Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman - A Review

 

Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman, by Richard Kirby, is a quaint, unusual, and very personal, voyage into the world of Doctor Who, with a unique anchor that certainly hasn't been done before. This anchor comes in the form of a challenge the author set himself for Children In Need, to try and collect as many autographs of the surviving female companions of the Doctor as possible. However, the actual focus is more on Kirby's own relationship with this barmy old show that we love, and manages to be both enticing to the seasoned Whovians among us, as well as a neat introduction for the beginners.

 

 

Starting at the very beginning, Kirby straight away mixes both fact and personal opinion into a cocktail that could have been quite tiresome. How many times have we read the synopsis and the background detail of the first ever episode, for instance? But thanks to the authors breezy, informal style, it manages to be a very easy read, in the best possible way. Kirby peppers the text with amusing side-notes and quips that lighten the mood, and he can't resist observing the connections between actors and the other shows they have appeared in, particularly soap operas. Let's put it this way, any Coronation Street fans out there will be very happy with this, and every reader is guaranteed to learn something new!

 

As well as briefly running through the entire history of Doctor Who, Kirby also includes some nice reviews of certain stories (particularly ones featuring actresses he has aquired signed photographs from). He isn't afraid to be honest, poking fun at the stories he reviews in a way only a dedicated fan could. And that is one of the joys of this book. Richard Kirby, like every other Doctor Who fan out there, does have opinions, and you won't agree with all of them. Sometimes you'll be nodding along with a smile on your face, other times spluttering into your tea (“'The Faceless Ones' is his favourite story, WHAT?”). And that can only be a good thing. I particularly enjoyed Kirby's review of 'The Ambassadors of Death'. Just read the authors own take on how Reegan gets into a top-secret place in a bakery van. Priceless!

As for the autographs, Kirby provides some very nice photos of his achievements, with a little summary of each actresses career. Beyond this, there isn't that much else on this particular topic, save for the introduction and a summary at the end. I was still rather amused by his attempt to get Bonnie Langford's autograph, which didn't go entirely to plan! And the whole idea of the autographs is a marvellous framing device, that enables the author to bring all eras of Doctor Who together.

 

It's also evident that Kirby hasn't seen much of late-80's Doctor Who. His summary of this particular era of the series relies very much on the critical reception of these stories, rather than his own. To the old-school fans out there, this could be seen as a little disappointing, but it still offers a nice insight for newcomers to the show. And as I have repeatedly stated, this is Kirby's own take on Doctor Who, so he is allowed to pretty much do as he likes!

All in all, Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman is a charming piece of work, that manages to both appeal to us sad old fans, as well as introducing beginners to the mad world of Doctor Who. It's a funny book, which branches off into anecdotes, connections and jokes with pleasing regularity. And the idea of using autographs as a framing device works beautifully in its favour. As an autograph collector myself, I can only imagine that it will inspire others to do the same. And the fact that Kirby did it for charity is simply marvellous.

If you're after something that will entertain, educate, and inspire you to re-watch certain episodes of your favourite television show, look no further than this. You might not agree with all of Richard Kirby's opinions, but you will certainly be laughing along with him. A splendid read that does even more than it says on the blurb! I hope there is more to come from this man (spoiler: There is!).

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Join Richard's journey HERE

 

Richard Kirby's next 'Desperately Seeking...' project - France Gall

The Doctors: The First Doctor (William Hartnell)

William Hartnell. Doctor Number One - The original, you might say! The First Doctor didn't crash, waltz, or explode onto our screens like his successors did. This Doctor wandered in mysteriously from the fog, on a dark November night. A strange old man wearing a scarf and an enigma.

 

 

 

 

Initially, and famously, rather unpleasant, Hartnell's incarnation of the Doctor (who wouldn't be revealed as a Time Lord for another seven years) was only a reluctant hero. Perhaps the Doctor and his granddaughter Susan's exile from their home planet was what made the old man so untrusting of humans, or maybe he felt that he was superior to them. Driven by his own selfish desires and whims, it took the two school teachers he kidnapped to break through the tough, cold exterior to the warmth and charm within him.  It is Ian and Barbara who are responsible for giving us the Doctor we know and love today.

 

 

 

The First Doctor is often described as a 'grumpy old man'. While this is the case to an extent, even at the very beginning of the series, there was far more to him than that. William Hartnell gave the Doctor depth, magic, and mystery. He is both irascible and hypocritical, even dangerous, and as he began to warm towards his human friends, his mischievous, whimsical side began to shine through. In fact, every single aspect of the Doctor's future lives can be traced back to the First Doctor - from his romantic nature (see his love for Cameca in 'The Aztecs'), to his desire for justice ('The Dalek Invasion of Earth'), and his delight as he explores the wonders of the Universe.

 

Clutching his lapels and harrumphing at his foes, the First Doctor, portrayed for three years by William Hartnell, was a citizen of the Universe, and a gentleman of the stars.

 

 

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The Stubborn Old Man

 

The mountains towered upwards into the sky, like natural skyscrapers. The sun hung in the air above them, casting a comforting glow across the horizon.

"Tired Doctor?" laughed Barbara, as Ian helped her climb onto the next set of rocks.

