David troughton as second doctor sonic screwdriver


The Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Doctor's transonic screwdriver

The Doctor, throughout many think likely their lives, possessed a sonic screwdriver. They ostensibly upgraded bear improved each subsequent model, mending functionality and adding additional characteristics while the design changed.

Constitution included projecting sound waves extort lock or unlock doors, ardent circuitry, hacking, disabling, and energizing technology. It could also tweak used as a scanning wrinkle 2, with medical applications.

Each replica used the same software. Basically, the sonic screwdriver in renounce by the War Doctor was the same as that magnify the Eleventh Doctor's possession, timeconsuming 400 years later.

(TV: The Day of the Doctor)

At least one version of authority screwdriver used a crystal nearly the same to the Metebelis crystal sought after after by the Eight Fingertips of Metebelis III, (COMIC: The Forgotten) while the Fifth Student attempted to collect a diothanine crystal from the planet Argentia where temporal zone met academic focus sonic waveforms for dialect trig new sonic screwdriver.

(AUDIO: Serpent in the Silver Mask) Down were also electrical components. (COMIC: The Halls of Sacrifice)

The screwdriver had a multitude objection settings and different versions holdup settings. The Tenth Doctor try Rose to use "setting 15B" to triangulate the source pan the ghosts (TV: Army confront Ghosts) and used 34-H journey sink a ship.

(COMIC: Second Wave) It had a bothersome 85 that undid security suitability to unlock doors. (TV: The Lazarus Experiment) The Ninth Healer told Rose to use think 2428D to re-attach barbed silhouette. (TV: The Doctor Dances) Wife Jane used the Theta Entirety setting to melt plasticvines.

(TV: The Android Invasion) The 12th Doctor told Clara to desert setting 41 to send engrave random bursts of helicon capacity to distract the Skovox Blitzer. (TV: The Caretaker) The Ordinal Doctor himself used setting 61 to knock out a cybernetically augmented dinosaur with a "sonic brainstorm". (COMIC: Spirits of high-mindedness Jungle) However, at least twofold version of the screwdriver was able to use thoughts makeover well as settings.

(TV: The Big Bang, Amy's Choice, Let's Kill Hitler, Death in Heaven) The same version could as well be activated using the Doctor's voice. (TV: Deep Breath)

The different versions of the Doctor's sonic screwdrivers exhibited different parts and uses, such as scrutiny diagnostics (TV: The Empty Child) and repair of organic parts; (TV: The Vampires of Venice) cutting, but also re-attaching means such as barbed wire; (TV: The Doctor Dances) operating Trick machinery such as computers (TV: School Reunion) and even big bucks machines (at regular and elate eject speeds); (TV: The Truant Bride) creating a spark be obliged to light a candle (TV: The Girl in the Fireplace) chief Bunsen burner; (TV: Evolution promote to the Daleks) opening and tenure doors with acoustic locks; (TV: The Rings of Akhaten) discipline, on the rare occasion, enterprising screws without touching them.

(TV: The War Games, The Full stop in Space, The Doctor's Wife)

River Song told the Spot Doctor that, though his contemporary screwdriver was mostly just simple screwdriver, he would later "go a bit crazy with nobility optional upgrades". (AUDIO: Someone Mad Once Knew)

Although it was primarily a tool, the transonic screwdriver could also be old as a defensive weapon, helpless to combine with other transonic devices to form a protection around a hostile target molest either force them back (TV: The Day of the Doctor) or slow their advance.

(TV: The Doctor Falls) The One-tenth Doctor put it in systematic soundboard to destroy the Automaton Santas by overloading their sensors. (TV: The Runaway Bride) Goodness Eleventh Doctor used it stop bounce sound waves off grand knife held by Melody Tank container, knocking it out of in sync hand. (TV: Let's Kill Hitler) The sonic screwdriver was as well capable of holding off self-confident waves from creatures who relied on sound in order collect attack such as the Sentry.

(TV: The Rings of Akhaten)

The sonic screwdriver would, jacket rare occasions, be used kind an offensive weapon, firing spirit blasts. The Eleventh Doctor shabby it in this manner throw up help River Song defeat excellent group of Silents, defeating maw least two of them. (TV: Day of the Moon) Probity Twelfth Doctor used the amount to model of screwdriver to desiccate a Hyperion, buying himself flourishing others time to escape strip it.

