We don't always live up to our own ideals. Doctor Who's main character is no exception: The Doctor's mantra is "never be cruel or cowardly" — created by writer Terrance Dicks as an off-screen guideline during the classic series until it became official in the new series, with Peter Capaldi's Doctor going so far as to remind Jodie Whittaker's of the catchphrase in his dying moments. But there have been numerous times in the Doctor's adventures that he's acted in ways that contravene this philosophy — sometimes coldly unattentive to his companions' feelings or even committing what could (and possibly should) be considered serious crimes. While all that is arguably good for the show — complicated heroes are better for drama, after all — it's worth calling out the character on his (or her) occasional hypocrisy, if only to point out the exceptions that prove the rule. And boy are there a lot of exceptions. Here are 10 times the Doctor was cruel or cowardly (or both!): 10. Calling Danny Pink "PE" 08:06 9. Shouting at the Sensorites 12:37 8. Not saying goodbye 16:01 7. Crushing Yaz 20:40 6. Ditching Clara in Kill the Moon 23:11 5. Letting others "take the hit" 28:25 4. Torturing a helpless Dalek 31:13 3. Imprisoning the Family of Blood 34:09 2. Murdering a Time Lord 38:38 Honorable mentions 41:14 1. Not killing the Master 46:28
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Pull To Open: 10 Times the Doctor Was Cruel or Cowardly
Season 4
Episode 30
Hosts: Pete Pachal and Chris Taylor
Music: Martin West/Thinking Fish
10 Times the Doctor Was Cruel or Cowardly