John Riddell
John Riddell was an English game hunter who spent time in Africa in the early 20th century.
Biography
Riddell was an acquaintance of the Eleventh Doctor, and apparently first met the Doctor shortly before being left alone with two dancers (not that he couldn't manage, according to Riddell). Riddell later accompanied him when he discovered a Silurian Ark hurtling towards Earth in the 24th century. Riddell was eager to hunt once they discovered the ship contained dinosaurs, but was discouraged by the Doctor. After they stopped a man named Solomon from selling the dinosaurs, and turned the Silurian Ark away from Earth, the Doctor dropped Riddell back to his proper place and time. Nefertiti, a queen from ancient Egypt who had also been helping the Doctor during this adventure, chose to stay with him. (TV: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship)
Personality
John Riddell was charming and charismatic, but at first he appeared to believe that males were superior to females. Riddell flirted with Nefertiti, and remained unintimidated when she warned him that, if they were in ancient Egypt, she could have him executed. Although he was unafraid of flirting with a queen of Egypt, Riddell did not actually flirt with Amy Pond. As a game hunter, Riddell was a brilliant marksman and had an adventurous spirit. He also actually enjoyed life-threatening situations, even stating that he had never been happier whilst fighting a group of dinosaurs alongside Amy. He expressed delight about the fact that he was fighting with a lady at his side, having grown to respect both Amy and Nefertiti during their adventure. (TV: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship)
Behind the scenes
- Originally, Riddell was intended to be real world frontiersman Charles Jesse (Buffalo) Jones. However, in light of how the following episode would be a Western pastiche, the character was reimagined to a British-born African Adventurer. (DWM 562)
- Cut dialogue would have expanded on Riddell's history with the Doctor, with the Doctor explaining to Amy that Riddell saved his life a long time ago. The dialogue would have also revealed that Riddell was goin to die the following day on the African Plains, with Amy realising that the trip was the Doctor's gift to Riddell. Whether his fate is the same in the broadcasted version is yet unknown. (DWM 562)
External links
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