Friday, April 19, 2013

65. The Three Doctors

Happy Anniversary Doctor Who! Kicking off the 10th season (but actually airing shortly after the show's 9th anniversary in 1972), the Three Doctors actually united the first three actors to play the Doctor. A grave threat to the Time Lords on Gallifrey forces them to pluck the Doctor out of his previous timelines and bring them together to save the universe.

Having just watched all the episodes of Doctor Who from 1963 through 1972, it actually is quite a treat to see Patrick Troughton again and even in a limited capacity William Hartnell. They are both spot on and recreate their Doctors splendidly. The chemistry between Jon Pertwee and Patrick Troughton is television magic. While William Hartnell was in poor health and losing his memory, his brief moments on screen are precious and is definitely the governor to his successors. It is also a treat to see the 1st and 2nd Doctors in color for the first time.

This story also marks the end of the Doctor's exile on Earth. After 3 seasons stuck on in one place and one time (more or less), the Time Lords graciously lift the Doctor's exile for saving the universe. While not returning the Doctor to travelling through time and space full time just yet, it does shift to more non-Earth based/ less UNIT-centric stories for Jon Pertwee's remaining two seasons. Interestingly, William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton each had 3 year tenures as the Doctor. At this point for Jon Pertwee, he has now reached the same mark and with this story, the producers actually shift the show back to a more classic formula. And when the Doctor is on Earth helping the Brigadier and UNIT, it's because he wants to and not because he has to.

While reuniting the Doctors has become an anniversary favorite throughout time, this story sets bar and does it best. With the 50th anniversary special coming later this year and the news the current incumbent Matt Smith is uniting with 10th Doctor David Tennant (at least), it promises to be another wonderful celebration with more television magic!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Doctors_(Doctor_Who)






No comments:

Post a Comment