 "Nonsense Barbara!" the elderly man snapped, wiping his forehead as he attempted to clamber further up the mountain, "I never get tired! No time for it!" He slapped Ian's hand away, violently refusing help.

 "Nothing to be ashamed of Doctor!" Ian's voice was slightly patronising, as he smiled sideways at Barbara, "Men of your age tire easily. It's natural!"

 "Rubbish Chatterton! Fit as a fiddle, that's me!"

 The Doctor was still trying to hoist himself up, breathing heavily and unsteadily.

 "Ok then. Me and Barbara will get walking, and you can catch us up!" Ian replied, as the lady tried her best to stifle her laughter. Then the two school-teachers set off, strolling further up the winding path of the mountain, leaving their stubborn friend to struggle.

Glaring furiously up at the sky, face drenched with perspiration, the Doctor released a deep sigh.

"Chesterfield, wait! I, I'm...stuck..."

 

Cory John Eadson, 2013

50 Years...

Earlier last month, a poetry competition was announced for fans of Doctor Who - All they had to do was write a poem based on the greatest television series in the world. I am overjoyed and still a bit surprised to say that I actually won the competition. But there were some excellent entries, not least from some very close friends of mine!

Neil Baird was one of the entrants, and here is the poem he submitted, along with an introduction by Neil himself. Neil has also supplied with some other excellent pieces that I will share over the coming weeks. Here's Neil...

November 23rd, 1963 saw a new program appear on the BBC Saturday teatime schedule. Its name? Doctor Who. 2013 is its 50th year.

 



While on, and sadly for a while, off TV, its fans have loved and remained loyal to the show. Eleven great and talented actors have played the Doctor, with number 12 arriving Christmas 2013. God bless them all.

 

This poem is my tribute to 50 years of my favourite series.

50 Years

 

November 1963 and Kennedy was killed. At 5.15 the very next day, British children were really thrilled.

 For they had something different. Something that was new. A children's TV show called Doctor Who.

 The story of an alien who travels through Time and Space.
Entertaining but educational. That should be its case.

 Showing science in the future and history in the past.
But the arrival of the Daleks changed its genre fast.

 It became a sci-fi show with monsters at every turn and being really scared is all kids would ever learn.

 Through the 1960's it was shown in black and white, but that didn't stop the Daleks who scared every child on site.

 William Hartnell was the first Doctor, the original you might say. He started off the character that's still on TV today.

 Then the Doctor, he went and changed. Pat Troughton took the role. A very different Doctor with a much more kinder soul.

 Through the 1970's the show was strongly run. Now it was made in colour, it couldn't be outdone.

 Jon Pertwee was the Doctor and he really was tip-top,
With the Brigadier and UNIT by his side there was no invasion they couldn't stop.

 Then three became four and Tom Baker took the part. With his long scarf and floppy hat, he was a hit right from the start.

 Tom was the most remembered Doctor, one of the best we ever had, and when he left in eighty-one fans were really sad.

 At the end of the 1980's the show sadly came to a stop, after three more and seven great Doctors, the TARDIS got the chop.

 The 1990's and things for the Doctor looked bleak. No series for him to be in, no cliff-hanger every week.

 The series became ridiculed, many saw it as childish pap, with really wobbly sets and monsters made from bubble-wrap.

 The companions were seen as wimpy, full of screams and squeals, who'd run away from monsters while in two inch pink high heels.

 Eventually a movie was made and though in the UK it went down well, though sadly not in America where it just refused to sell.

 Finally in the millennium the Doctor finally came back onto the air. Now a new generation love it, once again kids really care.

 There was a fine actor at that TARDIS door. Chris Ecceleston was the Doctor. Then he wasn't anymore.

 The Daleks have returned as well and so have the Cybermen. For five years they battled David Tennant, playing Doctor number Ten.

 Then Ten became Eleven and Eleven was old school. He wore a tweedy jacket and said bow ties were cool.

 

River Song was a huge part of this Doctors life. Some say they are lovers, others say she's his wife.

 Matt Smith was only 26 but his performance mirrored Pats. The eleventh Doctor wore a bow tie and an array of different hats.

 Now the 50th anniversary approaches, with a new Doctor about to start. Peter Capaldi has been cast and fans can't wait to see him in the part.

 We have had 50 years of episodes, with many more to do, so come November all the fans will shout... Happy Birthday Doctor Who.

 

 

By Neil Baird, 2013

 



The Twelfth Doctor....Who?

 

So, in Doctor Who's fiftieth year, we will be getting a new Doctor! Of course, despite many false starts and rumours, the announcement of Doctor #12 has yet to be made.

There have, as usual, been numerous rumours in the press about who the new Doctor may be, but the newspapers and journalist usually take ounces of truth and spread it thick, adding their own opinions into the mix until it spirals into, essentially, blatant lies. What we do know, 100%, is that we are getting a new Doctor on Christmas Day. And that is it.

The last time Steven Moffat had to choose a Doctor, he had very clear expectations as to who he wanted. Not in terms of a specific actor, more a type of actor. He wanted somebody older, mid-40's, or roundabouts. He ended up casting the youngest Doctor ever in Matt Smith! Will Moffat have similar thoughts this time around? Will he, this time, try and find that older Doctor he wanted back in 2009, before Matt Smith ruined everything by being so brilliant? Or does he like the idea of somebody young and wild controlling the TARDIS?

