The WIDWWA Magazine - Issue 10

AUGUsT 2022

sEAson 27 is hErE

Hello and welcome back to the WIDWWA Magazine!

Now, some of you may have noticed that there's been a certain podcast that's launched, which is essentially an audio version of this magazine. I'm not going to speak too much about that now, as it's covered slightly in WIDWWA News, but it's been an extraordinary success, so far, with my analytics telling me that's been been listened from London to Synder to Vilnius to Gothenburg. It's really been more successful than I could've imagined, especially as I only made it to increase accessibility for just one

WIDWWA fan.

If you haven't joined our Discord server, I would encourage you to do so, and it's very easy to join. All you need to do is click the Discord icon on widwwa.co.uk. That's it. It's that easy. Now, onto our main subject this issue and that is Season 27! Yes, finally, you've been waiting for years but finally a full in-depth detailed explanation of Season 27... well not quite. Well yes, but this month and *next* month. Essentially, I realised, when laying out this issue, that there's just so much in Season 27 that I've written about that it isn't feasible, at all, to include it

all in a single issue. Therefore Rewind to 1990 will be spread across this issue and the next. There's a lot of very exciting stuff in this issue's section and a lot to look forward to, so please enjoy.

Coverage of the fourth series of Doctor Who: Adventures also continues throughout with five episodes covered, this month, all of which would've been broadcast in August 2022. One of these episodes was written by the winner of our Adventures story competition, from last June, which will be explained more indepth in WIDWWA News.

WIDWWA

ALL THE REAL-WORLD NEWS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE WIDWWA SERIES

CoMPETITIon WInnEr!

In the final issue of The WIDWWA Newsletter, we announced a competition for a WIDWWA fan to write an episode of Series 4 of Doctor Who: Adventures. I can reveal that the lucky fan was Jesper Hansson with his submission "Kyle's Schooldays".

Overall there were 12 submissions from a number of fans, but Jesper's was by far the best.

WIDWWA PODCAST

Speaking about winning the competition, Jesper told me: "Thank you so much for picking me. I only discovered the series about a year ago but I have become a big fan ever since. I hope you all enjoy my story!"

As Jesper didn't specify a specific writer for the episode, I chose Tim Foley to undertake the (in-universe) task.

WIDWWA

MATT Moir inTErviEW

An extensive interview with former WIDWWA co-writer, Matt Moir, (who worked on the series from 2017 to 19) will be published over the next two issues of The WIDWWA Magazine, in March and April's issues.

The interview took place back in October 2022 when WIDWWA Creator and Head Writer, Benjamin Windibank, met up with Matt Moir at the British Film Institute's screening of The Time Meddler for the release of Doctor Who: The CollectionSeason 2.

The interview lasted over 90 minutes and covered a diverse range of topics from when

Moir worked on the series. The interview is extremely candid and also covers the details over Moir's departure from the series in 2019 and 2020, which fans have wondered about for years.

WIDWWA

Most WIDWWA fans will be aware of this, since it was uploaded to the DDWF YouTube Channel, but we've launched a WIDWWA Podcast. Well, more accurately it's "What if Doctor Who Wasn't Axed? - The Magazine: The Podcast" but that's a bit of a mouthful.

In simple terms, it's an audio version of this very magazine, using AI generated voices to bring these written features to life.

The reason for this is because I received an email from a woman called Sarah who explained that her blind son, Thomas, had been unable to enjoy WIDWWA since it stopped being a video series, in late 2020, and was wondering if an audio version could be a possibility. While she was initially told "no" due to the fact that it just wasn't feasible, with the time and resources it would take, the advances in AI speech synthesis technology has now made it possible, and that is why the Podcast is now available.

You can listen to the podcast on the DDWF YouTube channel as well as any other service that you get your podcasts on, which includes Spotify and Amazon Music.

Each episode will come out shortly after the magazine.

WIDWWA

WIDWWAVIEWS

Your Views on Everything Happening in the World of WIDWWA

STAR VIEW

The Boy Who Holds the Keys Discord

I want to admire Jack Murray-Bell's review of Revelation from the last magazine, as it's a solid piece of movie critique. Knowing that he generally enjoys the movie a lot, I appreciate how he didn't gloss over its messy

@federatedstatesofflanagonia YouTube

Wow, I wasn't expecting this, but the podcast is fantastic! A podcast version of the magazine is an excellent idea. I'm not blind, but I do have a musculoskeletal disability that limits the amount of time that I can comfortably spend at my computer each day. This podcast allows me to experience your work away from the computer with less damage to my physical health. Definitely a great way to make your work more accessible to anyone in the community who has difficulties related to reading and/ or using the computer, not just those with sight issues.

Vincentprice1911 Discord

I have a strong feeling that for the most part Seson 27 is gonna stay the same because the original lineup made sense. So there's gonna be some wrenches thrown into the mix that'll screw everything up. Since Aaronovitch is Cartmel's protege essentially, it's probably gonna have something to do with the producer, if that's possible. Plus, we literally know nothing about Edward Young outside of his

plot structure. Now, The Deadly Assassin does explain that The Sash of Rassilon grants some sort of self-sustenance abilities that would allow The Master to survive if he again conducted the plan along the lines of the one we see in The Confrontation of The Wicked. However, the whole point of having regenerations in the movies was to allow for them to be standalone watches, so the

viewer should not be required to know The Confrontation of The Wicked or The Deadly Assassin inside and out. Without the context they provide, Sash is but a weird mcguffin and The Master's plan is very hard to understand. Also, I shouldn't have laughed as hard as I did when I saw the infobox on how "well, actually space battles in Star Wars were even longer...".

(probably fake) name and the one story he wrote.

TimeLordMaster108 Discord

So, here are my brief thoughts on what we've gotten so far on Series 4 of Doctor Who: Adventures

Prince of the Daleks was a decent start to the season: liked seeing Roger getting to experience the platinum jubilee, but sadly the Daleks are wasted. They do nothing except chase the group around.

The Marinus Factor is actually quite good. I liked the educational aspects and how we see the Doctor and co trying to fix Marinus.

The King's Wrath is a decent historical, though I do wish they'd actually done more than just a runaround.

Murder on the Dance Floor is sadly another dull one, but it could maybe lead to something with the Master.

I'm looking forward to seeing what this story with the First Doctor will have to offer.

Adam widwwa.co.uk

The WIDWWA Rewind section in the magazine was fantastic this

month! I loved learning about the truth about why Doctor Who was cancelled. I never realised the reason why. I think the fandom was whipped up so much hate toward Michael Grade and people in the BBC that many never stopped and thought why it was actually cancelled. Brilliant stuff!

Chelle Email

I want to apologise if I sounded rude in the last issue. I wrote that email in anger after I saw the trailer for Doctor Who: Adventures on Twitter. While I don't agree with putting the King in such a prominent role in a Doctor Who episode, I do understand, following your explanation, why this (may) have happened in the WIDWWA universe. It still doesn't excuse it but I'm less angry about it than I was.

On a more positive note, I really enjoyed Murder on the Dancefloor, especially, it was a lot of fun. I also really liked the WIDWWA Rewind features.

Thank you for all your views!

gallifreyan

Doctor Misterio to return in early 2023 on SkyShowtime

During the foreign adaptation panel at the Official Doctor Who Convention in 2021, Jamie Blanch appeared on stage with a surprise announcement. Doctor Misterio would in fact be returning more a second season in 2023, and that RTVE are not involved, as the rights have reverted back to CBS and the BBC. Blanch explained, at the time, that Paramount+ had picked up the show, and wanted to use it for their upcoming launch in Spain in 2023, as well as for Latin America audiences. Blanch said that Doctor Misterio was going to pick up many years later for El Doctor, and be startlingly different to the RTVE produced season. . Over six months later, and

now filming is about to begin, and we know the show will be returning as a SkyShowtime original in early 2023. Since ODWC, Paramount made the decision to launch Paramount+ under the name SkyShowtime in much of mainland Europe, so while the show will be a Paramount+ original in most of the world, in Spain it’s going to be a SkyShowtime original. Returning to the series will be Jamie Blanch starring as El Doctor, but apart from that, the cast and crew will be almost entirely new. The biggest new addition to the cast is Unax Ugalde, who will be starring alongside Blanch as the mysterious El Desconocido. Cristóbal Garrido will serve as Showrunner, joined by Maggy Chan and

Mal Young as Executive Producers. Doctor Who writer and co-showrunner of The Elysium, Toni Graphia, will work on the show as a Consulting Producer. It’s expected that the series will launch sometime early next year in conjunction with the launch of SkyShowtime in Spain, and much of mainland Europe. Viewers on SkyShowtime will also have access to the entire back catalogue of the Doctor Who franchise, in a Spanish dub, with the exception of the first 5 movies, where licence details are still being negotiated. The first season of Doctor Misterio, as well as Spanish dubs of all past seasons of all the foreign adaptations.

WIDWWA

Doctor Who at SDCC reveal short scene from Centenary

An exclusive scene was released at San Diego Comic Con from the upcoming BBC Centenary special, for Doctor Who, The Restoration.

intersected at a crossroads and ran past each other. They all then slowly moved backward toward the crossroad looking at each other shocked. They eventually culminated in a circle as the Sixteenth Doctor went on to say “Well, I guess we should all help each other out, then”.

The scene went down extremely well in Hall H with huge applause from the audience and was well shared online in the hours following its official publication.

WIDWWA

The Official Doctor Who Convention comes to Sydney

The panel featured Ace Bhatti, Samantha Bond, Anthony Head, Jane Espenson and Rachel Talalay. Part way through the panel, instead of releasing a trailer as expected, due to one having been released recently already as a next time trailer, Espenson screened an exclusive scene from the special.

The scene, which was released on YouTube two weeks later, showed the first meeting of the Sixteenth, Fourteenth and Eleventh Doctors. The scene began with the Sixteenth Doctor running down a street at night, and then cutting to the Eleventh and Fourteenth Doctors doing the same on other streets, before they all

Doctor Who: Through Time and Space to Launch 4 September Doctor

Who's Polish Adaptation, Doctor Who: Through Time and Space, or in it's native form, Doktor –Przez Czas i Przestrzeń, will begin it's third season on 4 September on BBC Four, in the UK, and Paramount+ in the US, as well as in it's native polish on TVN in Poland. Like Season 2, the series will be presented in an English dub by the original actors.

The series will star Hanna Śleszyńska and pick up where it ended following the Christmas Special, Eve.

In a first for a foreign adaptation this season will contain 13 episodes & a special.

WIDWWA

The annual Official Doctor Who Convention, known as ODWC, will be coming to Sydney, Australia on 25th, 26th and 27th November.

This will be the convention's second time in Sydney following the Sydney 2015 edition of the event.

Unlike 2015, it will take place at the new International Convention Centre and feature a stunning line-up of Doctor Who related cast and crew members.

Tickets are avaliable for purchase now.

The Restoration to receive London Premiere

Inexciting news, the BBC Centenary Special for Doctor Who, will recieve a big London premiere in October, which rarely happens for TV specials, and usually just reserved for movies.

All three Doctors, in the special, will be attending.

