Why Doesn’t Amy Remember the Daleks?
Amy Pond, a beloved companion of the Eleventh Doctor in the British sci-fi series "Doctor Who," had a peculiar amnesia concerning the Daleks. Her forgetfulness of the alien creatures’ invasion of Earth raised several questions among fans and critics. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Amy’s selective amnesia and explore the consequences of her actions.
The Cracks in Time
The story behind Amy’s amnesia dates back to the first episode of Series 5, "The Eleventh Hour." In this episode, the TARDIS materializes on a street, and Amy, who was previously introduced as the little girl who had previously been saved by the Tenth Doctor, is found playing outside her house. It is later revealed that Amy’s room was somehow linked to the TARDIS, which caused the cracks in time to form. These cracks had the power to erase events from existence.
The Erasure of Events
When the Doctor discovered the power of the cracks, he realized that the Daleks’ invasion of Earth in "Journey’s End" and "The Stolen Earth" had been erased from existence. As a result, Amy and everyone else on Earth forgot about the invasion. The cracks were erasing events from history, making them forgotten to those who witnessed them.
Amy’s Unconscious Motivations
Amy’s amnesia seemed to be a byproduct of her own psyche. Her inability to remember the Daleks’ invasion might have been due to her unconscious avoidance of the trauma and emotional scars it left on her. Amy’s experiences as a child, including the initial encounter with the Doctor and the subsequent events that led to the invasion, reshaped her memory and perception of reality. Her selective amnesia was a coping mechanism to protect herself from the painful memories associated with the Daleks.
Rory’s Insight
In the episode "Cold Blood," Rory, Amy’s fiancé and a future husband, noticed her amnesia. When he asked her why she didn’t remember the Daleks, Amy was left speechless. This encounter highlights Rory’s intuition, as he picked up on the emotional tension surrounding Amy’s memories. His comment, "I think it’s because it’s not something you want to remember," reveals that he was aware of the psychological toll the invasion took on Amy.
Conclusion
Amy’s amnesia surrounding the Daleks can be attributed to the power of the cracks in time, which erased the event from existence. However, it also seems that Amy’s unconscious motivations played a significant role in her inability to recall the invasion. The psychological impact of the events and her avoidance of trauma-induced memories led to her selective amnesia. As a character, Amy’s complex emotional responses to the situation added depth to her story and interactions with the Doctor and other characters.
Timeline of Events: Daleks’ Invasion of Earth
- The Stolen Earth (Episode 13, Series 4): The Tenth Doctor, Rose Tyler, and Sarah Jane Smith form a human-Dalek alliance to defeat the Daleks and save Earth from destruction.
- Journey’s End (Episode 13, Series 4): The alliance is successful, and the Daleks are eradicated. The Tenth Doctor regenerates, and the episode ends with Rose Tyler in a parallel universe.
- The Eleventh Hour (Episode 1, Series 5): The Eleventh Doctor discovers the cracks in time and realizes that the Daleks’ invasion was erased from existence, along with all memories of it.
Key Quotes and Scenes:
- Amy: "No, still shut up!" (When Rory asks her why she doesn’t remember the Daleks)
- Rory: "I think it’s because it’s not something you want to remember." (Regarding Amy’s amnesia)
By examining the various aspects of Amy’s amnesia, we can better understand the complex psychological and emotional dynamics of her character. The combination of the cracks in time and her unconscious motivations creates a nuanced narrative that highlights the intricacies of the human mind.