Arthur Darvill is back in time-travel mode as Rip Hunter in “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” after starring as a sidekick in the British hit “Doctor Who.” Which traveler is the true master, or lord, of time? Arthur Darvill might know, but I forgot to ask him. So I’ll decide. Do you agree with me?
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” airs at 8 p.m./7c on The CW.
Related: Arthur Darvill masters time
Rip Hunter v. Doctor Who
1st appearance
Doctor Who: 1963 on BBC One in “Doctor Who“
Rip Hunter: 1959 in DC Comics’ “Showcase #20”
Winner: Rip has been around longer, but he’s only been played by one actor.
Origin story
Doctor Who: He’s a renegade from an ancient extraterrestrial people called the Time Lords.
Rip Hunter: He’s a human Time Master who has defied the Time Masters Council.
Winner: Let’s call this a draw.
Time machine
Rip Hunter: His Waverider (above) only flies through time and is run by an artificial intelligence called Gideon.
Doctor Who: His TARDIS (right) flies through time and space, and seems to have a personality.
Winner: The TARDIS is bigger on the inside. Enough said.
Weapon
Rip Hunter: He shoots a ray gun and anything else he can get his hands on.
Doctor Who: His Sonic Screwdriver isn’t a weapon, so his wits?
Winner: Rip wins here, because who doesn’t love a ray gun?
Style
Rip Hunter: He wears a long coat and what appears to be safari wear.
Doctor Who: Several of the Doctors have worn coats of various lengths, dressing them up with scarves and other accessories.
Winner: Rip looks the man of action, but doesn’t stand out compared to all the Doctor’s style flourishes.
Enemies
Rip Hunter: So far, he’s only got one villain in his sights: Vandal Savage.
Doctor Who: The Master, Daleks, Cybermen and the Weeping Angels, to name a few.
Winner: The Doctor has had so many nemeses over the decades, this category has to go his way.
Companions
Rip Hunter: He’s traveling with 8 to 9 would-be legends, but as Darvill has said, Rip really wouldn’t be friends with them if he didn’t need them.
Doctor Who: Even the crankiest of the Doctors have taken a shine to their various companions over the years, including the 11th Doctor embracing Rory Williams, played by Darvill himself.
Winner: I’m loving the crabby repartee of “DC’s Legend of Tomorrow,” but this has to go to the Doctor.
Overall winner: No matter what decade or century, the Doctor rules time and space.