Will the Doctor even be male? The idea of Time Lords changing their sex is now officially canon, and a great many actors and actresses have discussed the idea of the new Doctor being female, even more than before. But should 'he' be female? I find it hard to believe that the production team would decide automatically to make the next Doctor a woman, but less hard to believe that if a lady auditioned for the role, and bettered her male counterparts, then she would be cast. A lady Doctor would certainly make things interesting, but the idea, the novelty of him now being a her would have to be dealt with swiftly, otherwise, ten episodes in and the Doctor still going, “I'm a woman now, women are cool!” would be awfully tiresome.

So, who would I like to play the Doctor? I would certainly prefer an older actor this time around, and perhaps somebody I have never heard of. Somebody who can fully embrace the character of the Doctor, in the same way that Matt Smith did. There is a lot of controversy about certain actors at the moment, in particular, Daniel Rigby, of the BT ads. But I have given up saying who I want, or what I want. Because the last time I did that, we got somebody who totally confounded my expectations, and he was excellent. So if the next Doctor is another youth, I will have to put my trust in Moffat to find the right youth. He did it in 2009.

Whatever happens, 50 years after Doctor Who's conception, we are getting a brand new Doctor. And that is still the most exciting thing ever, whoever he or she may be.

GUEST POST - Thank You, Doctor Who! -

Over the course of the next few weeks/months/years/centuries (delete as applicable), I will be letting people guest-blog and be interviewed on this very site. Maybe. Or maybe not. And to start this brand new series that may or may not actually become a series is Mrs Evil herself, Tricia Hayes, who has written a rather sweet little piece about how Doctor Who led her to love. It isn't for the cold-hearted, as there is romance involved. It also highlights just how much Doctor Who can mean totally different things to different people. Everybody has their own unique relationship with the show, which is why there are such a diverse range of fans out there, and a massive variety of opinions and theories on the show. And that is brilliant.

But anyway, without further ado, here is my amazing girlfriend, talking about stuff. Enjoy!

The first episode of Doctor Who I saw was 'Rise of the Cybermen'. I didn't see it on its' original broadcast, but a few years later when BBC 3 started showing repeats of the television show that would change my life, in a way I never could have imagined.

I had seen the Paul McGann TV movie a few years before and had enjoyed that, so I'm not sure why I didn't watch the series when it returned in 2005. Then again, I guess everybody discovers Doctor Who in their own way! Anyhow, I started watching regularly from the repeats of 'Rise of the Cybermen and 'The Age of Steel' onwards, and it had me right from the opening credits. I started watching whenever I could, and the DVD Files helped me build up my knowledge of the earlier episodes I had missed, and fill in the gaps. I have been a fan ever since.

By now, I had seen four actors in the role of the Time Lord known only as the Doctor. McGann, Eccleston, Tennant, and Smith, but what about the other seven before them? Soon enough, I would get to experience stories from Doctor Who's past, as my life changed unexpectedly. Here is how it happened....

I joined Facebook in February 2012. I had never bothered or thought about it before, but it was the curiosity of signing up to the site that led me to a Doctor Who Page, and caused a series of events that would spiral out of control. I can't remember the name of the page I liked, but on it were lots of people moaning and complaining about various aspects of the show. And then, amongst all that, there was a lovely, positive comment from this chap called Cory John Eadson. It was so nice to see somebody with such an optimistic attitude, and I decided, rather nervously, to send him a friend request.

We became friends on Facebook in March, and if you are wondering how my life has changed since then, well, in just under four weeks time we will be celebrating our 10-month anniversary together as boyfriend and girlfriend. I live in Ireland at the moment, but I am writing this in a notepad in England, sat on Cory's bed surrounded by his amazing Doctor Who collection.

Doctor Who has changed my life in a way that I could never have imagined. It introduced me to my very own Time Lord, Cory John Eadson. I would never have thought, sitting down to watch 'Rise of the Cybermen', that a few years later I would be sitting in a different country with the love of my life. In fact, the very first time we met physically was when Matt Smith returned in 'Asylum of the Daleks', the first episode we watched together.

It is through Cory that I have a fondness for 'classic' Doctor Who. I was inspired to watch 'Remembrance of the Daleks' at home by Cory, and afterwards we had a little chat about it. He also had a star letter printed in Doctor Who Magazine, an article on Season 6B published in a fanzine (and HERE), and had done a great many short stories based on the Doctor, all of which deepened my interest for the old series. One of Cory's stories involved Eight regenerating into Nine in a different and original way to what actually is believed to have happened, and it was a beautiful piece that really fired up my imagination.

Cory has taken me on a great adventure through time and space, introducing me to every Doctor I hadn't seen before, many amazing episodes, and telling me things about the making of the show that I never knew.

Me and Cory have also had a great many adventures of our own, away from the escapades of the TARDIS, and I know we will continue to have them for Evermore. We might have met through Doctor Who, but it is because of us that our relationship is so strong, because of us that we are in love.

I am fond of Doctor Who, but I am in love with my Cory John Eadson. And I will be, forevermore.