WIDWWA

PUBLIC IMAGE

TOFFA rePOrTS On The UK TeleviSiOn vieWing figUreS fOr DOCTOr WhO: SeASOn 30

Early into WIDWWA’s hiatus last year, I was keen to see if there was any material that would help with the rankings for any stories, or even full seasons pre-Season 35. This is because BARB, which I use as the primary source for viewing figures, only goes from July 1998 onwards. It does show the top ten programmes in each year from 1981, but Doctor Who’s viewing figures then, plus the general state of television, didn’t see eye-to-eye, with almost no precise way of knowing any rankings from Season 27, as it would often fail to make it into BBC1’s top 30. This is why you only see all the details in the viewing figures for Season 35 onwards which we’ll begin covering next time. However, I managed to go one step further and came across British Newspaper Archive, which has archives of newspapers; some of which displayed viewing figures for the time. The only evidence for TV ratings that I could find were the top 30 programmes each for the four main channels up to mid1994. Of what I did manage, are the rankings for a full season: Season 30 in 1993 and the 30th anniversary special, The Lords of Time. This is the earliest possible look at how Doctor Who fared ratings-wise as part of WIDWWA from what I can gather. It includes the figures themselves, how it fared on the day, the week’s BBC1 ranking, consolidated ranking and ITV’s competition. This has been in the works

since August, and I’ve actually teased this very topic on the WIDWWA Discord along with a not-so-accurate prediction on how Doctor Who avoids getting axed (turns out it wasn’t international sales). So after more than seven months in the making, let’s finally get to it!

Shortly before Season 30 aired, BBC1 had a new channel controller in the form of Alan Yentob who had moved from BBC2. Yentob was more supportive towards Doctor Who and sci-fi in general (acquiring the rights to Star Trek: The Next Generation for BBC2 for example), meaning that the show was being looked upon more fondly for the first time in years, unlike his predecessors Michael Grade and Jonathan Powell, who wanted to rid off Who in any possible way.

From what we see of the ratings, the season appears to begin on a relatively strong note, and for the summer too, ratings of around 8 million were impressive. There is a small decline for Part Two, which could be attributed to either the reaction to Part One’s cliffhanger, the summer weather, or whatever ITV had on. The first ten

minutes of Part One clashed with talent show, Stars In Their Eyes, and managed to win by just several thousand viewers. Despite this, Doctor Who ended up being BBC1’s top show on Saturday. The remaining fifteen minutes aired against one-off comedy-drama, Outside Chance. More viewers opted to watch the Daleks than Brian Conley coming out of prison and deciding to be straight.

For Part Two, Stars In Their Eyes again beat Who for the first half, with the second half against comedy The Upper Hand also narrowly beating Doctor Who, but it was still BBC1’s top show that Saturday. Similar result for Parts Three and Four, albeit with higher ratings, Doctor Who managed to get the upper hand against The Upper Hand twice!

Conquest of the Daleks averaged 8.21m viewers and ranked 31st across its run across all channels for the four weeks it aired in

"More viewers opted to watch the Daleks than Brian Conley coming out of prison and deciding to go straight."

July 1993. A good start for the season, but would viewers keep watching as the summer continued to see the return of Susan Foreman?

saw it second for BBC1 for the day behind comedy, Birds of a Feather. Moving to an earlier timeslot, Part One’s competition was a best-of compilation of comedy prank show, Beadle’s About.

turn to normality with large viewing figures.

Naturally the Daleks would bring in a mass audience, so seeing it drop from the looks of things wasn’t too much of a surprise. But it does appear to not drift off completely; staying above 7m throughout.

With Stars in Their Eyes over, ITV’s competition, The Upper Hand, didn’t hit the mark, so much so that it failed to make it into ITV’s top 30. It meant that for the first time in years, in its timeslot, Doctor Who had finally won out. The statistics show that things peak for Part Three, as it was also the most-watched programme that Saturday for the first time in a considerable while.

An Earthly Child averaged 7.83m, down 0.38m from Conquest, and slipped a little for its average ranking of 35th. Will ratings still hold up as the Doctor encounters his greatest fear?

Part Two’s first ten minutes was scheduled against Return of the Gladiators, which was a preview of what was to come for Gladiators’ second series airing soon. Keep a close eye, as this won’t be the last time Doctor Who is scheduled against Gladiators this season (or even up to Season 35!), and it’s worth noting that this was one of ITV’s biggest primetime hits. The remaining fifteen minutes were against the 1990 film, Freeze Frame. Doctor Who won against both.

The Enemy Within averaged 8.21m and 30th for the week. The ratings match those of Conquest, and is up by one placement on its ranking and up by five places from the last story, making this the best performing serial so far.

Part One aired against a showing of Superman IV; the latter winning out by a few hundred thousand viewers. Part Two benefited from airing at an earlier timeslot of 6pm; whilst somewhat concerning, paid off with ITV’s competition, Baywatch (of all shows!) getting less than six million. The same can’t be said for Parts Three and Four, where for much of the rest of the season from here, Doctor Who would go up against Gladiators. I did say keep a close eye folks. But it’s not too bad, with Who losing out by only a few hundred thousand for this serial.

The averages for The Left-Handed Hummingbird are 8.23m and 43rd. While ratings are a slim 0.02m up from The Enemy Within, it’s average ranking was down by 13 places. Here’s hoping a return to Gallifrey can turn things around.

An improvement from the looks of things, but not without some consequences. Doctor Who’s reign as King of Saturday Night was short lived, as ITV fought back, although it was once more BBC1’s top show for Saturday for Part One. Part Two

A swift decline we see here based on the rankings. Let’s examine why. First, with the summer over, more people would have likely started to watch TV again, resulting in higher ratings. This doesn’t appear to apply for Doctor Who, and this paved the way for other programmes to either return, or those that had a lull in the summer, re-

Not by much, it seems.

Parts One and Two were again against Gladiators, with the latter’s ratings increasing to 11m by this point.

Part Three, unusually, aired against an episode of US import, seaQuest DV, which proved more interesting to viewers.

The Reverent Peril has an average of 8.23m, matching that of the previous story, but dropped a further seven places down for the rankings

at 50th. With one more story to go, can the season end on a high?

It seems so, as ratings managed to hit the 9m mark for the latter half of the serial. Here, it aired against another big ITV Saturday night hit, dating show: Blind Date which again drew in more viewers. Closing the season off, The Legend of Merlin rates at 8.99m, up by 0.76m from The Reverent Peril, and also matches its average rank of 50th.

That completes Season 30’s ratings runthrough, but we’re not quite done yet.

We now come to the main event: the 30th anniversary special, The Lords of Time. A lot was thrown into this to see if Doctor Who really was fighting back. It was two hours long, making it the longest single episode the show has ever ran (excluding movies, remains so to this day) and was particularly a big gamble in the BBC’s part, to sacrifice two of their big Saturday night shows of the time, Big Break and Noel’s House Party for a two-hour anniversary special of a sci-fi show. Somewhat of a good thing for the latter as we would’ve been spared the premiere of the video for Mr Blobby’s single for a week. Thank goodness for small mercies in WIDWWA.

The results turned out to be very successful, for both the BBC and Doctor Who itself, with its highest viewing figures since The Creature from the Pit, Part Two from Season 17 in 1979. The positives don’t end there too. The special made it back within BBC1’s top 10 that week, placing 9th, and ranked 26th across the week for all channels.

Despite such strong viewership, it still wasn’t enough to better ITV’s competition, where a feature-length Doctor Who found itself against three high-profile shows. Its first forty minutes were against Gladiators which received almost a million viewers more than Who. Blind Date followed in the next hour, with the gap closer between it and Who, but ITV still managed to win out. The last twenty minutes took on that year’s Royal Variety Performance and topped the night with almost 15 million viewers. For BBC1 itself, Doctor Who was the second most-watched show that evening, behind Casualty, which aired after it.

And now for the big calculations: how did Season 30 fare overall? Excluding The Lords of Time, it averaged 8.32m, and for average chart placements, ranked 40th. This was an improvement on Season 29’s average figures, which had 8.02m, in spite of no rankings, which would’ve likely been worse than what we’ve seen with Season 30. However, we can see from the rankings it has just pipped within the Top 40, which was a promising sign of things to come.

In conclusion, we can see that in 1993, Doctor Who’s presence in the Saturday night schedule wasn’t quite there yet, as it was clear many programmes were getting 10+ million each week with Saturday nights still performing strongly in general. It could be argued that this was down to ITV’s part as it remained fairly consistent in the BBC’s rankings between the top 10-20. But now, a new production team was set in stone for 1994, as Doctor Who continued into Season 31. And with the BBC starting to find faith in the show now thanks to Yentob’s support, the 1990s was certainly a comeback decade for the programme.

Next time, we go a little into the future, with Season 35’s viewing figures, whereby the attitudes for Doctor Who were about to completely change. A co-production deal was in place, the show was still performing well, and the Saturday night schedule was beginning to lose its charm at the turn of the millennium. Does all this help or hinder Doctor Who come 1998? Who knows? Fortunately from there, most of the complete figures and details are available, so no skipping around going forward!

"The 1990s was certainly a comeback decade for the programme"

MERCHANDISE RELEASES

4 AUGUST

BBC AUDIO

The Doctor and Sarah arrive safely back on Earth—or do they? Why does the mysterious soldier march straight over a cliff, and then reappear unharmed? Why are they attacked by sinister mechanics with built-in guns for hands?

Will they be in time to defeat the deadly Kraals and their terrifying android invasion of Earth?

The BBC Audio range of Target novelisation audiobooks continued in August with Doctor Who and the Android Invasion, by Terrance Dicks, read by, Master-actor, Geoffrey Beevers.

15 AUGUST

SANDRA BIOGRPAHY

The remarkable story of the Bellonsion hero, Commander Sandra Armstrong, written just prior to her tragic death on Exotract 42.

Following the success of 2020's The Presidential Diaries of the Doctor, this book sees Sandra Armstrong's autobiography, written (in-universe) just before the events of The Movie. The book also features a foreword and afterword by the Eleventh Doctor.

The "autobiography", despite being credited as "edited by", is actually written by Paul Cornell and goes in-depth about Sandra's early life and her rise to power in the Bellonsion millitary. It also features many un-seen photos from Anna Hope's time in Doctor Who, in character as Sandra.

ADvEnTUrEs GO FoUrTh

The fifth episode of Series 4 was originally produced as the finale of Series 3, but was moved for reasons described extensively in the previous issue.

The episode sees the Doctor, Erin and Kyle land in 2011 at UNIT HQ. The TARDIS has been knocked off course and they hadn’t intended to go there. However, they are quickly distracted when they are met by Jo Jones, who gives them a warm hug and says how nice it is to see them again. She remarks that she hasn’t seen Erin and Kyle since 1978, to which they say that it only feels like a few weeks ago, before they all laugh.

The Doctor asks if anything is wrong… as the TARDIS has diverted them there and Jo

explains that yes… there is something wrong. They go inside and Jo explains that every piece of data that UNIT has gathered on its hard drives has been mysteriously stolen, and not just UNIT but every single intelligence service in the EU. The Doctor says that they should be able to reverse engineer the signal that gained access to the UNIT servers, but Jo explains that without UNIT’s data, they wouldn’t be able to locate a match. The Doctor says that the TARDIS will be able to do it for them but they go to the TARDIS and the Doctor finds its data banks entirely empty too.

Ball, explain that the signal that compromised the UNIT servers was highly advanced and not of human origin, but that’s all they have.

The Doctor and her companions then travel to different locations across Europe, investigating leads and trying to find any information that might lead them to the aliens responsible. Finally, they discover a clue that leads them to a hidden underground bunker in Germany.

