you can, oh Punch and Judy man!

He took us on a trip across the magic sea,
Two great adventures in a world of fantasy.
Far from the busy streets to NeverNeverLand,
Just by the simple waving of his clever hand....

Chorus

So if you need someone to tell your troubles to,
Just find that little man, that's all you have to do.
He was the one who always seemed to understand,
Just bring your troubles to the Punch and Judy man....

Chorus

La la la la la, Punch and Judy man,
La la la la la, Punch and Judy man,
La la la la la, Punch and Judy man,
Oh, help me if you can, oh Punch and Judy man!

And Jon Pertwee said it best in 'Who Is the Doctor?'

I cross the void beyond the mind,
The empty space that circles time.
I see where others stumble blind,
To seek a truth they never find;
Eternal wisdom is my guide -
I am....the Doctor!

Through cosmic space the TARDIS flies,
To taste the secret source of life/
A presence science can't deny
Exists - within, outside, behind,
The latitude of the human mind -
I am....the Doctor!

My voyage dissects the course of time.
'Who knows?' you say, but are you right?
Who such indeed to find the light
That glows so darkly in the night -
Toward that point, I guide my flight.

As fingers move to end mankind,
Metallic teeth begin to grind.
With sword of truth, I turn to fight
The satanic powers of the night.
Is your faith before your mind?
Know me, am I....the Doctor?