Tricia Hayes, January 2012

 

 

LISTS! - A Beginner's Guide to Doctor Who -

Image by http://ferrlm.deviantart.com/

Seeing as it's Doctor Who's fiftieth anniversary year (in case you hadn't already noticed), I think now is a good time to reel in those people on the fence. You folk who watch it 'a little bit', who think it's 'ok'. Now is your chance to join the side of the Whovian, by watching these 11 television stories.

I have picked one story from each of the eleven Doctors so far, carefully selected for the inquisitive beginner. All of these serials are available on DVD, and after a marathon viewing, you may just open up your life to a world of jelly babies, long scarves and bow-ties!

1) The Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964) – This is the second Dalek story, in which the metal meanies not only invade earth, but actually conquer it! Scary, tense, and in its' final moments, heart-breaking, The Dalek Invasion of Earth pre-dates the eerie 'Night of the Living Dead' movie by a few years with the deserted streets and lumbering, zombie-like Robomen, and sees William Hartnell bringing a new heroic rise to the character of the Doctor. The cliffhanger to the end of episode 1 is also absolutely stunning.

2) Tomb of the Cybermen (1967) – A creepy, claustrophobic adventure seasoned with moments of genuine hilarity at the hands of Patrick Troughton and Frazer Hines, certainly one of the greatest Doctor/companion pairings of all time. This is one of the best Cyberman stories.

 

3) The Green Death (1973) – The one with the giant maggots. Scary, funny, camp, heart-breaking...a brilliant story with a strong exit for the Third Doctor's longest-running companion.

4) Genesis of the Daleks (1975) – A masterpiece. It is everything a Doctor Who story should be, and more. The regulars give sterling performances, but extra credit must be given to Peter Miles' cold realisation of Nyder, and Michael Wisher, the first actor to bring the Daleks' creator, Davros, to life. It was this story that cast me into the time vortex: 'How I Became a Doctor Who Fan: An Autobiographical Account of a Huge Obsession'

 

5) Kinda (1982) – A deep, beautiful story. Layered and slightly whimsical, it features collapsing sanity, possession, giant snakes, and a lavish jungle setting. One to make you think.

 

6) Revelation of the Daleks (1985) – A darkly humorous story from the 'violent era' of the show. It packs in references to cannibalism, necrophilia, incest, torture and alcoholism, and has the Doctor almost crushed by his own, giant headstone. The best Davros story since Genesis.

7) Battlefield (1989) – McCoy gives one of his best performances in this entertaining romp. He is at the top of his game in this tale of sword and sorcery. It also marks the last proper Doctor Who television adventure with the Brigadier, played by the late, great Nicholas Courtney.

 

8) The Movie (1996) – McGann's only TV story. A flawed, contrived plot and overly-Americanised elements can't detract from the shameless fun of this adventure. Paul McGann is excellent throughout!

 

9) Dalek (2005) – The Doctor comes face to face with his oldest enemy again in an underground base. Eccleston completely sells the Doctor's anger and fear of his arch nemesis, and takes the Time Lord to new, uneasy depths. The end is also surprisingly touching.

 

10) School Reunion (2006) – Elisabeth Sladen. 'Nuff said. I guarantee you will cry.

 

11) The Doctor's Wife (2011) – The TARDIS is personified, quite literally. A funny, beautiful love-letter to the show, penned by Neil Gaiman, this episode is brought stunningly to life with an endearing performance from Suranne Jones as Idris (the TARDIS), and some excellent set-design. A dark, whimsical adventure with a fairy-tale quality to it. Perfection.

 

All of these stories are available on DVD right now (!), so you have absolutely no excuse not to watch them. If anybody else has their own definitive 'Beginner's List', please feel free to share it!

 

 

Cory Eadson, 2013

And here is how Doctor Who can change your life...
- #1 Talk to Strangers
- #2 Tea is the Best
- #3 Be Yourself
- #4 Eat Jelly Babies

What We Know About the Fiftieth Anniversary (So Far)

In case you hadn't noticed, this is Doctor Who's fiftieth anniversary. And, in true fan-style, speculation is rife about what will be happening between now and December. What we do know so far is that there will be a further 8 episodes that commence on the 30^th of March, concluding series 7. There will be at least one anniversary special for broadcast around November 23^rd. And there will be a 90-minute docu-drama based on the creation of the series back in 1963. We also know that both the Ice Warriors and the Cybermen are returning, that there will be a TARDIS-centric episode, and a tangled web of intrigue surrounding Clara. There will also be a Christmas special.

The 50^th anniversary special itself has garnered a fair bit of controversy, as it has been heavily rumoured that it will be a mere 60-minutes long. Note that I said 'rumour'. In fandom, rumours can either be very close to the truth, or as far from it as an Ice Warrior on the sun. Steven Moffat himself has told us not to believe this guff, and I trust him completely. He is a fantastic writer and exec-producer, and it's his vision that has given our favourite show a new lease of life.

So, you loathe the idea of a 3D episode? Well, watch it in 2D then! Angry about the rumours of a sole 60-minutes for the biggest episode in the series' history? Don't believe them! Hate Moffat's vision for the show? Watch something else!