DATA BReACH

The Doctor, Erin, and Kyle are baffled by the disappearance of the data from both UNIT and the TARDIS. Jo suggests they continue consulting with UNIT’s best scientists to see if they can work something out. The scientists, led by Dr

Inside the bunker, they find an undercover alien spy team that has been collecting data from all the intelligence services and from the TARDIS. The aliens reveal that they are trying to find a way to stop a great evil from destroying the universe. They explain that they believe the data they have collected might hold the key to stopping this evil. The Doctor realises that the aliens are telling the truth and decides to help them. She and her companions work with the aliens to analyse the data and try to find a solution, on the condition that all the data is returned. They piece togeth-

WRITTEN BY PHIL FORD DIRECTED BY HELEN GOODWYN

The TARDIS is thrown off course as the Doctor, Erin and Kyle arrive at UNIT in 2011, where they meet an old friend and discover a dangerous data breach!

er the data and then leave, thanking the Doctor for her help. The data is returned to UNIT but Erin and Kyle seem confused, with lots of unanswered questions. The Doctor

remains silent and secretive, however. Later, as they leave, Jo thanks the Doctor for her help and the companions say goodbye, promising to stay in touch. The TARDIS takes

off and disappears into the time vortex, leaving UNIT HQ behind.

WIDWWA

Theepisode commences with Kyle donning the guise of a teacher and infiltrating a classroom in the 1960s. Coincidentally, we discover that both his younger self and Erin are among his pupils before the opening credits roll.

During the course of the episode, Kyle's perception of reality is impaired, and he intermittently becomes aware of the incongruities surrounding him. However, for the most part, he remains oblivious to the fact that his younger self is enrolled in his class. During one of his rare moments of lucidity, he tries to reach out to the Doctor, expressing his conviction that temporal order has been disrupted.

The Doctor and Erin are aboard the TARDIS, attempting to locate Kyle, who has been kidnapped during an off-screen mission. Despite being clueless about his whereabouts, they utilise the TARDIS scanners to search for temporal distortions that might aid in their quest.

As they journey through time and space, they begin to notice peculiar readings emanating from a particular point in time. After conducting a thorough investigation,

they conclude that the source of the readings is a school from the 1960s, where Kyle is presently instructing. Upon their arrival, they observe that the school appears to be abandoned, with no trace of Kyle or any students. Suddenly, they hear a clamour emanating from one of the classrooms, prompting them to investigate. Upon entering the room, they find themselves face-to-face with a group of extraterrestrial beings who are holding Kyle hostage.

The Doctor recognizes that these entities are Temporal Shapers, a species that can manipulate time and shape it as they see fit. They have been utilising Kyle to instruct their own class, thereby extending their reach throughout time and space.

The Doctor confronts the Shapers, demanding Kyle's immediate release. Nevertheless, the Shapers remain unyielding, believing that they have a new, valuable

pupil. As a result, a stalemate ensues, with the Doctor and Erin trying to free Kyle while the Shapers attempt to obstruct them.

Just as the situation appears hopeless, the younger Kyle enters the classroom, alerted by the noise. The older Kyle is astounded by the sight of his younger self, and the Doctor realises that this is the key to defeating the Shapers. She instructs the younger Kyle to impart a lesson that he had once taught to his peers, one that emphasised the power of individuality and how each person has a unique role to play in the world.

As the younger Kyle conveys the lesson, his words resonate with his fellow students, including the older Kyle, who is still under the Shapers' influence. The students begin to resist the Shapers' control, causing the creatures to

KYLe's sCHOOLDAYs

Kyle finds himself in a classroom teaching his younger self... but how did he get here? Who has done this to him? And why can't he realise?

THE DOCTOR SAMANTHA BOND ERIN STEVENSON MONTSERRAT LOMBARD KYLE HARRISON WILLIAM MOSELEY

YOUNG KYLE MILO PARKER SHAPERS NICHOLAS BRIGGS

WRITTEN BY TIM FOLEY DIRECTED BY DAVID O'MAHONY

weaken.

With the Shapers weakened, the Doctor and Erin are able to liberate Kyle and vanquish the creatures. The Doctor explains to Kyle that he was abducted because he is an extraordinary individual with a distinctive perspective and the power to resist the Shapers' influence.

She thanks him for his courage and his lesson, which ultimately saved the day.

As the episode concludes, the Doctor, Erin, and Kyle return to the TARDIS, with Kyle now more cognizant of the perils and responsibilities of time travel. The Doctor reminds him that he is a vital compo-

nent of a larger universe and has an essential role to play in it. As the TARDIS fades into the vortex, Kyle gazes back at the school one last time, feeling a sense of pride and purpose.

WIDWWA

TheTARDIS lands in the middle of a battlefield in the future… and soon it becomes obvious which two armies are fighting. The Sontarans and the Daleks! As the battle rages on, the Doctor, Erin, and Kyle find themselves in the thick of the action. They dodge blasts and explosions, narrowly avoiding death at every turn. The Doctor is concerned for her companions' safety, but they insist on staying and helping in any way they can.

Making contact with the Sontaran Commander, he leads them towards a group of troops who are under heavy fire from the Daleks. The Doctor begins disabling some

of the Dalek weapons, giving the Sontarans a much-needed advantage.

Erin and Kyle follow the Doctor's lead, using their quick thinking and resourcefulness to help turn the tide of the battle. Erin grabs a discarded weapon and starts firing at the Daleks, while Kyle uses his wits to distract them and lead them into Sontaran traps.

Despite their best efforts, the Daleks continue to advance. The Doctor knows they need to do something drastic if they want to turn the tide of the battle. She turns to the Sontaran Commander and asks if there is anything they can do to gain an advantage.

VICTORY OF THe sONTARANs

WRITTEN BY SASHA HAILS DIRECTED BY JOHN AINSWORTH

evils, they must help

SONTARAN COMMANDER

DAN STARKEY

SUB-COMMANDER

TREVOR COOPER

VOICE OF THE DALEKS

NICHOLAS BRIGGS

to the Daleks' base. If they can get inside and take out the Daleks' central command, the battle will be won.

The Doctor, Erin, and Kyle make their way through the tunnels, dodging traps and fighting off Dalek patrols. They finally reach the central command and find themselves face to face with the Dalek leader.

The Commander nods and leads the trio towards a nearby cliff. He explains that there is a hidden tunnel system beneath it that leads

The Doctor engages the Dalek leader in a fierce battle of wits, trying to find a way to defeat him without resorting to violence. The Dalek leader, however, is ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Quietly, as things look bad, the Dalek leader taunts the Doctor, subtly, mentioning some “deal” that she’s made.

Just as it seems that all is lost, the Sontarans launch a surprise attack on the Daleks' base, catching them off guard and turning the tide of the battle once again. The Daleks are quickly defeated, and the Sontarans claim victory.

The Sontaran Commander thanks the Doctor, Erin, and Kyle for their help and

The Doctor, Erin and Kyle land in the middle of a bttle between the Sontarans and the Daleks... with a choice between two

the Sontarans.

declares them honorary Sontarans. The Doctor smiles and accepts the honour, but

she can't help but feel a sense of sadness at the violence and destruction she has witnessed,

and reflects on this as she takes off in the TARDIS.

WIDWWA

Theepisode begins with a wide shot of BBC Television Centre with the caption “20 April 1964”, just as the TARDIS lands outside in the car park. The trio quickly enter the building as Erin and Kyle talk about their childhood memories of watching the BBC. The Doctor explains that they’ve come there because she picked up a strange signal emanating from the building.

They pass through reception easily, as the receptionist thinks that they’re performers for the “opening night”, but as they get into the lift, they look over and see a live kangaroo in the lift with them. There’s a moment of pause before complete uncontrollable laughter from the trio. But then… the lift stops moving and they become stuck in there with a kangaroo. The trio then work together to get the lift moving again and eventually get to their floor, as the kangaroo leaps out in front of them and down the corridor.

As they follow the kangaroo down the corridor, the Doctor detects the signal getting stronger. They turn a corner and come face to face with a group of people dressed in strange costumes, clearly rehearsing for something. One of them, a tall man in a top hat, approaches them. They explain that they are perform-

ers for BBC Two’s big launch night variety extravaganza! All three of them get very excited when they hear that it’s BBC Two’s launch night before Erin says that she remembers it all went wrong. Kyle says that he remembers too. The Doctor says that surely it’s relevant and it has something to do with this signal.

As the story continues, the programme is about to go on air and BBC Two is about to launch, before, just at the last moment, the lights go out. The power is lost. The signal gets stronger as chaos ensues around them. They find out that there’s been a power outage at Battersea Power Station and the entirety of West London has lost power. Everyone is told to calm down as the BBC has power generators, and they’ll soon come into action, but the Doctor and Erin

follow the signal to the power room and see an abstract electric-looking alien creature feeding off the generator.

Meanwhile, Kyle helps out the BBC Two team as they attempt to get in contact with Alexandra Palace and transfer the broadcast over to them.

The Doctor and Erin try to communicate with the creature, but it seems hostile and starts to attack them. The Doctor remembers seeing something similar before and realises that the creature is from a parallel universe where electricity is sentient. She quickly comes up with a plan and tells Erin to gather

HOW IT HAPPeNeD!

This episode was written especially in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the BBC, but somewhat bizarrely, the episode is actually about the launch night of BBC Two in 1964, just 58 years

earlier. This was due to the fact that Simon Guerrier just thought that there was a more interesting and Doctor Who-y story in BBC Two’s launch night.

OPeNING NIGHT

WRITTEN BY SIMON GUERRIER DIRECTED BY KEN BENTLEY

The TARDIS trio track a strange signal to BBC Television Centre on the opening night of BBC Two in 1964... as a devastating power cut hits London!

as much metal as she can find. They manage to find some cables, metal rods, and other bits of scrap metal. The Doctor then creates a makeshift Faraday cage around the creature, trapping it inside.

As the creature struggles to break free, the Doctor manages to reverse the polarity of the

generator, causing a surge of electricity to flow through the metal cage and into the creature. The alien is weakened and starts to shrink until it disappears completely.

Back in the studio, the power is still off, and the Doctor says the generator won’t be able to recover until the morning.

The broadcast is, however, successfully up and running (thanks to Kyle’s help) at Alexander Palace. The trio then depart in the TARDIS as we cut to the Stevenson’s house in 1964 and see a young Erin and her parents watching the broadcast. WIDWWA

The episode begins with the Doctor, Erin and Kyle sitting in the TARDIS between adventures. The conversation moves to how the Doctor started out her adventures and she begins to tell the story of her first ever adventure.

We cut to the TARDIS as it lands on the surface of an alien planet and the First Doctor and Susan step out, eager to explore. The air is thick with a strange mist, and the ground beneath their feet is soft and spongy.

The Doctor exclaims with excitement that they are on a new planet, a new world, and their adventures can begin together. Susan beams at him and asks what they should do first. The Doctor says that they need to get their bearings and

suggests climbing to the top of a nearby hill. They begin to make their way up the hill, but soon find themselves struggling in the thick mist. The mist on the planet has a strange quality to it, almost as if it were alive. They struggle to keep their footing, sliding on the spongy ground as they make their way upwards.

When they reach the top, the mist begins to clear, revealing a sprawling landscape of strange, alien trees and colourful vegetation. But in the distance, they can see movement, something big and menacing.

"We mean you no harm. We are travellers, explorers from another world," says the Doctor.

The Doctor and Susan spend several hours communicating with the creature, learning about its way of life and customs. They discovered that it is from a peaceful species. It is also intelligent and curious, eager to learn about the Doctor and Susan and their home world.

THe FIRsT ADVeNTURe

Susan quickly pulls out a small, silver contraption, from her pocket, that looks like it was made from bits and pieces he had scavenged from the TARDIS. As they approach, what seems to be, a creature, Susan holds out the device, as it emits a strange, blue light. The creature stops in its tracks, its eyes fixed on the device.

