In November 2023, Doctor Who heralds its much-anticipated return with a trilogy of special episodes featuring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, perfectly synchronized with the grand celebration of the show's 60th anniversary. Mark your calendars for the premiere of the first special on November 25, followed by the second on December 2, and the third on December 9. Doctor Who, a timeless saga, narrates the adventures of an alien who traverses through time and space. With each imminent demise, the Doctor regenerates, adopting a new form and persona. The series originally debuted in 1963 and captivated audiences until 1989, spanning 26 seasons during what is now known as the classic era. After a hiatus until 2005, the show experienced a renaissance with 13 seasons under the banner of 'New Who.' Now, as we step into a new era, the narrative takes an intriguing turn as Disney+ assumes the mantle of its custodian, with the talented Ncuti Gatwa stepping into the spotlight.
The first series had a lot of experimentation with simple production and special effects to find the show’s footing and signature. It faced several challenges in its early days, and its success was not assured from the beginning. However, with the introduction of the Daleks, a fictional extraterrestrial race of extremely xenophobic mutants, a villain that captured the public’s imagination, the show gained widespread popularity. Doctor Who grew in popularity over the years, becoming a significant part of British popular culture.
The saga began with William Hartnell, who portrayed the Doctor from 1963 to 1966. He traversed the galaxy in his TARDIS with his granddaughter Susan (Carole Ann Ford) and two schoolteachers. Originally, the series had an educational aim, intending to both teach children history and provide thrilling adventures. At first glance, Hartnell's Doctor appeared as a stubborn and abrasive old man, displaying distrust of humans with a wanderlust thirst. However, the narrative progressed, transforming him into a much friendlier and grandfatherly figure who developed a deep affection for his companions.
The overall look of the First Doctor is Victorian-Edwardian: a black frock coat and a light-yellow tweed waistcoat over a wing-collared shirt, usually paired with a dark blue ascot tie or ribbon tie and tartan trousers. Hartnell also adorned a ring with a large blue stone and wore a white wig. This characterization set the Britishness identity in the show and reflected the character’s love for history. Additional accessories seen from time to time include a monocle, a carved wooden cane, an opera cane, a scarf, a hat in Astrakhan fur, or, in warmer climes, a Panama hat.
The stories during this era were purely historical adventures, ranging from Ancient Rome to the French Revolution. The First Doctor's paternalistic and authoritative role aligned with the societal norms of the 1960s, where authority figures were expected to guide and lead with these traits. Although the Doctor maintained an authoritative demeanour, there were also anti-authoritarian undertones in his character, resonating with the countercultural movements of the 1960s, which harboured a growing scepticism toward established authority.
The Victorian-Era aesthetics evoked a nostalgic view of the past, coinciding with a time when historical dramas were popular on television. The early 1960s, marked by Cold War tensions, is reflected in Doctor Who through the Doctor’s encounters with alien threats, mirroring the anxieties and fears of the era, particularly concerns about nuclear warfare and external threats. Additionally, the Doctor's thirst for exploration reflected a broader fascination with space exploration during the 1960s, coinciding with the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Portrayed by Patrick Troughton from 1966 to 1969, the Second Doctor brought a dishevelled and youthful personality compared to his initial incarnation, earning him the nickname 'Comic Hobo.' Displaying a mercurial nature, he proved astute and consistently outsmarted adversaries. Occasionally adopting the guise of a shrewd strategist for the greater good, he paradoxically assumed the role of a fumbling fool, strategically leading others to underestimate his genuine capabilities.
His personality found reflection in his appearance—donning an oversized black frock coat over a light blue button-down collar shirt, its top button casually undone and secured with a safety pin supporting a Winston Churchill-style bow-tie. Completing the ensemble were loose-fitting trousers, held up by either vibrant red braces adorned with stars, moons, and flowers or white braces featuring a navy stripe down the middle.
The stories of the Second Doctor were fast-paced, following the 'monster of the week' style of horror stories, aligning with the popularity of horror and science fiction genres during the 1960s. His more youthful and dishevelled appearance in comparison with his predecessor reflected the cultural landscape of the 1960s, where youth culture and rebellion gained prominence. The Doctor's personality resonated with the countercultural movement of the time, embodying the spirit of rebellion and nonconformity, questioning authority prevalent in the decade.
The Second Doctor's mercurial and clever personality, often outsmarting adversaries with wit and resourcefulness, mirrored the 1960s fascination with intelligence and wit seen in popular characters of the era. His costumes reflected the experimentation and bold fashion choices of the decade, highlighting the transition to colour television. The influence of the Cold War permeated through the stories, with villains reflecting the anxieties of the conflict.
The Doctor's humour and light-heartedness contributed to the show’s appeal to a family audience, aligning with the broader trend in 1960s television with the popularity of sitcoms and family-friendly programming.
Interpreted by Jon Pertwee from 1970 to 1974, the Third Doctor emerged as a suave, dapper, and technologically-oriented character, introducing a new dynamic to the Time Lord's persona. Proficient in Venusian Aikido, he showcased both physical prowess and an occasional touch of arrogance, making him the first among the incarnations to exhibit a more fallible nature.
Visually, his paternal and caring nature for companions was evident in his distinctive costume. Draped in a flowing cape with a crimson lining, he sported a black velvet smoking jacket paired with a ruffled shirt. His neckwear varied, featuring jabots, bow ties, or cravats. This costume exuded sophistication and marked the transition to colour television, aligning more with the evolving storytelling styles rather than a direct reflection of the character himself.