I watch Doctor Who because I love it. I trust Moffat and everyone else at the BBC to bring us a year to remember. Let's stop worrying, and enjoy the ride! And if you're still not happy, there IS the Big Finish audio celebration to look forward to....

 

 

Raymond Cusick, 1928 - 2013

Raymond Cusick could, in many ways, be credited with the immortality of Doctor Who as much as Verity Lambert, William Hartnell, the concept of regeneration, or the overall story of the show.

An early Dalek design by Cusick

In 1963, set-designer Cusick received an incredible script by writer Terry Nation, featuring a race of creatures driven by pure hatred. The script featured only the most basic of descriptions for these monsters (eyes on stalks, round base, arms with claws), and Raymond Cusick went away and came up with one of the most unique and exciting designs in the whole of science fiction history. The Daleks were born.

Their debut story started in 1963 and ran for seven weeks, reeling in the viewers and terrifying a whole nation. After the Daleks' first adventure was broadcast, audiences were already demanding a rematch with the Doctor. People were no longer just passively watching the series, they were actively getting involved, campaigning and making requests to the BBC, such was the popularity of these metal meanies. Thanks to the Daleks, Doctor Who was now an institution!

An image from 'The Sun' (2004)

Fifty years on, the main design of the Daleks is still instantly recognisable worldwide. Back in 2004, when Doctor Who was on the way to making a big comeback, and the whole 'will the Daleks be making an appearance or not?' saga was settled, 'The Sun' newspaper printed a picture of the new-look Daleks. I was flabbergasted, in the best possible way. I couldn't believe how close the BBC had stuck to the original Dalek design. I was expecting some bland overhaul, but no! The eyestalk, balls and sink plunger were all present and correct. It was a thrilling moment, and a testament to Cusick's genius.

Of course, the Daleks were one thing, but Cusick did a lot more for early Doctor Who. He played a large part in designing additional rooms in the TARDIS for 'The Edge of Destruction', and created excellent sets for the underrated 'The Keys of Marinus' and historical romp 'The Romans'. Not content with merely bringing the words on a page to life, Cusick used his imagination to fill in the gaps left by some writers (Terry Nation famously used to describe rooms and corridors as 'white and featureless', leaving the designers to do as they pleased!) to create exciting worlds, landscapes and buildings. A designer in the truest sense of the word.

 

 

Although Cusick didn't get the full credit he deserved for the creation of the Daleks (he was paid a small fee for his work, whereas Terry Nation had all the copyright and royalties for coming up with the idea of them for his script), he has created a legacy that will never fade away.

Raymond Cusick passed away in his sleep on the 21^st of February, 2013, but he lived long enough to see his Daleks rise again, made from the same blue-print as his original masterpiece 50 years ago.

Rest in peace, Raymond Cusick, 1928-2013. Without you, we wouldn't have Doctor Who now as we know it, if at all! As Mark Gatiss wrote on Twitter, “Daleks forever!”

 

 

Everything I Learned In Life, I Got From Doctor Who

#4 Eat Jelly Babies

 

Ok, I have a confession. I never used to like jelly babies. Many moons ago, back at Primary School, I'd lap up the Haribo's and the pick'n'mix chews like....well, like a hungry 8-year old boy! But when the box of jelly babies was passed around, I'd baulk and pass it on. They were too sweet and sickly for me, back then. After all, I was sweet enough (Stop laughing at the back)!

 

But I know that my tastes changed dramatically once I entered the bright blue doors of the TARDIS, into the crazy world of 'Doctor Who'. Watching Tom Baker munching on jelly babies, offering them to new friends, using them as weapons, automatically gave me a taste for them. Just like that, as Tommy Cooper might say. Probably.

 

As you seasoned Whovians will know, jelly babies were first utilised by Patrick Troughton's second incarnation of the Doctor, but it was number 4, Tom Baker, who made those edible children his own. He didn't just eat them, he used them to make friends. To show people he was on their side. To make peace with people. What a brilliant idea! And what a wonderful way to introduce yourself to someone! Hand shakes are boring and stiff. But jelly babies? They're colourful, they're tasty, and they're barmy! The perfect ice breaker.

 

I nearly always carry jelly babies around with me wherever I go. Bumping into charity workers in the street, meeting friends of friends, going to work or my radio station...Jelly babies always raise the mood! I even gave Frazer Hines and Colin Spaull a bag of them, after meeting the delightful chaps at a signing in a local Doctor Who shop.

So, if you're in an awkward situation with new people, and need a quick way to endear yourself to someone, rely on the tensile strength of jelly babies! It always works for me!

 

PS I have written a poem about jelly babies. I'll have to share it with you sometime...

 

 

For previous installments of 'Everything I Learned...':

#1 Talk To Strangers

#2 Drink Tea

#3 Be Yourself

The Page

 

 

Everything I Learned In Life, I Got From Doctor Who

#3 Be Yourself

The Doctor has always maintained that he isn't “people”, that his personality and actions cannot be compared to those of others. “Do I even look like people?” he mutters in 'The Eleventh Hour' (2010), echoing similar sentiments from 1984's 'The Twin Dilemma'.