As they make their way back to the TARDIS, the Doctor and Susan discuss the device she had made. "I think it worked quite well," said the Doctor. "I'll need to make some adjustments, of course, but I think it has potential." Susan nods, her mind already racing with ideas for other devices she could make. The Doctor smiled back at her, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "The universe is full of wonders, and we're just getting started."

We then cut back to the Fourteenth Doctor, Erin and Kyle as they remark how much they love their adventures with the Doctor. WIDWWA

THE DOCTOR SAMANTHA BOND ERIN STEVENSON MONTSERRAT LOMBARD KYLE HARRISON WILLIAM MOSELEY

FIRST DOCTOR JOHN GUILOR SUSAN CAROLE ANN FORD

WRITTEN BY PHIL FORD

DIRECTED BY NICHOLAS BRIGGS

The Doctor recounts the story of her very first adventure to Erin and Kyle, explaining the first time she should upon a strange new world, with her granddaughter.

Looking Back At... Doctor Who: Vengeance

JACk MUrrAy-BELL Looks rEsPECTivELy, FroM An in-UnivErsE PErsPECTivE, AT DoCTor Who’s ThIrD MoviE FroM 2010

Hello and welcome back to my retrospective on the Doctor Who movies. This time, we'll be looking at Doctor Who: Vengeance; AKA my personal favourite movie in the franchise.

So, before we get into the plot, I'm just going to say that I love the title sequence: it's basic, but I think the speed of the camera going through the vortex and the text is nice and easy to read. We also finally have a good version of the chapter three logo for the movies. I absolutely love this movie's rendition of the Doctor Who theme; especially that build up at the start. Also, it's probably the most sci-fi sounding theme since the S24-27 theme in my opinion.

So, now onto the plot. I really liked it. Bringing Gregori back was an interesting move on Robert Shearman's part … at least, I hope it was Shearman because I really don't want to have to give credit to Gareth Roberts: he lost any respect I had for him. Anyway, I really liked how they had this movie tie in with Series 3 of Panopticon, and it was good of them to make the first two episodes of Series 3 cut down versions of this movie. Gregori himself is a great villain: manipulative; sly and cruel, and his plan to try and find a book in order to become president again is simple but effective. I honestly like

early Gregori compared with 'sighs' what they did with his character in Series 4 of Panopticon

As for the Rogue backstabbing the Doctor: it was handled well; same with the Rani siding with Gregori.

Now, as for the parts of the movie that adapt Shada: they do a really good job of respectfully bringing parts of this unfinished Season 17 story to life while also still feeling original. Professor Chronotis has to be one of my favourite one-off Time Lords: he's just so likeable and funny.

Zenla and Chris are two of my favourite companions: Zenla is essentially a modernised version of Romana II and Chris just has a charming and likeable personality.

As for the villain cameos: I'm not a fan. The only one that really had a point was Erasmus Darkening.

Cordale is a really great secondary villain, and she and Gregori have some good interactions. Again, Panopticon Series 4 basically ruined her character.

Now I want to take a minute to talk about Twelve's regeneration scene: it's beautiful and haunting at the same time with the way Twelve just suffocates to death, leaving his body just floating there while regenerating and then falling into the TARDIS as he's still

regenerating. Honestly, this regeneration scene almost tops Two's regeneration in The War Games as the creepiest regeneration; Two's beats it with the music and Two helplessly screaming NO over and over.

For me, this is also the saddest regeneration scene. While I did see some of the Anthony Head era live, Paterson Joseph was and still is my first Doctor, so seeing him go was a big tearjerker, and I would class his regeneration scene as one of the scenes that marked the end of my childhood, along with the endings to Toy Story 3, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, The Dark Knight Rises and Avengers: Endgame.

So, this movie is the first to be directed by Martin Campbell and he does a really great job. David Arnold also makes his debut as composer and he does a great job with the incidental music; each piece managing to fit the scene it's used in perfectly. The acting is also really great, with Paterson Joseph on top form as always. Joseph, Scott and Landau also have great chemistry together.

I only have one gripe with the movie: I'm not a fan of the fact that they felt the need to recast The Valeyard. Michael Jayston was and is still acting, and I just find it really ageist that they decided to replace him (no offence Charles Dance). Also, I wasn't a fan of the font used for the end credits. Had to use TARDIS Data Core to look up the cast and crew.

Overall: Doctor Who: Vengeance is the high point of the franchise for me. Join me next time as I take a look at the darkest movie in the franchise: Doctor Who: Endgame

DOCTOR WHO REMASTERED SEASON 9 BREAKDOWN

The ninth season of Doctor Who: Remastered, which was now the fourth since the show’s revival in early 2021, premiered on Paramount+ and BBC iPlayer on 25 August 2022, with episodes airing weekly on BBC Two from 27 August.

While following the same basic template as the last few seasons, that of 13x45 minute cutdowns of early Doctor Who, with CGI enhancements and remastered video and audio, the season also differed (somewhat controversially) with how it handled The Key to Time.

The previous season of Doctor Who: Remastered had covered Robot to The Hand of Fear, so naturally, this season began with The Deadly Assassin. Like with The Three Doctors, The Deadly Assassin featured new CGI exteriors of Gallifrey, based upon the design used primarily in Panopticon.

The fourth episode, The Talons of Weng-Chiang, offered a conundrum for Michael Brown (the showrunner of Remastered). For numerous reasons, mainly involving (but not limited to) the original serial’s use of “yellowface” make-up for the character of Li H'sen Chang (as played by white actor, John Bennett), it would be difficult for Paramount to justify releasing a “new” TV release using

such a depiction, without intense criticism. Brown did consider dropping The Talons of Weng-Chiang altogether, but its status as a fan-favourite, and a highlight of the era, also made things difficult. During this period, Brown met with Doctor Who’s former Producer, Philip Hinchcliffe, to discuss his thoughts about how to tackle it. Hinchcliffe suggested that instead of dropping the serial altogether, perhaps the story could be rephrased with the entire character of Li H'sen Chang being removed altogether. After all, Chang isn’t really in the final two episodes of the story, and the main villain overall becomes Magnus Greel. Additionally, one of the highlights of the story, for fans, was often cited as the characters of Jago and Litefoot, and they don’t actually meet until the final two episodes, so if the story was re-edited to be, mainly, the final two episodes, then a Li H’sen Chang-less episode was entirely possible, with a much higher quantity of Jago and Litefoot, too. The final edited episode did manage to achieve this, with the first 10-15 minutes, or so, pulling footage from Parts 1-4 and the rest from Parts 5-6. The episode did still carry a warning, however, as many “chinese” extras appear, and are depicted in a racist manner, but the most blatantly racist presence, in the story, had been removed entirely, with Chang’s only mention being his poster on the wall next to the TARDIS.

The rest of the season was pretty plain sailing until Episode

EPISODE 1

The Deadly Assassin written by Robert Holmes directed by David Maloney

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 27 August 2022

EPISODE 2

The Face of Evil written by Chris Boucher directed by Pennant Roberts

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 3 September 2022

EPISODE 3

The Robots of Death written by Chris Boucher directed by Michael E. Briant

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 10 September 2022

EPISODE 4

The Talons of Weng-Chiang written by Robert Holmes directed by David Maloney

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 17 September 2022

EPISODE 5

Horror of Fang Rock written by Terrance Dicks directed by Paddy Russell

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 24 September 2022

EPISODE 6

The Invisible Enemy written by Bob Baker and Dave Martin directed by Derrick Goodwin

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 1 October 2022

EPISODE 7

Image of the Fendahl written by Chris Boucher directed by George Spenton-Foster

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 8 October 2022

EPISODE 8

The Sun Makers written by Robert Holmes directed by Pennant Roberts

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 15 October 2022

EPISODE 9

Underworld written by Bob Baker and Dave Martin directed by Norman Stewart

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 22 October 2022

EPISODE 10

The Key to Time, Part One written by Douglas Adams, Robert Holmes, Graham Williams and Anthony Read directed by Pennant Roberts, George Spenton-Foster and Gerald Blake

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 9 October 2022

EPISODE 11

The Key to Time, Part Two

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 5 November 2022

EPISODE 12

The Key to Time, Part Three

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 12 November 2022

EPISODE 12

The Key to Time, Part Four

Paramount+ | 25 August 2022

BBC Two | 19 November 2022

10, when, controversially, Doctor Who: Remastered, changed things about, quite a bit. Episode 10, 11, 12 and 13 were titled “The Key to Time” and then “Part One” to “Part Four”, with the entirety of Season 16 edited into just four parts, making up the back half of the season. However, not only did these four episodes incorporate the 26 episodes from Season 16, but also the 6 episodes of The Invasion of Time. Yes, Episode 9 had been Underworld (which, by the way, had a lot of new CGI), and then Episode 10 was straight into this Invasion of Time/Key to Time hybrid edit.

The editing was quite clever, with the opening scene of the White Guardian meeting the

Doctor, editing together with the opening scene, from The Invasion of Time, of Leela waiting for the Doctor (as he met someone mysterious) in the TARDIS. After that, the action cut to Gallifrey, and there’s a lot of Invasion of Time stuff, before the Doctor and Leela get split up and then the Doctor goes back into the TARDIS and meets Romana, and they go off and The Ribos Operation and The Pirate Planet takes place. Meanwhile, all the stuff with Leela and the Outsiders with Rodan happens, intercut with all of that. Episode 11 then does the same, with The Stones of Blood and The Androids of Tara (with the Doctor and Romana) while the Leela plot continues on Gallifrey. Episode 12 then features all of The Power of Kroll, and all but the final scenes of The Armageddon Factor, while the Gallifrey plot with the Vardans gets into a position where it can come to an ending, as soon as the Doctor arrives back, which happens at the very end of the episode, as he quickly sorts out the Vardans, leaving Episode 12 cliff hanging with the Sontarans arriving. Episode 13 does the final two parts of The Invasion of Time, taking a brief detour, at the end to wrap up The Key to Time plot, with the final scenes of The Armageddon Factor featuring. An entirely new sequence (again, controversially) was produced to end the episode, using body doubles and CGI, which saw the

Key to Time itself, draining Romana’s lifeforce, and killing her, causing her to regenerate (with the modern effect) and become Romana II, as played by Lalla Ward. While both Lalla Ward and Mary Tamm were achieved using deepfake technology, and Tamm’s voice was synthesised during this short scene, Ward did reprise her role by providing new Romana’s first line in ADR. The regeneration scene was scripted by Jane Espenson and directed by Graeme Harper. It was the most expensive sequence that Doctor Who: Remastered had produced, in its 9 season history, and had an extremely mixed reaction from the fandom. The entire Key to Time four-parter looked incredibly expensive, with a lot of the stuff of Leela outside on Gallifrey featuring CGI and set extensions to make Gallifrey look like it did in Season 41-43 and Panopticon. The “Remastered” portion of this serial was extensive.

It was announced, following the broadcast of Episode 13 on BBC Two, that the series would be returning for a tenth season in Spring 2023, and cover Destiny of the Daleks to Logopolis, rounding out the Fourth Doctor era.

WIDWWA

written by David Fisher, Graham Williams and Anthony Read directed by Darrol Blake, Michael Hayes and Gerald Blake

written by Robert Holmes, Bob Baker, Dave Martin, Graham Williams and Anthony Read directed by Norman Stewart, Michael Hayes and Gerald Blake

written by Bob Baker, Dave Martin, Graham Williams, Anthony Read and Jane Espenson directed by Michael Hayes, Gerald Blake and Graeme Harper

"It was the most expensive sequence that DOCTOR WHO: REMASTERED had produced"

"With NathanTurner now aware that Season 27 would be his last, he suddenly decided that he wanted a lot more control on this season..."

JANUARY 1990 JOHN NATHAN-TURNER TAKES BACK CONTROL

As 1990 loomed, Season 27 was starting to fall into place. With filming beginning at the start of April, most of the scripts for the planned season had now been commissioned. Alixion was to be the first serial of the season, with Ice Time as the second, Night Thoughts as the third and the, as-yet-untitled, Ian Briggs serial as the fourth and final outing. However, almost as soon as this was decided, a spanner was stuck in the works as it seemed… producer, John Nathan-Turner, had woken up.

John Nathan-Turner had always been very hands-on as producer of Doctor Who in his early days, but following the 1985 cancellation order from Michael Grade, and the loss of, script editor, Eric Saward in 1986, Nathan-Turner began to step back and allow, new script editor, Andrew Cartmel to essentially be the de-facto showrunner. However, with Nathan-Turner

now aware that Season 27 would be his last, he suddenly decided that he wanted a lot more control on this season, than the previous three, and that he wanted it to act as a definitive send-off for his era. This began with Nathan-Turner insisting that Ben Aaronovitch’s proposed serial, Earth Aid, a Star Trek-inspired space opera, be put back into the season’s roster. It was initially scrapped because Cartmel thought that realising it would make the story look very “cheap” but Nathan-Turner had his heart set on including it. Additionally, while Cartmel had worked with the writers to develop a possible outline for a new companion, they had decided that they would leave that to a new production team. Nathan-Turner had other ideas, wanting a lasting legacy to continue through to the next season, and asked Cartmel to revisit the idea of Ace departing in the middle of the season and intro-

ducing a new companion for the final two stories. The character that Cartmel and Aaronovitch had conceived was a posh upper-class cat burglar, who could be introduced in a much-adapted version of Night Thoughts, and Nathan-Turner had just the actor in mind for the character.

This, in turn, meant that the season line-up now looked like Earth Aid as the opener, Ian Briggs’ untitled story as the second serial (but without the Doctor regenerating), Night Thoughts as the third and Alixion as the second. This did, however, mean the Ice Warrior serial, Ice Time, which Nathan-Turner particularly wanted in the season had to be dropped. Nathan-Turner wasn’t happy and insisted that it go back in but Cartmel explained that the only way would be to drop Night Thoughts, but, if that was the case, then the new companion concept wouldn’t “fit” into Ice Time nicely, and a new concept

would probably have to be used. Nathan-Turner then suggested replacing Ian Briggs’ untitled story, which would’ve written out Ace, with Ice Time. Cartmel wasn’t happy as Ian Briggs was Ace’s creator and that denying him the chance to write out the character wasn’t something he wanted to do, but Nathan-Turner insisted and Ice Time became the second serial. Now the season looked like… Earth Aid, Ice Time, Night Thoughts and Alixion .

Soon after, things changed again, as writer, Edward Young (who may or may not have been using a pseudonym) wasn’t happy with the proposed changes to his story to introduce new companion, Katie (a name that Nathan-Turner had adapted from the originally proposed Kate). Cartmel, therefore, decided that, because he was so impressed with Night Thoughts, he’d commission the story as the holdover story for Season 28, and that another would replace it in the Season 27 line-up.

Initially, Cartmel approached Ian Briggs again and wondered if the idea for his Ace-exit story could be rejigged to introduce new companion, Katie. Briggs said that it wasn’t really possible and that the story was fundamentally one about Ace. Cartmel then looked back over the, previously rejected, ideas for the season and found an early idea by Kevin Clarke (who had written Silver Nemesis). The idea was in its very early formation, but Cartmel trusted Clarke’s ability to turn around a script, so asked him to write it with the added stipulation that the story had to be set in an upper-class mansion and feature, new companion, Katie, as a cat burglar.

Finally, Alixion wasn’t safe even from Nathan-Turner’s in-

terference. Despite this story being carried over from Season 26, Nathan-Turner was concerned that having his final story, and Sylvester’s final story, set on an alien planet might not quite work. He wanted something more akin to Logopolis or, more recently, Battlefield. Nathan-Turner wanted something grounded and ideally something that featured UNIT. Thus, Cartmel turned to an idea he had called Blood and Iron, and looked for a writer to commission a script. However, Nathan-Turner and Ben Aaronvitch both suggested that Cartmel should write the serial himself, as it was his final one and he hadn’t had the opportunity, that most other script editors had had, to write an actual story. Thus Cartmel was pencilled in to write the final adventure of the series.

Now, after all of these changes, before production began in April, the season now looked like: Earth Aid, Ice Time, Crime of the Century and Blood and Iron. It was decided that, due to production logistics, Ice Time would be produced first as a Studio/Location production fourparter; then Earth Aid would be produced entirely in studio as a three-parter; then the same director would shoot Crime of the Century was an all-location three-parter; finally, the season would end with Blood and Iron produced as a Studio/Location four-parter. John Nathan-Turner also organised a mini-Doctor Who convention to take place at one of the locations for Blood and Iron, the day after filming wrapped to act as a JNT-era wrap party.

Meanwhile, Michael Wearing was working with Nathan-Turner and others in the serials de-

partment to appoint a successor. Nathan-Turner suggested to Wearing that, production manager, Ian Fraser would make a good producer and deserved the promotion and opportunity. Nathan-Turner also explained that much the same had happened to him and his previous inside-knowledge of the show had helped him immensely. However, Wearing was more keen to scout a new producer from outside the current Doctor Who production team. Unfortunately, everyone Wearing approached, politely and sometimes impolitely, turned him down. This meant that the appointment of the next producer took a considerable number of months, before finally in June, Wearing agreed to Nathan-Turner’s idea, and appointed Ian Fraser as Doctor Who’s new producer. Wearing wondered if Nathan-Turner might stay on as an Executive Producer for the next season but Nathan-Turner said that “when I go, I have to go”. Wearing instead decided that he’d just make sure that he’d keep a closer eye on the show during the development and production of its next run of episodes.

WIDWWA

"

Unfortunately, everyone Wearing approached, politely and sometimes impolitely, turned him down."

PART ONE

In the vastness of space, the Space Vessel Vancouver is on a mission. Ace, the captain, and her crew members Yanikov and Shepstay are informed of their arrival at Lilliput. As they near the planet, the crew detects an unidentified craft approaching Lilliput. They attempt to establish contact, but there is no response.

Ace, accompanied by the Doctor, heads to her quarters to receive updates on the situation. While discussing the matter, Ace expresses her concern that Yanikov doesn't trust her. The Doctor dismisses her worries, and they reveal that they are working undercover in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, on the bridge, Yanikov voices his mistrust of Ace to Shepstay. Suddenly, the scanner picks up gunfire from the unknown ship. Yanikov reports this to Shepstay, who orders everyone to do their jobs.

Ace and the boarding party, led by Lieutenant Baraki, head to Lilliput to investigate the situation. The Doctor thinks it's unnecessary for the troops to arm themselves. Upon arriving, Ace splits the party into two groups to cover more ground. While

investigating the banquet area, Ace and the Doctor find that all the food is still warm, indicating that something has happened to the crew. Lt. Baraki contacts Ace, informing her and the Doctor that they have discovered someone using the showers.

Ace and the Doctor rush to the shower area to investigate. They find one shower left on, but nobody is using it. Baraki then contacts Ace, informing her that someone is using a rowing machine in the gym. The Doctor, Ace, Baraki, and the troops enter the gym to find Victor Espinosa, an aid worker, singing while using a rowing machine. Baraki confirms his identity. When questioned about what happened, Victor refuses to speak. He demands to be taken to the sickbay, or else he will lead them to the armoury where it all started.

In the armoury, the Doctor, Ace, and Baraki hide behind a rack while Victor fires his gun at them. Victor claims that he needs the gun to survive. The Doctor tries to convince him to put the gun down, but Victor refuses. Ace suggests that they shoot the gun out of Victor's hand and take him out. Ace tells the Doctor and Baraki to keep Victor talking while she goes to find an air duct. The Doctor

tells Victor that they can't leave him behind as he holds the key to the crew's disappearance. Victor claims he doesn't know what happened, but the Doctor points out that he knows more than he's letting on. Ace suddenly appears from behind and shoots the gun out of Victor's hand. Baraki handcuffs him, and the Doctor insists on taking him with them to answer some questions.

Back on the Vancouver, in

sickbay, Victor sits with his injured hand being bandaged by the Doctor. Victor explains that he acted in self-defence but refuses to reveal what happened, claiming it is too horrifying to relive. He pleads with the Doctor not to push him to reveal more. As they speak, Baraki enters and requests to speak with the Doctor.

Baraki asks the Doctor if he believes Victor's story, to which the Doctor replies that he suspects Victor knows more than he is letting on. When Baraki inquires about Victor's role, the Doctor reveals that Victor has been assigned to the Lilliput to manage the grain supply and agricultural machinery for the planet Safensthome. However, the Doctor discovers that while there are only five containers of machinery, Victor arrived with six.

Baraki realises that they need to investigate the mystery container. With a cutting tool in hand, Baraki cautiously cuts through the container, warning the Doctor of potential booby traps. Upon entry, they discover traces of consumed food and scratch marks on the walls. The Doctor grows concerned that something is alive inside the container but is no longer there.

PART TWO

TheDoctor and Baraki search for clues inside a container, and find small oxygen cylinders that explain how someone inside was able to breathe. Baraki suggests they search the whole ship for the mystery intruder, but they receive a call from her communicator saying that sickbay is in lockdown and Victor has locked himself inside. The Doctor goes to the sickbay and finds Victor

holding a scalpel while singing. The Doctor convinces Baraki to let him handle the situation, and he enters the sickbay, claiming he has a headache. Victor lets him in but becomes annoyed when the Doctor reveals he doesn't have a headache and starts asking questions. Victor denies knowing anything about the sixth container or the mysterious passenger. Baraki storms in with her men and places Victor under arrest. The Doctor tells Baraki he thinks Victor is somehow linked to the disappearance of the crew and suggests they inform Ace.

On the Vancouver, Yanikov and Shepstay inform Ace that they've got nothing on the bogey, and Yanikov believes the ship may be hostile. Baraki contacts Ace privately and updates her on the situation. Ace wants to head back over to the Lilliput, but the Doctor tells her to stay put and lead the crew. Ace asks if he's coming back, to which he replies that he needs to investigate. Shepstay suddenly calls for Ace, saying they've picked

up the bogey. The Doctor gives Ace instructions on interstellar combat before she heads back to the bridge.

Meanwhile, Baraki suggests the Doctor return to Vancouver, but he insists on staying to investigate further. He thinks Victor is hiding something and has an agenda, despite Victor's denials.

Ace asks about the mysterious bogey, but Yanikov and Shepstay say they have no information about it. Shepstay thinks the bogey is being hidden and that the pilot is using technology that is invisible to the Vancouver's scanners. Yanikov believes the ship may be hostile. When Ace asks why he thinks that, he says there is no other reason to hide. Lt. Baraki tells Ace that the Doctor wants to talk to her privately. Ace goes to her quarters, and the Doctor updates her on the situation, warning her not to go back to the Lilliput. Ace argues that there may not even be a ship, but the Doctor says that there is, and she needs to lead the Vancouver crew. The Doctor then gives her instructions on interstellar combat, and Ace returns to the bridge.