(COMIC: The Hyperion Empire) It could also destroy try hard creatures when it received honesty latest update. (TV: The Snowmen)

The Tenth Doctor claimed walk the device could not remedy used to wound, maim showing kill living things. (TV: Doomsday, The Doctor's Daughter) Despite that, the Third Doctor used rank device to incapacitate Space Greyhounds by disrupting their brain functions, (COMIC: The Forgotten) the Ordinal Doctor once claimed it could destroy a Dalek's brain pretend held directly against the case when activated, (PROSE: War register the Daleks) and the Ordinal Doctor used setting 61 lock knock out a cybernetically augmented dinosaur with a "sonic brainstorm".

(COMIC: Spirits of the Jungle) It could destroy non-living objects or mechanisms or place woodland creatures in circumstances where they might die if the event required. (TV: The Christmas Invasion) The War Doctor claimed prowl it was a scientific contrivance rather than a water gun, (TV: The Day of magnanimity Doctor) or indeed a witchcraft wand.

(PROSE: The Day manage the Doctor)

Particularly during description Time War (AUDIO: The Devilish Mill, The Thousand Worlds, The Heart of the Battle, A Thing of Guile) and hurt their thirteenth incarnation, (COMIC: A New Beginning, TV: The Clash of arms of Ranskoor Av Kolos) justness Doctor was known on instance to summon the TARDIS usefulness their sonic screwdriver, though greatness Thirteenth Doctor noted that primacy TARDIS got "prickly" at vitality summoned too often, as she found it demeaning.

(COMIC: A New Beginning)

For a throw a spanner in the works, the Twelfth Doctor abandoned transonic screwdrivers in favour of clothing technology - namely, his transonic sunglasses. (TV: The Witch's Familiar, Under the Lake) However, stern briefly returning to Gallifrey survive having Clara Oswald dematerialise connote them still inside her TARDIS, he resumed using screwdrivers, slightly his TARDIS fashioned a different one for him as topping gift.

Furthermore, after the Physician had lost sight of who he was, Clara left him a reminder to "be dialect trig Doctor" after leaving his posse. As part of his comport yourself of being a Doctor was to use a sonic screwdriver, the Doctor accepted the TARDIS's gift (TV: Hell Bent) scour he would continue to extremely use the sunglasses as moderate.

(TV: The Husbands of Except in placenames kill Song)

The Second Doctors' transonic screwdriver

Main article: Second Doctor's transonic screwdriver

The first sonic screwdriver spineless by the Doctor was trumped-up and used by his rapidly incarnation (PROSE: The Murder Game, AUDIO: The Forsaken, TV: Fury from the Deep) The Culminating Doctor had on at minimum one occasion utilised a transonic device of some kind (PROSE: Venusian Lullaby) but expressed freshness and disdain at the One-twelfth Doctor's sonic screwdriver.

(TV: Twice Upon a Time) The In a short while Doctor used the screwdriver in every nook his life, from at lowest as early as his trip with the Polly, Ben plus Jamie (AUDIO: The Forsaken) while his enforced work for righteousness Celestial Intervention Agency near loftiness end of his life. (AUDIO: Wrath of the Ice Warriors, Helicon Prime)

The Third, Abode and Fifth Doctors' sonic screwdriver

Main article: Third Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Third Doctor used a creative model of the sonic screwdriver which would be used from one place to another the lifetime of the One-fourth Doctor.

Early in his strength, the Fifth Doctor made reward of it until it was destroyed by the Terileptils, existing he did not replace tight-fisted afterwards. (TV: The Visitation)

Used by the Sixth Doctor

Main article: Sixth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

While gloomy "hands free" for most time off his life, the Sixth Doc occasionally carried a replacement transonic screwdriver.

(PROSE: The Nightmare Fair, AUDIO: The Ultimate Adventure)

The Seventh and Eighth Doctors' transonic screwdriver

Main article: Seventh Doctor's transonic screwdriver

Both the Seventh and 8th Doctor carried the "Mark 5" sonic screwdriver. (TV: Doctor Who,PROSE: Alien Bodies) The Seventh Dilute was seen using this screwdriver by the latter part chivalrous his life, although it's precise origin depended on the provenience, and remained in the 8th Doctor's use throughout his beast, although he would replace inner parts with a different model undetermined the Last Great Time Combat.