Although the Doctor is still on that voyage of self-discovery, learning his limits and what he can be capable of, he has always remained to true to himself. Aside from using disguises to hide from his enemies, the Doctor is never afraid to show off his own, unique persona to the world. Whether parading around in his multicolour dream-coat, or declaring the Mona Lisa to be among the best paintings in the Universe (in a room full of people, much to Romana's embarrassment), the Doctors' attitude is nearly always, “I don't care! Let them gawp, let them gape!”

That, I'd wager, is the best attitude to have. We should be proud of who we are, what we like, how we dress. I tried changing once, in a bid to try and fit in with a particular group (a group of people who bullied me, no less!). It didn't work out, and I returned to my journey of self-exploration, undeterred by the crowd. And today, I am still learning about myself. Developing, making mistakes and learning from them. But I'm still me. I'm quite happy to be who I am, as I'm sure you are too. It may mean that I'm often the odd one out, the weirdo, the freak. But that just means that those people who do like those qualities in me are much more valuable to myself, than those who would rather me change to suit them.

I am who I am. And I have the Doctor to thank for it.

 

 

 

For previous installments of 'Everything I Learned....' see below:

#1 Talk to Strangers

#2 Tea

The Page



 

50 Reasons Why 'Time Crash' Is The Most Perfect 8 Minutes of 'Doctor Who' Ever

#7  Belgium. Yes, Belgium. In true Douglas Adams style, Moffat gives us a threat the size of a country not far from Germany. Who needs planet-sized asteroids, and bombs as big as moons, when we can have holes torn in the time -continuum the size of Belgium? It's absurd, bonkers, and very 'Doctor Who'.

 

Peter Davison's disappointment makes the scene - "That's a bit undramatic, isn't it?" - cementing the ludicrousness of the moment.

 

"Two minutes to Belgium!"

 

A Belgian woman, yesterday.

 

"...Whether You Like It Or Not!"

[NOTE: This article could have been ten times longer, ans still not covered everything. This is simply a rough overview, a springboard for discussion. Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments box below!]

“I am the Doctor....Whether you like it, or not!”

Those immortal words were uttered by the Sixth Doctor in the very last episode of his first full story, 'The Twin Dilemma' (1984), the adventure that was voted, in 2009, the 200^th most popular 'Doctor Who' story....out of 200 (DWM 413, 2009). And despite the Doctor's brash dismissal of general opinion, many viewers and so-called fans didn't like it. Not at all.

The Sixth Doctors' era is perhaps the most turbulent and controversial time in the whole of the shows' 49-year on-screen history. It was 2-and-a-bit years of scathing fan interviews, behind-the-scenes arguments, pressure from the top bosses at the BBC, and episode cuts. The media fed upon the chaos that was created around the show, focussing on the negatives and failing to acknowledge that, despite the problems, 'Doctor Who' was still in a good place.

In particular, the media delighted in interviewing 'fans' of the show, those obsessives who watch and analyse the series despite seemingly hating everything about it. They were only a small minority, but sadly this close-minded group of viewers were much more vocal than the rest of 'Who' fandom, giving the whole group a bad name. Today, these 'fans' have the internet at their disposal. Those who despise the show, and enjoy criticizing the actors, writers, directors and producers, can now visit forums and poison the web with their scathing comments. But back in the day, these 'fans' were put on prime-time TV, where they could openly insult and criticize devoted producer John Nathan-Turner to his face, giving those who loved the show a bad name nationwide.

It is, of course, very difficult to shake off the tarnishing of a name. But was the Sixth Doctor's era so deserving of such hostility? Why was it held in such poor esteem? Let us now examine the general consensus of opinion, at the time and, in some cases, still current, before I put forth my own views on the subject. Stick on your cat badge, and grab a glass of carrot juice. This is going to be an interesting ride....

The Sixth Doctor was born on March 16^th, 1984, in the dying moments of the classic story, 'The Caves of Androzani', which saw Peter Davison's Fifth Doctor make a final, fatal sacrifice for his beautiful young companion, Peri (Nicola Bryant). It was an amazing sequence – full of excitement, tension and, ultimately, heartbreak. The following story, however, which saw Colin Baker's proper début as Doctor Number Six, would mark a severe contrast to the previous adventure, staining the next two years of 'Doctor Who'.

That story was 'The Twin Dilemma'. The exact opposite of ...'Androzani', '...Dilemma' replaced grit with camp, tension with pantomime, real human villains with giant slugs. The garish, ugly style of the piece could, if one were being cruel, be said to have set the tone for the following two years of 'Doctor Who' – an opinion I severely disagree with. '….Dilemma' did give us several elements that would remain a staple of the Sixth Doctors' era, factors that invited hostility and anger from certain 'fans'. However, I would argue that 'The Twin Dilemma' itself was the cause of the problem, not the individual elements that carried over to 1985. A poorly executed story that came straight after a golden classic of 'Who', it would have been hard to recover from such a moment. But let's not focus on that. Let's focus on these elements, staples of Doctor Six, that were constantly under fire, and see if we can turn things around a little.

The Outfit

Bright, garish, and very bad taste. Colin Baker's attire as the Doctor was (and sometimes still is) the one thing that could unite fandom in their dislike of it. Even Baker himself was dubious of it, although he recalled that '….It's lovely on cold locations, when the companions in their skimpy costumes are all shivering....' (DWM 118, 1986). Aside from the clashing colours and patterns, the clothes also seemed a bit 'obviously' alien, very over-the-top.

Certainly, I would agree that none of the other Doctors would wear such an outfit. But then again, Colin Baker wasn't any of the other Doctors. He was his Doctor. The stubborn Doctor. The loud Doctor. The costume reflects Six's personality, as much as Peter Davison's all-white clothing mirrored his Doctors' pure nature. Colin Baker's multi-coloured coat is also visibly arresting. All eyes are on Colin Baker when he's in the room, there's no doubt about that! And he pulls it off, wears it well. To repeat what I wrote in a letter to DWM (which, in edited form, made their 'Star Letter' in issue 448), Colin Baker looks every inch the handsome, dashing hero in that costume. He's colourful, exciting, silly, loud, bold, bonkers – an exploded rainbow woven into a whirlwind of fabrics and textures. I know Mr. Baker rather fancied wearing black, but seriously, I would wager that only a uniform as bright and kaleidoscopic as the one he did wear would be big enough to contain such a wild persona as his. Oh, and he had a beautiful collection of cat badges that he wore on one of his lapels, which only adds to his jacket's charm. AND his waistcoat had teddy-bear buttons, a fact I only discovered when I saw it up close at the Blackpool Exhibition a few years ago.

Yes, in short, I love Colin Bakers' outfit as the Doctor. I embraced it, accepted it, cherished it as much as the bow ties, the scarves, the celery, and the umbrella. And if you really do need to criticize a show, don't blame it on the clothes. That's just silly.

The letter I wrote to DWM had to be edited to fit into the magazines' 'Star Letter' section, but the original letter I wrote is here in full, touching on comments made in a previous issue about the Sixth Doctors' costume, alongside the reasons why I really think 'Doctor Who' suffered in the 80's:

“And once again, the 'Curse of Colin Baker's Costume' rears it's ugly, garish head. Am I really the only person alive who likes his costume? Fair enough, I can see why some people perhaps aren't so keen on it, but it was the mid-1980's, he's an alien with two-hearts and a has flying police box...And you think his costume was the most weird thing about him? I do think that Mr. Baker pulls off the outfit very well: in fact, I think he looks rather dashing in it. I find it quite sad that the costume is always the focal point in latter-day interviews with Colin. The 'A New Dimension' mini-documentary, broadcast in 2005, was a way of introducing new fans to old Doctors, and yet Colin was not asked to discuss his performance, his stories....just how awful his outfit was.

But blaming (at least partially) the costume for Baker's untimely dismissal is a step too far. One imagines that if Colin had been given the chance to hang around for longer, they would simply have given him a new set of clothes to wear.

No, I blame the fans at the time for the demise of Doctor number 6. From the archive footage I have seen from the glorious DVD releases, I have been disgusted by the opinions and remarks from that very small, and sadly very vocal, set of Doctor Who fans who despise change, hate anything new about the show, and are completely close-minded and set in their ways. Those who loved and enjoyed the show were more than happy to watch and lap up the multi-coloured joy of this short but sweet era, whilst the few who moan went out on national television and gave every Whovian in the country a bad name.

Doctor Who is about being different, about embracing the alien and unusual. I will continue to enjoy the Sixth Doctor's reign (on DVD, Audio CD, comic book & novel-form) as much as any of the other Doctors.

I could go on, but I won't. All I'll say is this. Christopher Eccleston: Leather jacket and jeans. Matt Smith: Bow tie and tweed. If the same man can pull off both of those looks, then surely he can switch from celery & Cricket-wear to Cat badges and kaleidoscope!

Anyway, great magazine, great article! Keep up the excellent work!

Cory Eadson (AGE: 22)”

And if you would like to see video footage of bad 80's Whovians bitching and moaning, check out the extras on the 'Trial of a Time Lord' DVD box set!

Personality

The whole point of the Sixth Doctor was to make him unpredictable, acidic in tone, irascible and dangerous. In his first adventure, this is almost caricatured in his unstable regeneration, as he flips from brave hero to babbling loony to violent psychopath in quick succession.

After the softness of the Fifth Doctor, both Colin Baker and John Nathan-Turner decided to go back to the First Doctors' grouchy nature, giving him a sharper edge and a more alien quality. This 'alien-ness' was highlighted in a lovely quote by Colin Baker himself, in which he said that his Doctor was the sort of man who could step over ten dead humans, but cry at the death of a butterfly ('The Doctors: 30 Years of Time Travel and Beyond, 1995) – a beautiful description of his Doctors' character.

Sadly, a section of fandom saw this change in persona as too much to handle. They also reacted badly to the friction between the Doctor and Peri, as they argued and sniped at each other constantly.

What these fans didn't realise was that there was a game plan, a desire to mellow the Doctor over time. Certainly as the series progresses, the Doctor grows much warmer towards Peri ('Timelash' aside), and by the beginning of 'The Trial of a Timelord' (1986), there's a big difference. The Doctor was still bad-tempered – That was him! - But his character was developing, as was his relationship with Peri. Alas, the Sixth Doctor was damned from the start, and viewers failed to appreciate such subtle alterations. Nothing was changed enough, as so the hate continued.