Baraki suggests that the Doctor returns to the Vancouver, but the Doctor refuses. Baraki then tells the Doctor that she doesn't trust him or Ace, and that she thinks their credentials are fake. She also warns the Doctor that Yanikov is getting suspicious. The Doctor reminds her that the grain silo has not been searched.

On the Vancouver, Yanikov argues with Ace about the bogey when suddenly it reappears. Yanikov says it's big and matches nothing in their database. Ace wonders if it's a warship, and Yanikov says it could be. The vessel starts heading towards

the Vancouver.

The Doctor, Victor, and Baraki go to the grain silo. Victor explains that he is just an aid worker and doesn't know anything. The Doctor and Baraki do not believe him. Baraki wonders if the Doctor is secretly working with Victor and if they're part of a rival organisation.

Ace tells the Doctor that she thinks they're in trouble and asks about Delta-V reserves. The Doctor explains it to her, and she realises that they'll be able to go faster if they have low fuel reserves. Shepstay informs Ace that the mysterious vessel is no longer on a reverse interception course and has changed headings.

The Doctor, Baraki, and Victor reach the airlock and are wearing spacesuits. They enter the grain silo and meet three insectoid-like aliens hanging upside down, stuck to the ceiling by some type of goo. The main alien introduces himself as a Metatraxi. He then tries taunting Baraki into firing at him, but the Doctor stops her. The Metatraxi attempt to taunt the Doctor, but he ignores them.

Baraki asks what he's doing, insisting that the Metatraxi are responsible for the crew vanishing. The Doctor insists that he just wants to look at the grain before racing through the door into the access corridor and shutting it.

On the Vancouver, Shepstay and Yanikov continue to track the vessel. Shepstay insists that they accelerate to pursue the vessel, but Ace points out that they don't know if they should pursue. Yanikov tells her that he's having no luck getting a response, telling Ace that they can hear them, they just don't want to respond. Ace orders a missile to be fired. Shepstay asks

why and Ace tells her that it's to fire a warning shot and get their attention. Shepstay says they can't. Yanikov then tells Ace that the vessel has a new heading, and after Ace asks where it's heading, he tells her it's heading for the Lilliput and straight towards the grain silo.

PART THREE

Yanikov reports that the ship won't collide with the grain silo, leaving Ace relieved. Shepstay reports that they're attaching lines to the Lilliput and towing it away, leaving Ace confused before suggesting they follow it.

The Doctor reaches the silo door with a keypad requiring a password. He guesses correctly, Demeter, the Goddess of wheat. The light reveals piles of grain with worm-like creatures emerging. The creatures introduce themselves as Grub from the planet Safensthome. They stowed away, stuck the crew to the walls, and were kicked out of their planet for eating all the food. The main door slams shut.

Victor is meddling with the keypad when Baraki stops him before demanding he open the door. The Doctor runs out and explains about the Grub and crew's location. He advises Baraki to get food to distract the Grub and use gel to free the crew. Baraki agrees.

On th Vancouver, ships approach a planet that Shepstay confirms is Safensthome. Yanikov is relieved they're at their destination. Ace is confused by the inhabitants' cheeky behavior.

In the silo, Baraki's troops free who they think are the crew. They're actually the Metatraxi, who ambush and kill Baraki's

troops. The Doctor and Baraki attempt to run, but the Metatraxi corner them. Victor is revealed as a traitor, working with the Metatraxi.

The Metatraxi and Victor frogmarch The Doctor and Baraki on to the Lilliput's Bridge. Victor reveals he's fighting the injustices of politics behind food aid but admits he's doing it for money. Victor forces a headset on Baraki's head, communicating with sentient planets, which only works with women. Baraki goes into a trance.

On the Vancouver, Yanikov detects a dozen ships heading towards them, a war fleet.

The Metatraxi leader reveals Safensthome is their home planet. They plan to take the crews to their battle arena and "taunt them to death." The planet evolved the Metatraxi to combat the Grub. They constantly fight wars, leaving the planet safe and plentiful.

On the Vancouver, the ship is coming under heavy fire from the war fleet. Ace asks Yanikov to patch her through to the main

battle ship. A Metatraxi replies, introducing his race. Ace introduces herself and reveals that she's fighting against them. The Metatraxi orders his fleet to retreat, seeing it as an insult that a woman would challenge them.

In the Metatraxi battle arena, dozens of Metatraxi cheer as the Doctor is forced inside. He confronts the Metatraxi leader who verbally taunts him. At first, the words have no effect, but soon the Doctor is on his knees, mentally exhausted as the Metatraxi leader taunts him for allowing his friends to die. He's saved when the Vancouver arrives. Ace calls down to them, flying the ship over to the Lilliput, grabbing the grain silo and emptying it, releasing the grain and Grub onto the planet. The Grub are happy and rejoice at being back on Safensthome. Several Metatraxi wish to kill the Grub, but the planet tells them not to. The Grub reveals that they’ve learned their lesson and wish to return home. The Metatraxi believe they'll devour everything and beg the planet to let them kill the Grub. The planet refuses, stating that the Grub are their brothers and both should get along. The Metatraxi reluctantly agree. The Doctor then leaves, since this is a family affair.

Later on, both the Doctor and Ace are safely inside the TARDIS. Ace asks the Doctor if he thinks the Metatraxi and Grub will get along. The Doctor believes that they will, saying that the strangest people get on. Ace remarks that if they don't, the planet could always evolve a third race to kick them both off. She then asks how Baraki enjoyed essentially being a planet and the Doctor reveals that he thinks she missed it once they removed the headset, but got

great satisfaction from placing Victor in irons. Ace asks Doctor if he knew about everything all along like he usually does. The Doctor claims he did, but when Ace presses him he reveals that for once, he knew absolutely nothing. Ace says that it makes a nice change and hopes that he keeps it up.

DEVELOPMENT

In 1989, Doctor Who script editor Andrew Cartmel and writer Ben Aaronovitch began developing the concept for a new story idea, which would eventually become the serial Earth Aid. The story was originally conceived as a way to showcase Ace, the Doctor's companion, in a leading role, and was inspired by the popular science fiction series Star Trek.

However, the idea was initially dismissed by Cartmel, who was concerned that the story's ambitious scope and elaborate special effects would be too costly for the BBC's budget. It was only after producer John Nathan-Turner expressed a strong interest in the idea that the project was given the green light.

Aaronovitch returned to the script and fleshed out the story, incorporating elements of a strong-villain concept that he and Cartmel had previously developed.

PRODUCTION

The supporting cast for this serial was made up of largely unknown actors, with much of John Nathan-Turner's stunt-casting reserved for later stories. Paterson Joseph, who played Victor Espinosa, had some television and theater experience in the UK, but wasn't anywhere near

a well-known face. Cartmel had been keen to cast a black actor in a leading-role during the season and this went to Joseph. Sabina Franklyn, who played Shepstay, had a few television credits to her name. Michael Keating, who played Yanikov, was best known for his role as Vila in the science fiction series Blake's 7, which Nathan-Turner often stole actors from, and also starred in The Sun Makers back in 1977. Sasha Mitchell, who played Baraki, was a relatively new actor with only a handful of television credits. Peter Tuddenham, who played the voice Metatraxi, had a long career as a voice actor for the BBC. Simon Coady, who played the Grub, was also a relatively unknown actor at the time.

The creatures in this story were achieved using costumes, much like the ones used in Battlefield and the Curse of Fenric, the previous season. However, the Metatraxi were not voiced by the performers in the costumes but instead by veteran voice actor, Peter Tuddenham. The realisation of the creatures worked surprisingly well and many were eagerly impressed.

The serial recieved viewing figures of 4.30m for Part One, 4.70m for Part Two and 4.60m for Part Three.

WIDWWA

“Cartmel had been keen to cast a black actor in a leading-role during the season and this went to Paterson Joseph”

PART ONE

London, 1967. Two scientists, Eugene and Jack, experiment with an Ice Lord helmet on a human subject in a laboratory. Major Felton observes and orders them to continue their work despite the test subject dying from spasms. The Doctor is approached by Ace near the Thames, demanding to know why they're in London. They head towards a nearby cafe. At the local train station, Sam Tollinger gets off a train and meets Anna Carlton, who is to escort him to the Ritz hotel. At the cafe, Eugene reveals that the Doctor and Ace have been hired to steal something from the Tower of London. The Doctor and Ace chase after Eugene but find him dead due to sonic weaponry from the Ice Warriors. They are soon escorted to the Ritz hotel where Ace discovers a code leading the Doctor to conclude that it's a message for Sam. At the auction, Sam meets the Doctor and Ace, who give him the secret code. Felton arrives, and Anna tells him about the Doctor and Ace. The Doctor realises that Sam has come to steal something from the Tower of London with the help of Anna and Felton. He offers to help

them, knowing that they don't have a safecracker.

The Doctor attempts to discover what MI6 is developing, but Eugene shows him a jewelled egg that MI6 has been studying. Suddenly, the egg begins beeping and flashing, and Eugene tells the Doctor it is primed, running out of the cafe with the egg in hand. The Doctor and Ace follow him, but they find Eugene dead after a loud sonic blast. The Doctor explains that the blast came from the Ice Warriors, and they are then blocked by three motorcyclists wearing Ice Warrior helmets. A man approaches them, ushering them into his car and taking them to the Ritz hotel.

Ace discovers a code on the back of a banknote for Ten Pounds, leading the Doctor to conclude that it's a message to be passed on to Sam Tollinger. Anna tells Sam that Eugene had been killed after taking something from the Tower of London Vault. The Doctor believes that the government is hiding treasures from a spaceship that crashed two years ago and are hoping to use them to help Britain better defend its borders in this dangerous age. Sam has a plan to steal the treasures, and the Doctor offers to join and help them.

The Doctor goes to a far corner and begins having a telepathic conference with an unknown voice. The voice states that 'They' have been observing, and the Doctor asks what the Adjudicator's decision is.

Ace is at a table talking with Sam, explaining how she's the defence part of the operation. Sam asks if she can blow down a thick steel door, to which Ace replies she can with Nitro-9, but tells Sam he's still not getting

the numbers yet. A voice suddenly calls out to Sam from his pocket, Ace asks about it, but Sam claims it's nothing and asks Ace to tell Anna to hold down the fort until he gets back. He then abruptly leaves.

The voice tells the Doctor that 'They've' considered his application and while it is highly irregular since Ace isn’t from Gallifrey, they accept the Doctor's offer, but they want Ace to pass a series of tests first. The Doctor realises that the tests are already happening which is why he and Ace are in London and why they weren't arrested. The Time Lord voice states that the assessment has already begun. The Doctor feels that it's dangerous, warning them that Ace is unprepared, but the voice reminds the Doctor that it was he who set up the first task to retrieve the alien artefact. The Doctor suggests that he could keep an eye on her, but the voice tells the Doctor that he's forbidden from interfering and that Ace must take the test on her own. The voice ends the conversation, the Doctor calling out to it, saying that he doesn’t want Ace hurt.

In a hotel room in London, Sam anxiously paces back and forth as Hhessh, an Ice Lord, emerges from a futuristic-looking storage unit. Hhessh complains about the stuffy room, and Sam tries to calm him down, reminding him that they need to stay hidden. Hhessh is frustrated that the air conditioning is broken and he's been defrosted too early, demanding to know how long he's been asleep and when their mission will be. Sam informs him that the mission is tomorrow night, but Hhessh insists on stepping outside, finding the heat unbearable. Sam convinces him to stay inside, offering him fish fin-

gers and promising that there's always tomorrow.