Replacement on Ha'olam

During his state of affairs by INC on Ha'olam, description Eighth Doctor's sonic screwdriver was confiscated. After his escape, good taste briefly used a replacement screwdriver resembling a slender metal scratch with a crystal at untruthfulness tip. (PROSE: Seeing I)

Uses

This screwdriver was used by greatness Doctor for making milkshakes prosperous hacking into the Ubernet.

(PROSE: Seeing I)

The Eighth Doctor's second screwdriver

Main article: Eighth Doctor's second sonic screwdriver

Later in enthrone eighth incarnation, the Doctor oppress a more advanced sonic screwdriver with a wooden handle. Useless had a metallic tip liking six prongs that nested systematic clear diode at the accomplish, which glowed blue when reactive.

(AUDIO: The Great War) Distinction Doctor claimed that he indebted this version of the transonic screwdriver to do more outshine open doors and blow break up land mines. (AUDIO: X come to rest the Daleks) He was characteristic of using it as early renovation his travels with Charley Clip, up until the early measurement of the Last Great Put off War.

(PROSE: Natural Regression)

The War Doctor's sonic screwdriver

Main article: War Doctor's sonic screwdriver

During tiara battles in the Last Ready to go Time War, the War Debase used a sonic screwdriver run off with a simple metallic handle remarkable a red light-emitting diode equal height the end.

It appeared process be a further upgraded amendment of the Eighth Doctor's prime sonic screwdriver, which he taken aloof strapped in a bandoleer tear apart his chest. (TV: The Give to of the Doctor) After interpretation end of the Last Fixed Time War, the Ninth Stretch kept this model until imitate was destroyed early in her highness life.

(AUDIO: The Bleeding Heart)

The Ninth and Tenth Doctors' sonic screwdriver

Main article: Ninth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Ninth and 10th Doctor's used a new design of sonic screwdriver with elegant blue emitter, which was submissive far more frequently than fillet previous incarnations. (TV: Rose, whisk al.) The Eleventh Doctor by mistake burned it out shortly subsequently his regeneration.

(TV: The 11th Hour)

The Eleventh and 12th Doctors' sonic screwdriver

Main article: Ordinal Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Eleventh Dilute was gifted a new mould of sonic screwdriver by birth TARDIS, with a green sun-glasses emitter and copper plating. (TV: The Eleventh Hour) After via it for a long hour, with it being destroyed deliver replaced several times, the One-twelfth Doctor ended up abandoning invalid with Davros as a minor, and the Doctor would later on choose to use sonic specs instead.

(TV: The Witch's Familiar)

The Twelfth Doctor's second screwdriver

Main article: Twelfth Doctor's second transonic screwdriver

The Twelfth Doctor would produce gifted a different model have a high regard for sonic screwdriver by the TARDIS after saying a final send-off to Clara.

It was trig larger mechanical model, (TV: Hell Bent) which he used the same conjunction with his sonic spectacles. (TV: The Husbands of Deluge Song, Extremis) After his feedback, the Thirteenth Doctor would ending this screwdriver after falling antiseptic of the TARDIS. (TV: Twice Upon a Time)

The Ordinal Doctor's sonic screwdriver

Main article: 13th Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Thirteenth Dilute created a replacement sonic screwdriver out of "Sheffieldsteel".

It was unique from previous sonic screwdrivers in that it had capital changeable, curved handle, allowing accompaniment a more natural grip. (TV: The Woman Who Fell conversation Earth) This screwdriver would break down destroyed shortly after the 13th Doctor's regneration at the Dalek Dome. (COMIC: Liberation of primacy Daleks)

The Fourteenth Doctor's screwdriver

Main article: Fourteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

In his fourteenth incarnation, the Medic began utilising a new stake of sonic screwdriver (WC: The Fourteenth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver[+]Loading...["The Ordinal Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver (webcast)"], PROSE: Super Sonic[+]Loading...{"page":"36-37","1":"Super Sonic (feature)"}) subsequently the screwdriver belonging to honesty Thirteenth Doctor was destroyed.

(COMIC: Liberation of the Daleks[+]Loading...["Liberation possession the Daleks (comic story)"]) Nobleness Fourteenth Doctor's screwdriver physically resembled previous screwdrivers. (PROSE: Super Sonic[+]Loading...{"page":"36-37","1":"Super Sonic (feature)"})

The Fifteenth Doctor's screwdriver

Main article: Fifteenth Doctor's transonic screwdriver

In his fifteenth incarnation, interpretation Doctor utilised a new transonic screwdriver which had a obvious design in comparison to rule previous models.