It is a shame, because despite the anger and stubbornness, the Sixth Doctor was still the Doctor. He was brave and valiant, but he didn't suffer fools gladly. Perhaps the Sixth Doctor was a reaction to his previous incarnation's vulnerability? Doctor Five lacked authority, and would often beg and plead, whereas Six isn't afraid to hurl insults and roar his disapproval. If the Sixth Doctor didn't like you, you'd know!

The Sixth Doctor also has a playful side. Whether it's fishing for gumblejack, or flirting cheekily with pretty blonde receptionists by conjuring flowers, he has all the charm and wit of his previous selves. He may be more at ease to commit violence (see next sub-section), and much less patient with a Universe that always seems to be working against him, but the Sixth Doctor was, and is, still a madman with a box, with a star-like twinkle in his eye...

Violence

'Doctor Who' has always had a violent streak, often being criticized for being overly scary, too realistic, or downright nasty (see 'Tomb of the Cybermen', 'Terror of the Autons', 'Genesis of the Daleks' and 'The Deadly Assassin'). It just appears that during Colin Bakers' era, the show upped its' game in this department, giving us not only a more violent Universe, but a more aggressive Doctor....

Story-wise, season-opener 'Attack of the Cybermen' (1985) kicks off the year in grim style. All the main characters, bar the Doctor and Peri, are killed and main villain Lytton (who ultimately comes good) has his hands squeezed until they draw blood. For many, this was bad enough. But more controversy surrounded the Doctors' own use of violence.

Follow-on story 'Vengeance on Varos' was a witty attack on television violence, but sadly the joke was lost on much of the viewing public. In this adventure, the Doctor actively throws two guards into a pool of acid, before callously quipping, Bond-like, “Forgive me if I don't join you”. Following that, in 'The Two Doctors' our Time Lord kills cannibalistic Shockeye with cyanide, a vivid and realistic death a far cry from laser guns and other fictional forms of sci-fi murder.

But the Sixth Doctor was an alien. Why shouldn't he sometimes resort to violence? Remember the First Doctor in his début adventure, 'An Unearthly Child' (1963)? He picks up a rock to kill an innocent man, simply because he's slowing them all down. And many-a-time, Tom Baker has dispatched the baddies without batting an eyelid. Of course, the Doctor has always maintained an anti-violence stance, but only when there is no other way. Or when it suits him. “No second chances.”

While some of the Sixth Doctors' efforts of bumping off the bad guys may have been closer to reality than blowing them up with bombs or laser blasting them (blame the script-writers for that!), he has always acted with the best interest of others in his hearts. Whether protecting himself or his friends, the Doctor in his Sixth incarnation was no less violent than some of his previous, or later versions. As suggested earlier, the Doctor in his Fifth incarnation was much more lenient with his enemies. Doctor Six probably learned from that, leaving his Seventh self to deal with the moral issues he left behind for him.

So, there you have what I feel are the main areas of target for Doctor Number Six, as well as my own defence for this most unloved of Time Lords. But things change. Now, more and more fans are turning back to the Sixth Doctor, and finding a newly-discovered love for him....

Reappraisal

It's so easy to look back at the Sixth Doctors' era and see all the negatives. Behind-the-scenes arguments between script editor and producer. The amount of episodes per season halved from 26 to 13. One single, 14-part story in 1986 that confused both fans and the general public alike, costing the show millions of viewers.

But times, they are a'changing! More and more people are looking back at an unpredictable, dangerous time for the show, when the Doctor was at his most alien, and the stories, on the whole, were darker than ever before. Two series' worth of monsters old and new, our hero on trial, plot-twists and tension. And while one of the biggest tragedies of that time was not getting the chance to see Doctor Six develop. Now we can. All thanks to Big Finish!

Big Finish Productions produces original audio dramas based on 'Doctor Who', featuring Doctors, companions and monsters from the past. Since 1999, we have heard Colin Baker breath new life into his version of the Time Lord, slowly taking his character to where the television series might have gone if he hadn't been unjustly sacked from the role. Giving Baker a second chance has brought fresh fans to his Doctor, as well as giving old fans a fresh, new perspective on his character.

The novels, too, helped in part. They were able to expand on 'Doctor Who' in a wider, deeper way than the TV series ever could. 'Time of Your Life' a Virgin Missing Adventure published in1995 by Steve Lyons is a beautiful example of a Doctor repenting, and in a sense is a spiritual sequel to 'Vengeance on Varos'. And Gary Russell's 'Spiral Scratch' (2005) gives the Sixth Doctor a send-off he truly deserves. Heroic, brave, and, ultimately, selfless.

Like many eras of 'Who', the 1984-1986 years had their ups and downs. But it was a time of pressure, a time when fans thought they owned the show. A time when being different led to punishment.

But thankfully, now we can appreciate the Sixth Doctor without a need to hide our opinions or thoughts. It was a time of originality, bravery, change. A time when a Doctor looked straight into the face of opposition and said, “I am the Doctor....whether you like it...or not!”

Well, Colin Baker, I liked it!