What's next, Tickle-Me Cthulhu?

I was going to write about "Stargate SG-1" today, but then I came upon this.

The regular readers of this blog (both of them) already know that I love Doctor Who. While I was checking Facebook this morning, I came across a video that my friend Jacob posted. It was an ad for the "Ride-In Dalek", an inflatable, life-sized model of the Doctor's arch-nemesis.

If you aren't familiar with the Doctor Who universe, allow me to explain what is so odd about these toys. The Daleks are a very hostile and xenophobic race, they believe that any form of life that isn't them should be destroyed. They've been known to give children nightmares, despite the fact that they look like over-sized salt shakers. And now they're being sold as play vehicles for children.

I'm not saying that these are inappropriate for children. It was just bizarre to watch the advert, and see smiling, happy children play inside a fictional killing-machine. It even comes with a voice box which plays some of the Dalek's catchphrases, including "We are the superior race" and "Halt, or you will be exterminated".

They sell in the UK for around £200 (about $322). Despite the fact that they're marketed towards kids, I wouldn't mind having one of these in my house. I wouldn't be able to ride it very often; I'd probably pop it after using it just once. It would, however, make an interesting conversation starter.

Here is the ad: