In the beginning…

This site has been designed as an episode guide and contains some history into the television show Doctor Who. It began in November 1963 under the premise of being a children's program. Little did the creators know, this was not to be the case. After a setback due to airing the pilot episode at the same time that John F. Kennedy was assassinated, they decided to give it another go. When we were introduced to the Doctor, he was a very mysterious old man traveling with his granddaughter, Susan. The only fact revealed at this point was that they were both aliens traveling in time and space in a vehicle called a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space). Although it appeared as nothing more than a British police telephone call box, we quickly found out that it was actually much larger on the inside than the outside. This remarkable vehicle had the ability to blend in with its surroundings, but had become stuck in its present form. Add to this the fact that the Doctor actually had little control over where and when it went, and you have the makings for some interesting adventures.

"Who? Doctor Who? What is he talking about?"

The First Doctor … An Unearthly Child

Not long into the show's run, it quickly became a favorite of older audiences. The only change the show went through was the periodic changing of the Doctor's traveling companions. Unfortunately, William Hartnell decided to leave the series. This created a dilemma...do they cancel the show or do they find a new lead actor? Obviously they chose to replace Mr. Hartnell. The next question was how to explain the change of the lead actor and still keep it within reason. The answer was to give the Doctor multiple lives. This seemed good, as it would allow for any other changes in the role. The episode 'The Tenth Planet' introduced us to not only the Cybermen, but to the concept of bodily regeneration. During the story, the Doctor kept showing signs of constant fatigue. This was to be the catalyst that would trigger his first regeneration. We already knew by now that the Doctor was several hundred years old. It was also learned that the Doctor's people could live longer, barring death from injury or illness. And then came the time for the Doctor to change bodies.

"This old body of mine's becoming tired."

The First Doctor … The Tenth Planet

In 1969, Patrick Troughton stepped in to take over the lead role. His version of the Doctor was radically different than his predecessor's. He sported a Beatles-like haircut and appeared to be somewhat younger than his previous self. This Doctor also had a charm and whimsy that the first Doctor seemed to lack. Consistent throughout the entire run of the series was his caring for all forms of life and his keen scientific mind. Troughton's Doctor attracted a slightly younger viewing audience and the show continued to be successful. This Doctor kept up the good fight against the notorious Daleks (recurring villains since the show's second story), the ever-popular Cybermen and a host of assorted fiends. During all this, we never learned more about the Doctor and his past. Until the 1969 episode 'The War Games' that is. The Doctor had fought against incredible odds, but even now, he needed help. He wound up sending a message to his people, the Timelords. After they took control of the situation, he tried to flee from them again. He was caught though and placed on trial for the crime of interfering in the affairs of lesser races. He proudly admitted his guilt and was granted leniency in the form of exile to Earth. When he pointed out that he was well known, the Timelords forced another regeneration upon him. This took the form of Jon Pertwee.

"I am he and he is me."

The Third Doctor … The Three Doctors

Pertwee brought some interesting changes to the character of the Doctor. Gone was the 'cosmic hobo' of Troughton. This Doctor seemed very fascinated with gadgets and relied more upon his scientific prowess. He also showed little patience for military thinking, which was ironic as he had become the scientific advisor to UNIT (United Nations Intelligence Taskforce), a military organization. He had many tangles with his best enemy, the Master (a rival Timelord). About halfway through the third Doctor's life, he regained his freedom by saving the Timelords from a renegade Timelord, Omega. He was also assisted by his two previous selves at the Timelords' insistence. This was to be the last time we would ever see William Hartnell in the show, as he soon passed away. After more adventures, the Doctor became deathly ill from radiation and needed to take on a new form.

"You mean he's done it again? He's changed?"

"Apparently. Saw it happen this time."

RSM Benton and The Brigadier … Robot

1974 paved the way for the most famous of the Doctors, Tom Baker. Baker's version of the Doctor seemed somewhat addled at times, but this was complimented by his ability to confuse and sidestep others. This Doctor also had boundless energy bordering on hyperactivity. By this time, Doctor Who was being shown worldwide and had a viewing audience of over 11 million people. The fourth Doctor had many companions come and go and he even became Lord President of the High Council of the Timelords. In 1980, the unthinkable happened. There was a strike at the BBC and as a result, the final episode of that season 'Shada' was never completed. Then it was business as usual as the show went on. However, in 1981, Tom Baker decided that he'd had enough of being the Doctor. Again, it was time to select a replacement. Enter Peter Davison.

"Welcome aboard. I'm the Doctor, or will be if this regeneration works out."

The Fifth Doctor … Castrovalva

Peter Davison came aboard in a memorable episode called 'Castrovalva'. This was actually the conclusion to a trilogy that began with Tom Baker. After his regeneration, the Doctor suffered from a severe overlap of all his previous personalities. In true fashion, his new persona settled in and the Doctor was back to his new self. Throughout his incarnation, Davison's Doctor defeated his old enemy, the Master on many occasions. He even met up with all of his earlier selves in the 20th anniversary story 'The Five Doctors'. By the end of the 1984 season, Doctor Who's ratings were in a downward trend. Davison was soon replaced by Colin Baker, who had acted a minor part in the Davison episode 'Arc of Infinity'.

"Change, my dear. And it seems not a moment too soon."

The Sixth Doctor … The Caves of Androzani

Colin Baker's Doctor bordered on psychopathic at first, combined with a very melodramatic flair. Unfortunately, his choice of clothing left much to be desired. He wore a long overcoat made of many contrasting patches of patterns and colors. Add to this, an equally tasteless waistcoat, yellow pants with black stripes and orange shoes with greenspats. After the end of Baker's first complete season as the Doctor, the show was placed on hold for a year. It was undecided whether or not Doctor Who would return to television. It did indeed return. In an effort to salvage the show, the sixth Doctor's final season was a continuing story entitled 'Trial of a Timelord'. It became clear in the final installment that the chief prosecutor, the Valeyard, was in fact a manifestation of the Doctor's future selves' dark side. Of course, he was thwarted and the Doctor went upon his way.

"Now just three small points: Where am I, who am I, and who are you?"

The Seventh Doctor … Time and the Rani

Sylvester McCoy came onto the scene in 1986 in an effort to pull the show out of its slump. He presented us with a Doctor similar to the second Doctor. Not only did he possess a whimsical charm, but he also became a somewhat mysterious figure again. Throughout his run, McCoy's Doctor dropped several hints as to unknown parts of his past and his enigmatic nature. Sadly, the show was given the axe before more could be revealed.