Meaning: This quote by the renowned author Terry Pratchett is a humorous criticism of the plot and storytelling in the "Dr. Who" movie. In his characteristic style, Pratchett uses wit to express his dissatisfaction with the movie's lack of a coherent plot and excessive use of plot holes. The mention of "flashing lights" is likely a reference to the visual effects and spectacle in the movie, suggesting that these elements were emphasized at the expense of a well-developed storyline.

"Dr. Who" is a long-running British science fiction television series that first aired in 1963. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who travels through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine that looks like a British police box on the outside. The series has a dedicated fan base and is known for its imaginative storytelling and iconic characters. Over the years, "Dr. Who" has become a significant part of popular culture and has spawned various spin-offs, including movies, audio dramas, novels, and comic books.

The "Dr. Who" movie referenced in the quote is likely the 1996 television film titled "Doctor Who," which served as a pilot for a potential new series but did not lead to a full revival at the time. The movie was a co-production between the BBC, Universal Television, and Fox, and it featured Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor. The film was intended to reintroduce the character of the Doctor to a new audience and potentially revive the television series.

Terry Pratchett, the author of the quote, was a highly acclaimed English author known for his humorous and satirical fantasy novels, particularly the "Discworld" series. With his keen wit and incisive observations, Pratchett became known for his ability to convey profound insights through comedy and irony. His criticism of the "Dr. Who" movie reflects his skill in using humor to highlight the shortcomings of a creative work while also acknowledging its visual elements.

When Pratchett mentions that the movie "didn't have one" in reference to the plot, he is essentially suggesting that the film lacked a cohesive and engaging storyline. Plot holes are inconsistencies or gaps in the plot of a story that can detract from its coherence and believability. By stating that the movie was just "a lot of plot holes strung together," Pratchett humorously emphasizes the absence of a well-structured narrative.

The mention of "flashing lights" in the quote could be interpreted as a nod to the visual and special effects used in the "Dr. Who" movie. While flashing lights can be visually striking and captivating, Pratchett's inclusion of this detail suggests that the film may have relied too heavily on spectacle and visual stimulation at the expense of a compelling and well-developed story.

In the context of storytelling, the quote serves as a reminder of the importance of a strong, coherent plot in engaging an audience. While visual effects and spectacle can enhance the viewing experience, they should ideally complement a well-crafted narrative rather than serve as a substitute for it. Pratchett's humorous critique encapsulates the sentiment that storytelling should be driven by a compelling plot with logical consistency and depth, rather than being a mere collection of disjointed elements.

Overall, Terry Pratchett's quote about the "Dr. Who" movie humorously conveys his dissatisfaction with the film's lack of a coherent plot and excessive plot holes, while also alluding to its emphasis on visual spectacle. As a renowned author known for his wit and insight, Pratchett's commentary serves as a lighthearted yet thought-provoking reflection on the importance of storytelling in creative works.