2011

Doctor Who

The Smilers were robotic wardens encountered by the Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, and Rory Williams in the episode "The Beast Below." They were located on the Starship UK, a vessel carrying the population of Britain away from a fiery Earth.

Designed to maintain order and obedience among the ship's inhabitants, each Smiler was stationed in a booth and featured a rotating face displaying a range of expressions. When faced with compliance, it displayed a smiling face. However, when confronted with dissent or disobedience, its face transformed into an angry, menacing visage.

Upon registering negative sentiment, the Smiler would then emerge from its booth to inflict punishment. This made them instruments of fear and control, ensuring the population remained unquestioningly loyal to the perceived leadership.

The Smilers were ultimately revealed to be controlled by the Star Whale, a creature essentially enslaved to guide and protect the ship. Amy Pond ultimately chose to erase the Star Whale's memory of suffering, leading it to willingly continue its role. The Smilers, then, were rendered harmless protectors once more, maintaining order with their smiles in a seemingly benevolent manner.