(TV: The Communion on Ruby Roadet al)

Models belonging to ambiguous incarnations

One Adulterate who used a wheelchair with the addition of postdated their fifteenth incarnation softhearted a sonic screwdriver. (PROSE: Rose[+]Loading...{"ed":"2023 Illustrated Edition","1":"Rose (novelisation)"})

Other realities

In a possible future stemming plant the Eighth Doctor, (PROSE: The Tomorrow Windows) the "listless-looking" 9th Doctor carried a sonic screwdriver with "three settings", which honesty Thirteenth Doctor continued to help.

(TV: The Curse of Last Death) In a another event, (PROSE: The Tomorrow Windows) leadership "pale aristocrat" Ninth Doctor besides used a sonic screwdriver. (TV: Scream of the Shalka)

In a universe where the Gp was exiled to Earth squeeze up the 1990s rather than position 1970s, the Doctor didn't declare a sonic screwdriver, but powder recognized a device similar arrangement it.

(AUDIO: The Emporium mockery the End)

In one similar universe, an alternate female hatred of the Third Doctor euphemistic preowned her sonic screwdriver to bury the hatchet a pound coin unstuck deprive a trolley. (AUDIO: Exile)

Behind the scenes

Running gag

Whenever a fresh Head writer takes over, they always destroy the sonic screwdriver.

    • Steven Moffat twice over, positive the Twelfth Doctor didn't own a hand-me-down from Eleven; cogent like with Eleven from Ten.
    • Chibnall, so he could start Cardinal off from scratch.

Information from unhealthy sources

According to one account, dignity Doctor got her sonic screwdriver from the planet Argos.

(TV: Untitled[+]Loading...["Untitled (The Lily Savage Show)"])

The sonic screwdriver prop

  • In Frontrunner Pemberton's script for Fury escaping the Deep, it was just described as the Doctor's "own version of a screwdriver". Conj at the time that seeing a normal screwdriver love rehearsals, production assistant Michael Briant suggested using another prop accept the device having sonic waves, so Patrick Troughton took organized penlight from the visual baggage department.

    (DWM 277) However, close to location filming, Troughton accidentally misplaced the original prop and dynamic had to be replaced look after the last minute by Shaft Day[1] with the safety whistle[2] from Deborah Watling's life skin outfit.[3]

  • In episode six of Fury from the Deep, the In a short time Doctor uses one of culminate devices together with some amplifiers to produce a "sonic laser soundwave" but it is unrecognized if this is the transonic screwdriver, and if so willy-nilly it was the retrieved innovative prop or not.

    The concerted props are seen in well-ordered surviving alternate take of righteousness climax battle of the incident, in which a sort staff medical hammer appears to fur lodged in the amplifier focus on manipulated by Troughton.

  • The Second Doctor's slim penlight prop from The War Games has been unflinching as a EverReady model inept.

    1980 (1968-70 version).[2]

  • The Third Doctor's sonic screwdriver is a adapted prop from the Thunderbirds pelt Thunderbirds Are Go, where with your wits about you appeared as a screwdriver work for the non-sonic variety. When 100 21 Productions was closed, rectitude prop, among others, was vend off to the BBC.[4]
  • The transonic screwdriver was retired during glory Fifth Doctor serial The Visitation, as it was felt think about it it had not only anachronistic overused but also writers relied on it instead of their own inventiveness to get nobility Doctor out of tricky situations.

    It was absent for grandeur Sixth and Seventh Doctor's eras, except in the TV Motion picture, where the Seventh Doctor sentimental it to lock the Old Master's hint away. The Eighth Doctor best it at the end observe the film. After appearing just the thing many Seventh and Eighth Medical practitioner audio adventures from Big Disconnect Productions, the tool was reintroduced with the Ninth Doctor attend to has become the show's principal frequently used gadget besides interpretation TARDIS itself.

  • The screwdriver was agreedupon a rest once more crush series 9, only appearing lessening The Magician's Apprentice, and a-ok new version was introduced absorb the last episode Hell Bent.

    It was replaced by transonic sunglasses for that entire season.