The Third Doctor's era marked several milestones, including the show's first stories set outside Earth. Introducing adversaries like the Autons, Omega, the Sontarans, the Silurians, and the Sea Devils, this period saw an increase in horror elements and depictions of violence, sparking both criticism and contributing to the diversity of storytelling styles.
Characterized by a suave and authoritative personality, the Third Doctor's well-dressed and technologically-oriented portrayal reflected the sophistication and reliance on advanced technology and scientific explanations for phenomena—a theme becoming prominent during the 1970s. His more physical and action-oriented approach resonated with the increasing popularity of martial arts and action sequences in entertainment during that era.
Unlike some of his predecessors, the Third Doctor was depicted as more fallible, occasionally displaying arrogance. This nuanced portrayal reflected the evolving trend in the 1970s, moving away from perfect, flawless heroes to characters with complexities and imperfections. The stories of this era often incorporated social and environmental themes, reflecting the growing awareness of environmental issues and social consciousness during the 1970s.
Portrayed by Tom Baker from 1975 to 1981, the Fourth Doctor stands out as one of the most eccentric incarnations, bringing a delightful mix of humour, unpredictability, and intellect to the character. Notably, Baker held the role for the longest duration, allowing for a deep exploration of the Doctor's personality and the development of complex story arcs.
Visually, the Fourth Doctor is an imposingly tall figure with a perpetually wide-eyed expression, unruly curls, and prominent teeth, defining a distinctive ensemble. His outfit typically includes a shirt, waistcoat, cravat, trousers, frock coat filled with seemingly useless items (surprisingly handy when needed), a wide-brimmed hat, and his famous impractically long, multi-coloured scarf—crafted by Madame Nostradamus, affectionately dubbed a 'witty little knitter.'
In contrast to his predecessor, this Doctor adopts an anti-authoritarian stance. The era marked a shift from gothic horror themes to science fiction, embracing more scientific explanations rather than the magical approach seen in previous versions. The series gained depth in mythology, albeit with occasional repetition of themes and appearances from villains of earlier seasons.
The Fourth Doctor's era captured the spirit of the 1970s and early 1980s, skilfully combining elements of humour, unpredictability, intellectual depth, and a renewed focus on atmospheric storytelling. This period is celebrated for its unique charm and enduring impact on the Doctor Who narrative.
Portrayed by Peter David Davison from 1982 to 1984, the Fifth Doctor's era marked a notable shift with a heightened focus on character development and emotional storytelling. This approach delved into the complexities of the Doctor's personality, adding depth to the narrative. Known for his polite and diplomatic nature, this incarnation displayed more compassion, resilience, and vulnerability, often grappling with moments of regret and self-reflection.
The Fifth Doctor emerged as a team player, emphasizing a sense of duty that distinguished him from his predecessors. His costume, characterized by a unique blend of cricket-inspired elements, contributed to his distinctive and memorable look. This creative and playful choice reflected the Doctor's individuality and eccentricity, adding charm to this particular incarnation.
Beyond the emotional development and team dynamics, the stories of the Fifth Doctor's era featured the return of classic villains, high-stake scenarios, and earth-centric plots involving historical figures and contemporary issues. This period encapsulated the evolving trends of the 1980s, embracing character-driven narratives, emotional depth, diverse settings, and a nuanced depiction of the Doctor's character.
Interpreted by Colin Baker from 1984 to 1985, the Sixth Doctor brought boldness and flamboyance to the character. As mentioned earlier, he was portrayed as fallible, displaying individuality, arrogance, bravado, and even experiencing conflicts with companions and trauma. However, he retained the essence inherent in each reincarnation: quirky speech patterns, unpredictability, passion, outbursts, complex morality, and intellectual brilliance.
The Doctor's wardrobe in this era vividly reflected his personality, featuring bold colours in the coat, waistcoat, and trousers, adorned with bold patterns. Decorative accessories and cat-eye glasses added to his distinctive look, while maintaining sophistication with cravats or neckties. The Sixth Doctor's era encapsulated the spirit of the 1980s, embracing bold fashion choices, complex characterizations, and thematic explorations that mirrored the evolving television landscape of that period, characterized by serialized narratives.
Notably, the introduction of Peri Brown as a companion during the Sixth Doctor's era underscored the show's commitment to diverse and dynamic characters. Her inclusion resonated with the increasing importance of strong and independent female characters in television during the 1980s.
Portrayed by Sylvester McCoy from 1987 to 1989, the Seventh Doctor marked the conclusion of the classic series with a distinctive shift in tone towards darker and more complex storytelling. His character exuded mystery and calculation, featuring a dubious moral ambiguity that painted him as a manipulative mastermind. Despite this, there remained a light-hearted exterior, coupled with an underlying affection for humanity, encapsulating the essence of the Doctor, as mentioned numerous times.
During this era, the show underwent a narrative return to its roots, targeting a younger audience. The stories adopting a greater emphasis on serialized storytelling with overarching story arcs and many of them from this period were intended to satirize or protest the rule of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
But the adventure doesn't conclude here! Join me in unravelling the mysteries of 'New Who' and enjoy an exclusive preview of the upcoming series featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. The Tardis awaits, promising countless more wonders to discover. Continue reading for a thrilling continuation of the Doctor's saga and an exciting glimpse into the future! Time and space hold infinite wonders, and the journey is just beginning. Click here to delve deeper into the extraordinary world of Doctor Who!
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