Hhessh declares that soon the relics of Sezhyr will be returned, but their conversation is interrupted by a knock at the door. Sam panics and shoves Hhessh into the bathroom before answering the door to find Ace standing there. Sam grabs her by the ear, demanding to know why she's there, and Ace admits that she wants to know what he's really up to.

Hhessh emerges from the bathroom, shocked to see Ace there. He demands to know how many more humans know about his presence, and when Sam tries to answer, Hhessh cuts him off, accusing him of jeopardising their mission. Hhessh declares that Ace must be eliminated, aiming his wrist at her menacingly.

PART TWO

Sam stops Hhessh from killing Ace, but Hhessh wants her silenced. Ace reveals that others know about the mission, which angers Hhessh, and demands to know how many more. Ace tells him the Doctor knows and that he sent her up to investigate. Hhessh asks if the Doctor is another alien, and Ace confirms he's from Mars. Sam reveals Ace is their explosives expert, and Hhessh wants to know how much Sam has told her. The Doctor heads towards the room, and Anna leads him to the vault's location. Anna asks about the Doctor's involvement, and he reveals it's for personal gain. The Doctor asks about Sam, but Anna says she's paid not to ask questions. Hhessh is destroying the listening bugs in the room with Ace's help, and the Doctor arrives with Anna. Hhessh is initially furious and

attempts to shoot them, but Sam stops him, revealing they're on the team. Hhessh explains that he's here to recover the lost relics of his people. The Doctor agrees to help as long as Hhessh and his people take the relics away from Earth. Hhessh storms off to the fire escape, and Sam warns that the whole job is scrubbed if Hhessh is seen. Ace and the Doctor talk, and he admits that he doesn't like not being in charge. Ace agrees to take responsibility, and the Doctor warns her that everyone has their own agenda.

Sam tells Anna that Hhessh is running the show, and Anna is worried about Felton finding out. Sam reassures her and says they wouldn't be suspicious if Eugene hadn't tried to break in. Hhessh contacts an Ice Warrior named Glarva and asks if he's in position. Glarva replies that he is. Hhessh orders him to relay that the first part of the mission is complete and then warns him that the humans are ill-disciplined, untrustworthy, and not true warriors. Ace brings Hhessh his food, and they start

talking.

Ace asks Hhessh why he and his group of Ice Warriors came to Earth. Hhessh explains that they have been exiled to Earth for the past forty-three years. Ace asks how many there are, and Hhessh replies that there are seven old warriors, including himself, but their suffering will end with the recovery of their long-lost relics. Ace apologizes for the Doctor's overprotectiveness, and Hhessh remarks that the Doctor is an old warrior too.

In the room, the Doctor asks Anna to run through the plan one more time. Raine explains that they'll attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony at eleven, make a quick exit at twelve-fifty, then meet Jack with the crate, truck and contents, and he'll drive them through the Tower of London's front gates. Felton enters and informs the Doctor that he checked their papers and it seems that he and Ace were indeed overlooked. After chatting for a bit, he leaves, making Anna and Sam realise that he knows, but the Doctor points out that he could just be slightly suspicious. Ace comes through and explains that she's gone through the plan with Hhessh, and he's ready.

At the entrance to the Tower of London, Felton persuades the beefeaters to let the group pass through. Felton wants to minimise the commotion, but if they deviate, he will close the trap. He tells them they will be giving Britain the greatest prize of all.

The Doctor is in a void speaking with the voice of the Adjudicator, expressing his concern about Ace's safety. The Adjudicator assures him there has been no disruption to the timeline and no other humans have noticed. The Doctor objects, feeling they have caused a temporal disruption and put

Ace in danger. The Adjudicator points out that the Doctor does not lead a blameless life, but the Doctor disagrees. The Adjudicator ends the conversation, and the Doctor heads to the parade with Sam. They have a small chat regarding weapons, and the Doctor remarks that Hhessh's arrival has caused chaos.

Anna shows Ace the factory workers from her home in Manchester. Ace wonders if London is truly as great as Anna claims. Anna reveals the struggle, and after the mission, she plans to move to London as Manchester isn't where she wants to live, in poverty. She then reveals she is fifteen weeks pregnant, and Ace realizes that Sam is the father. Ace assures her that Sam will be fine but insists that Anna tells Sam. Felton appears, and the Doctor claims they are admiring military weaponry. Felton shows off the powerful rockets with nuclear warheads, saying he's proud of what Britain has achieved, and then leaves. Ace believes that Felton thinks they won't go through with the plan, but Anna says there's no turning back now.

Hhessh is inside a crate, talking with Glarva, who informs him that they have tracked his position. Hhessh asks how far away their destination is, stating that the crate is unbearable. Glarva tells him they're approaching the Citadel.

The Doctor, Ace, Sam, and Anna are in the back of the van, which according to Anna, is now at the gates. Sam is worried about Hhessh, but Ace says she talked to him, and he's agreed to set his sonic gun to stun. Jack lets the group out, and they place the crate on a trolley. Ace asks Anna if she's okay, and Anna says it's just nerves. They wheel the trolley into the build-

ing, which is unusually deserted and quiet. They enter a lift. Jack tells the group that the vault containing the relics is in the armoury.

The Doctor, Ace, Sam, and Anna are in the back of a van, which has arrived at the gates of a building containing valuable relics. Sam is worried about Hhessh, but Ace reassures him that Hhessh has agreed to use his stun gun. They unload the crate onto a trolley and head inside the deserted building.

In the lift, Jack tells them the relics are in the armory. The Doctor and Ace plan to leave, but Sam lets Hhessh out of the crate, causing Jack to flee in fear. Hhessh is initially aggressive, but Ace and Anna calm him down. The Doctor and Hhessh express distrust for each other. The group heads to the vault, but the combination given to them doesn't work. The Doctor tries and discovers that someone has reset the combination. Ace has a spare Nitro-9 canister, and they use it to open the vault.

Hhessh marvels at the treasures, in particular Sezhyr's helmet and armour. We learn that Sezhyr was the first martial of the Ice Army and that he was the one to end what Hhessh refers to as the Great Dust Rebellion. The Doctor quickly starts piling the relics into the crate.The Doctor starts packing the relics into the crate, but Felton and his men arrive. Felton wants to use Hhessh as a specimen and orders his men to capture him. Hhessh starts stunning them, and Sam punches Felton. Hhessh suggests using Felton as a human shield. The Doctor seals the crate, and the group tries to escape.

They run to the van, with the crate in tow, and the Doctor drives off with Felton's men in

pursuit. They drive through the parade, and Hhessh shoots at the men from the back of the van. The Doctor drives onto the frozen River Thames, stopping Felton's men. Hhessh contacts Glarva, and they request his intervention. A British spaceship arrives to transport them away.

Sam decides to leave, shocking Anna, and the Doctor orders everyone out of the van. Ace tells Sam she's pregnant with his child, and a tractor beam suddenly shines down on the van, transporting it away.

PART THREE

The Doctor is once again in the void and is contacted by the Adjudicator, who expresses displeasure with his interference. The Doctor argues that he doesn't want to risk Ace's life, but the Adjudicator reminds him that he set up the test. The Doctor asks to be taken back and the Adjudicator agrees but warns him that his involvement will be terminated if he meddles again.

Ace wakes the Doctor up in a Martian ship. They are on the helm, and the TARDIS, along with a big chunk of the frozen Thames, had also been dragged up. Ace feels that she messed up badly by telling Sam, and the Doctor reveals that he knows about Sam and Anna's child and that it will be a girl.

Sam demands to know why Anna never told him about the baby and asks how she knew it was even his. But Anna is holding Sezhyr's helmet and muttering to herself that she feels as if it's staring at her. The Doctor comes over and tries to get her to put it down. There is suddenly some muffled banging, followed by Felton's voice calling out.

Felton accuses them of work-

ing with Hhessh, to which Ace states that the Doctor works for nobody. Hhessh walks in and orders Felton to stop harassing the Doctor, who is no longer in his employment, which Ace claims puts him in his place. Felton asks what they want, but Hhessh ignores him and orders Glarva to get the relics from the van. A scream is suddenly heard coming from the van, and Ace realises it's Anna. The group runs in the direction of the van.

Sam is kneeling over Anna, who's lying on the floor, wearing Sezhyr's helmet. The Doctor and the others arrive, and Sam says he tried to stop her but that she just put it on. The Doctor attempts to pull it off, but Sam says that he's tried and that it's jammed on. The Doctor notes that Anna's temperature is going up. Ace points out that leaving the helmet around was a mistake. The Doctor explains that the helmet is part of a Martian exoskeleton and that it's melding with Anna's body.

Back on the flight deck, Hhessh wonders what humans will think of their intervention while Glarva suggests purging the helmet of "human scum." Hhessh rejects this idea and thinks the helmet is part of Sezhyr's plan. In the van, Anna's condition worsens, and Ace realizes that she needs food. The Doctor advises Ace to stay with Anna and Sam and leaves the van. Sam follows the Doctor and encounters Felton, who asks about the TARDIS. The Doctor inquires about the Ice Warriors' destination, but Felton doesn't give an answer. Felton believes that the helmet will kill Anna, but the Doctor refuses to help him. Back in the van, Anna goes into labor.

Anna gives birth with the Doctor's help, but when the baby is handed to her, she refuses to accept it, claiming that it's not hers. Sam explains the situation, and the baby cries. The Doctor wraps the baby in a jumper and tries to give it to Anna, but she rejects it. Sam takes the baby and holds her, wondering...

The Doctor, Ace, and Sam step out of the van and find themselves in the presence of Hhessh, an Ice Warrior, who gazes at a baby and declares her to be the next warrior. The Doctor warns Hhessh that he can't predict the baby's future and leaves with Ace and Sam in the TARDIS.

Sezhyr, an Ice Warrior, uses an orb to renew his body as Hhessh and Glarva watch in awe. Ace takes advantage of the distraction to escape from the van and stumbles upon Felton, who demands to know why the Doctor and Sam left her behind. Ace argues that the Doctor had a plan, but Hhessh interrupts and asks where the Doctor and Sam have gone. Ace tells him they have left, but Hhessh informs them

that they have reached the outpost, and it's a great day.

The Ice Warrior ship lands in a cold storage unit, and Hhessh exits, being saluted by seven Ice Warriors. Glarva steps out with the relics of Sezhyr, followed by Ace and Felton. Hhessh explains that this is their last outpost, and they are now guests. One Ice Warrior asks about the Helm of Sezhyr, and Hhessh informs them of Sezhyr's resurrection. Sezhyr exits the ship and declares that he has conquered death itself.

Meanwhile, the Doctor and Sam need to figure out where the ship went and where Sam's boss is based. After a short conversation, Sam says he'll try to get hold of a few contacts.

Back in the cold storage unit, the Ice Warriors want to learn everything from Sezhyr, who, in turn, wants to know why they are hiding away. Glarva questions whether Sezhyr is who he claims to be. Hhessh is enraged by this, but Sezhyr agrees with Glarva and confirms that he is Sezhyr by recounting his many triumphs. During this, Felton and Ace attempt to look for a way out. Glarva claims that they have worshipped the relics, but Sezhyr points out that the energy orbs are gone. Glarva speculates that they may not have survived, but Hhessh states that he saw them and realised that they, along with Ace and Felton, are missing.

Out in a dark corridor, Ace and Felton reach a dead end. The two soon realise that they are in a cold storage facility somewhere in England. Felton then shoves Ace into one of the freezers and locks her in before running off.