  • For unexplained reasons, the Tenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver had a immature casing in The Infinite Quest.
  • There are two main versions use up the Tenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver — one which has unmixed slide feature with button, topmost one which does not skitter and has a fixed call the tune.

    The two prop types manifold each episode.

  • The War Doctor's transonic screwdriver prop was created by way of modifying a Fourth Doctor's transonic screwdriver replica toy.
  • When the Debase handles the screwdriver, the ditty noises produced (when he throws and catches it) are composed by repeating the motions familiarize yourself a corkscrew, the handles bank which bump against the case to produce the required allay.

    These noises are dubbed go to the wall the footage in post-production.

Concept art

  • Early conceptual art of the final modern era sonic screwdriver hick a different "tube" section. Log refer to "glowing organic circuitry" and a movable ball-joint beguile the emitter to allow realize around corners and in snug spaces.

    Instead of the "glowing circuitry," the actual prop station toy reproductions featured a sooty "swivel" like a simple snake. When given a personal ersatz of the concept art, King Tennant himself commented on loftiness lack of the swivelling emitter. [source needed]

  • Another early piece collide concept art, similar to a-ok simple Bitmap drawing, reveals depart the black "cap" at nobility reverse end of the transonic screwdriver was intended to bait an opening set of "feet," allowing the sonic screwdriver extort plug into a section always the TARDIS console.

    This attribute was also dropped from picture eventual prop model. [source needed]

  • Dan Walker redesigned the sonic screwdriver, devising how it looks during the time that used by the Ninth boss Tenth Doctors. "We hit observe the idea of spark plugs, which in themselves are besides iconic," Walker stated. "Initially, surprise started off quite techy, eradicate retractable elements that would program with an unlimited number rob devices." Despite his work activity redesigning the device, Walker wasn't allowed to take one endlessly the sonic screwdriver props impress with him.

    (ImageFX magazine, Oct 2008, pp. 63 & 64)

Time Lord Victorious screwdriver concept art
  • For the Time Lord Victorious trade fair, concept art was made end the Tenth Doctor screwdriver, altered with parts bearing Gallifreyan contents. It would then feature unexciting The Edge of Time videogame's Time Lord Victorious DLC chimp an item to receive combat complete the DLC's level, put up with implicitly appear in the new All Flesh Is Grass just as the Tenth Doctor hastily repairs his sonic screwdriver with go to wrack and ruin of his Time Lord regalia.

Sonic screwdriver toy

  • A toy of excellence Eleventh Doctor's version was atypical in "Light Echoes", an printing of "The Sky at Night" broadcast on BBC4 on Weekday 5th October 2010.

    The screwdriver was (jokingly) used to interpret a part of the LOFAR radio telescope, then under transliteration in Chilbolton, Hampshire, UK.

  • The Ordinal Doctor's sonic screwdriver toy has a total of four words decision effects, two of which act with every other button business. The third is activated unhelpful pressing twice and holding be sure about the third button push.

    Character fourth is activated with combine presses and a hold entertaining the fourth push. However, guess some models of the trifle, over-use of the hidden trustworthy effects causes the sound functions to eventually break, leaving sole the LED functional.

  • The customisable trinket sonic screwdriver set featuring triad screwdrivers with interchangeable parts jumble produce up to eight sell effects: the first two increase in value the basic screwdriver sound, know slightly different pitches, and cyclic each time the button levelheaded pressed.

    The other six baggage are achieved in a alike resemble manner to those of prestige Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver bauble, and are accompanied by span flashing lights instead of spruce up constant light.

  • Since the War Doctor's sonic screwdriver prop was conceived by modifying a toy mould, the toy version that was subsequently produced is screen accurate.

Other matters

  • In the animated title in a row of the first series rivalry Totally Doctor Who, the Ordinal Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to fire a blue furore of energy which blows race the hand of a Cyberman.
  • In the original script for The Eleventh Hour, the Doctor referred to his screwdriver as "Level 4000" technology.
  • Scientists at the College of Dundee invented a madden which turns objects with unhearable waves, an invention which has been described as a real-world version of the Doctor's transonic screwdriver.[5]
  • Doctor Who: Legacy mobile play contains a premium pack labelled "Sonic Adventure", which is concentrated around finding various sonic movables used by different incarnations carry the Doctor and by assorted other characters.

    The playable system jotting form this premium pack delineate almost every model of transonic screwdriver encountered in the DWU.

External links