Nardole, the quirky and often sarcastic companion of the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who, has often been perceived as robotic in nature. However, a closer look at his character and the evidence presented throughout his appearances suggests a more nuanced reality. Is Nardole truly a robot, or is there more to him than meets the eye? This article delves into the details to explore the biological aspects of Nardole, challenging the assumption of him being entirely mechanical and focusing on his potential need for oxygen and other biological vulnerabilities within the Doctor Who universe.
Nardole’s Assertions of Not Being Human
While Nardole’s exact species remains undefined, he explicitly denies being human on multiple occasions. In “Smile,” he famously refuses to serve tea to a human, Clara, stating, “Well, I’m not making any for her. She can make her own. I’m not a slave for any human, I can assure you.” This sentiment is echoed in “The Pyramid at the End of the World,” where he simply declares, “I’m not human.” These statements clearly establish Nardole’s non-human identity, setting him apart from typical human companions of the Doctor.
“Human Enough” Lungs and Biological Implications
Despite his non-human status, the Doctor refers to Nardole as “human enough” and even mentions acquiring his lungs cheaply. In “The Pyramid at the End of the World,” the Doctor quips, “Well, you’re human enough: I got your lungs cheap.” This seemingly throwaway line has significant implications. The mention of lungs, specifically “human lungs,” strongly suggests a biological component within Nardole’s physiology. Lungs are, of course, essential organs for respiration in most organic life forms, particularly for oxygen intake. This detail hints that at least part of Nardole’s anatomy, potentially his respiratory system, is biological and functions similarly to that of humans, implying a need for oxygen.
Face Swapping and the Persistence of Biology
Nardole reveals in “Oxygen” that he hasn’t seen his “true face” in years, having “Swapped it for this one on the run.” This admission, linked to his past association with River Song, indicates a technologically advanced facial alteration for disguise purposes. However, this cosmetic change doesn’t negate the possibility of underlying biological components. Changing one’s face, even in the futuristic setting of Doctor Who, doesn’t automatically transform someone into a robot. It simply suggests advanced medical or technological procedures available in the Doctor Who universe, and Nardole’s choice to alter his face is more likely rooted in a need for anonymity rather than an indication of a completely artificial existence.
The Hydroflax Head and the Need for a Biological Brain
Perhaps the most compelling evidence for Nardole’s biological nature comes from his history with Hydroflax. As recounted in “The Return of Doctor Mysterio,” Nardole’s head was severed and placed within the robotic body of Hydroflax. Nardole himself states, “You cut me out of Hydroflax because you were worried you’d be lonely.” This incident strongly implies that Nardole possesses a biological head, containing a brain. The act of removing him from Hydroflax and subsequently having him function as a companion suggests that the Doctor salvaged Nardole’s biological head and brain. Brains, as we understand them, are unequivocally biological organs requiring oxygenated blood to function. The Hydroflax scenario heavily leans towards Nardole having a biological brain housed within his head.
Vulnerability to Airborne Virus: A Biological Weakness
Further reinforcing the argument for Nardole’s biological components is his susceptibility to an airborne virus in “The Pyramid at the End of the World.” He is shown to be vulnerable to a pathogen that specifically targets living organisms. This vulnerability to a biological threat provides strong evidence that Nardole, at least in part, possesses biological systems that can be affected by viruses. A purely robotic entity would logically be immune to such biological attacks. Nardole’s susceptibility points towards the presence of living cells and systems within him, making him vulnerable in a way that robots typically are not.
Concluding Thoughts: Nardole’s Biological Head and Beyond
In conclusion, while Nardole’s exact nature remains somewhat enigmatic, the evidence within Doctor Who strongly suggests that he is not entirely robotic. At the very least, his head, housing his brain, is highly likely to be biological. The references to “human lungs,” his face swapping history, the Hydroflax incident, and his vulnerability to airborne viruses all converge to paint a picture of a being with significant biological components. Therefore, it’s reasonable to infer that Nardole, despite any mechanical enhancements or origins, would indeed require oxygen to sustain his biological functions, much like any other living creature in the Doctor Who universe. His character is a fascinating blend of the organic and perhaps the artificial, but dismissing him as purely robotic overlooks the compelling clues pointing towards his biological reality.