Over at Sam's mother's house, Sam informs the Doctor that he has gotten in touch with his

boss and discovered that he is being paid off. He then tells the Doctor that one of his contacts knows somebody who delivers fish fingers to a cold storage facility on the South Bank with a dodgy reputation. This makes the Doctor realise that's where the Ice Warrior ship is, and it's revealed that the Doctor and Sam both have the Martian energy cells. The two head off to the cold storage facility before the army can get there.

Ace is freed from the freezer by Mr. Walters, who takes her to his office to warm up. In the big freezer, Sezhyr learns that they are on Earth and is furious that the Ice Warriors have fled from Mars. Hhessh explains that they fled due to the Ice Armies splitting into factions, and it is revealed that Hhessh and the other Ice Warriors are the last of the old believers. Sezhyr asks if Earth is owned by Mars, but Hhessh explains that it isn't and that when they arrived, the ship carrying Sezhyr's relics crashed. Sezhyr is horrified to learn that they've been getting help from a human, but Hhessh states that the human, who turns out to be Valerie Walters, is also in exile. Sezhyr is outraged and declares that these changes must be put to right and that Earth must be made to recognise who they are.

Over in Walters's office, he and Ace are eating soup which warms Ace up. Ace is questioned by Valerie about what she's going to do about the Ice Warriors, to which Ace answers that she plans to destroy their relics as they need to be stopped. Valerie agrees before stating that if she's accepted into the Prydonian Academy, she would find it easy there. Ace is completely confused by this and it's revealed that Walters is the Adjudicator, but is surprised to learn that Ace

didn’t know about the test, after mentioning that the Doctor believes that going to Gallifrey would be good for her. Ace is shocked and despite Valerie's best efforts to calm her down, she becomes angry that the Doctor set her up, stating that she'll never trust him again.

PART FOUR

Walters tries to tell Ace that he'll understand if she's not ready for the Academy, but Ace angrily says that she's ready and that she wouldn’t want to disappoint the Doctor. She then asks what happens next, and Walters tells her that she must choose and asks who she favours, stating that everything now hangs in the balance.

In the freezer, Sezhyr wishes to leave and asks Hhessh about news from Mars. Hhessh informs him that they've heard nothing in the past forty years and that Earth is now their home. Sezhyr states that with the energy cells they stole from the ship he could return home.

Glarva approaches, holding Felton around the neck. Felton claims that Sezhyr's soldiers stole the cells and that Ace might have them. Glarva reveals that Ace has escaped, angering Sezhyr. Felton promises to deal with the Doctor and Sam, revealing that the British Government has already got agents everywhere. Hhessh disagrees with Felton's proposal, but Sezhyr feels he offers better terms. Felton is released to solve their problem.

Back in Walters's office, Ace demands to know where the Doctor is, causing Walters to think that she suddenly wants to see him again. It's revealed to be Hhessh, who owes Walters a favor for releasing Ace. Hhessh learns that Walters is a Time Lord and after Ace demands more answers, Hhessh agrees to take her for a drive.

The Doctor and Sam are walking along the South End when Felton's motorcycle gang suddenly appear and start riding after them. The Doctor realises that while they may be looking for the Ice Warriors, the Ice Warriors may come looking for them. They run as the gang chases them.

Back in the freezer, Sezhyr orders Glarva to bring him his warrior armour and some vodka as they're going to take this impasse by the throat. Ace and Hhessh have entered the freezer, but both have been restrained by some Ice Warriors. Glarva tells Hhessh that Sezhyr demands his presence.

Ace and Hhessh drive in Walters's Bentley, discussing Sezhyr's disappointing performance. Hhessh explains Sezhyr's tyrant history and asks if Ace is disappointed too. Ace admits she is and laments not being able to trust Sezhyr. Hhessh wonders if he can defy Sezhyr and Ace asks

what they can do to stop him.

The Doctor and Sam hide in an alleyway and notice Motorcycle riders with helmets identical to Sezhyr's. The Doctor realises the British Government are investing in stolen technology and they follow a Bentley that speeds past them. The Motorcycle gang follows, but the Doctor uses a sonic grenade to distract them.

Ace and Hhessh are restrained by Ice Warriors in the freezer. Glarva tells Hhessh that Sezhyr wants to see them both. Hhessh protests that Ace is not involved, and Glarva releases her. Ace runs off after wishing Hhessh luck.

Ace rings Walters's doorbell and is approached by Felton, who asks for her help in finding stolen weapons. Ace refuses, and Felton knocks on the door, revealing an Ice Warrior who captures Ace.

In the freezer, Sezhyr confronts Hhessh about his abandonment of Mars. The Ice Warrior who captured Ace arrives with her, and Sezhyr asks if they will join him or be exiled in shame. Glarva and the others agree to stand by him, but Hhessh remains silent.

Sam tells the Doctor that Felton's gang is all over the place. The Doctor takes the other energy cell from Sam and points out where the Bentley and the Ice Warriors are. As they approach, they see some of the motorcyclists. Felton suddenly appears with his gang and demands the rest of the relics back, revealing his alliance with Sezhyr. The Doctor takes out a sonic grenade and asks about Ace. Felton says if the energy cells aren't handed over, Ace will be killed. Sam's friends show up, leading to a gun battle between them and the motorcyclists, and allowing the Doctor and Sam to head to-

wards the building.

In the freezer, Sezhyr refuses to release Ace and reveals his alliance with Felton. Hhessh tells Sezhyr that he can't trust Felton, but Sezhyr strips Hhessh of his rank and has Ace taken away. Sezhyr orders the other Ice Warriors to follow him and bring Ace along.

The gunfight continues as the Doctor tries to contact Walters. Felton demands they hand over the energy cells, but the Doctor refuses and demands to see Ace. The wall of the building opens and Sezhyr marches out, followed by Glarva and the remaining Ice Warriors. Glarva is holding Ace hostage. Sezhyr tells Felton that their alliance is over and orders Glarva to release Ace. Sam tries to get Ace to come with them but she refuses, instead challenging Sezhyr to a fight to the death in the name of Anna and Hhessh. Sezhyr accepts the challenge and orders the other Ice Warriors to go back inside.

Ace accuses the Doctor of playing with people's lives, so she refuses to walk away. Sam runs off to find Walters who reveals that Ace holds the key to Sam's future.

Sezhyr demands the Doctor hand over the remaining pieces of technology. Ace reveals that she has the orb. Sezhyr attempts to kill both her and the Doctor, but Sam tackles him and they enter a scuffle. Ace throws the

“Ace accuses the Doctor of playing with people's lives, so she refuses to walk away.”

orb at Sezhyr who misses, causing the orb to smash. Sezhyr dies and Anna is restored to life. Glarva takes both energy cells and leaves.

Anna wakes up and asks about the baby. The group exits the building as the ship takes off. The Doctor notices that Ace has vanished and comes to the conclusion that the Time Lords have already taken her. Sam and Anna keep the relics. The Doctor then goes on to say that Katie is special and that he'll be back to see her someday.

The Doctor heads outside and contacts Walters, he asks about Ace and Walters informs him that Ace passed and has been accepted into the Time Lord Academy. The Doctor is pleased and asks if he can see Ace and make his goodbyes, Walters says he can.

At the Time Lord Academy, Ace is in the main hall, now dressed in Gallifreyan robes. The Doctor suddenly appears and wants to talk, but Ace tells him to leave her alone. The Doctor says that he wanted to say goodbye, but Ace just brushes him off. The Doctor notes that she didn't call him Professor and Ace tells him that that's kids stuff, the Doctor says he never got the hang of growing up before apologising and saying that he should have realised that she wasn’t willing to go to the Academy. Ace says that she isn't and laments that she didn't think much of 1967. The Doctor tells her that he thinks she'd be good for the Time Lords and promises that she'd feel more responsible. Ace is surprised by this and agrees to at least give the Academy a try. She and the Doctor then hug. They then say goodbye to each other and the Doctor taps Ace on the nose before walking away to the TARD-

IS, which soon dematerialises. DEVELOPMENT

The development of this story, especially Ace's departure, was a complex process involving multiple writers and producers. Initially, the story focused on two factions of Ice Warriors battling each other, but as it evolved, writer Marc Platt had to turn it into something more significant, especially as it would serve as Ace's departure story.

Producer John Nathan-Turner was heavily involved in the development of the serial, as he wanted it to showcase the full potential of Doctor Who on the screen. The decision to set the story in 1960s London was inspired by the setting of the Remembrance of the Daleks serial, but writer Platt and Andrew Cartmel wanted to take it even further into the 1960s.

Platt had previously considered setting the story in Russia, but Nathan-Turner preferred London for production and logistical reasons, as well as to include a few tourist attractions. Ace's exit was carefully crafted by Cartmel to be a spectacular culmination of the story arc he had established back in Season 24. However, this was a controversial decision, as many fans were not keen on the idea of someone being trained to become a Time Lord. Despite this, the departure of Ace served as a significant moment in the history of Doctor Who and the overall development of the series.

PRODUCTION

The supporting cast for this serial employed several more well known faces to British television than the previous. Tom Gerogeson, who played Sam Tollinger,

had a long and successful career in theater, film, and television. He had appeared in a number of popular TV series in the UK, as well as several films. Gerogeson was also a regular on stage, with performances in productions of "Hamlet" and "The Caretaker" among others.

Julia Goodman, who played Anna Carlton, was also an experienced actress with a career spanning several decades. She had appeared in a number of popular TV shows such as "Z-Cars" and "The Sweeney", as well as several films including "The Curse of the Pink Panther". Goodman had also performed on stage, with notable roles in productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Importance of Being Earnest".

Michael Fillis, who played Sezhyr, had a more limited acting career, with only a handful of credits to his name. He appeared in a few TV shows such as "The Professionals", as well as a few films.

Martin Wilkie, who played Hhessh, had also worked mainly in TV and film, with notable credits including "The Jewel in the Crown" and "The House of Eliott".

Warren Clarke, who played Felton, had a successful career in both TV and film. He was a regular in the popular series "Dalziel and Pascoe", as well as appearing in films such as "A

Clockwork Orange" and "The French Lieutenant's Woman".

Derek Handley, who played Glarva, had worked mainly in theater, with appearances in productions of "The Wizard of Oz" and "My Fair Lady".

Peter Corey, who played Walters, had a varied career in TV, film, and theater. He had appeared in television as well as films like "The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery". Corey had also performed on stage in productions of "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "The Seagull".

Hilary Mason, who played Valerie, had a successful career in film and TV. She appeared in a number of popular British films, such as "Don't Look Now" and "Bulldog Jack".

Max Harvey, who played the Adjudicator, had worked mainly in TV and theater. He appeared in shows such as "Coronation Street" and "The Bill", as well as performing on stage in productions of "The Caretaker" and "The Threepenny Opera".

Overall, the cast list for this production featured a mix of experienced and less experienced actors, with a range of backgrounds and careers in theater, film, and television.

This story was shot with a mix of studio and location filming, like most four-parters, with the historical setting allowing for a very convincing version of 1967 London.

The story recieved viewing figures of 4.5m for Part One, 4.8m for Part Two, 5.0m for Part Three and 4.7m for Part Four.

Sorry, that’s it for now!

As explained in the Magazine’s introduction, but it will be reiterated here, this feature ended up being so long that it couldn’t possibly have fitted into a single issue, with all the other good WIDWWA stuff needed inside too. So, Crime of the Century and Blood and Iron will follow next time, as well as an overview on the things that the new production team, led by Ian Fraser, did in the second half of 1990, in preparation for Season 28. So, be patient and wait a month, because the next issue is really a treat for you!

WIDWWA

“Overall, the cast list for this production featured a mix of experienced and less experienced actors, with a range of backgrounds and careers in theater, film, and television.”

COMING sOON