The Two Doctors

"Perhaps you should see a doctor."

Writer: Robert Holmes

Format: TV

Broadcast: 16 February - 2 March 1985

Season: 22.04

Featuring: Sixth Doctor, Peri, Second Doctor, Jamie

Synopsis

The Doctor has teamed up with himself before to save lives. This time, he must save his past self in order to ensure his own existence in the present. What could Chessene and dim-witted lackey Shockeye have planned with the Sontarans? Only thing is known for sure: time will tell.

Verdict

The Two Doctors is a very decent serial. It’s absolutely mad! I’m doing something of an experiment with finally getting to blogging this serial which means my last viewing must be over twelve years ago. That feels extraordinary to say because I’ve definitely watched it more than once and I remembered a lot of elements, but it is a great big amount of waffle. I’m not sure it all makes sense and I think going three parts is perhaps an episode too long in the extended forty-five minutes format, but it was a really fun watch! I think it’s such a nice touch to start in black and white with the Second Doctor and Jamie in the TARDIS, and it’s actually a really bold move to kick off the story with them for a good ten minutes or so when it’s not their era. The televised version of the Sixth Doctor is not something I have watched for quite a while now and this was startling as to how different he is at this point in his life. He’s still early in the regeneration as alluded to and he doesn’t seem all that complimentary to Peri for her good ideas. He doesn’t exactly take into consideration her interests with the ridiculousness of his fishing! I think the use of the Sontarqns in the story is frankly baffling. They’re hidden in just seeing a hand confront the Second Doctor but then we just have one in full view standing in the Spanish sun! I think the design is probably a tad off from their earlier onscreen appearances which is a shame as that lack of mouth movement doesn’t do anybody any favours. I love the idea of a multi-Doctor story as I adore them as much as the next person and it’s quite refreshing that it’s not happening as part of an anniversary. It’s a bit of a shame we didn’t get more of the Sixth and Second Doctors interacting together, but when we did it was excellent. I was intrigued how the Sixth Doctor felt much more mature and commanding a presence but the Second certainly had his time to shine. The scenes where he was turned part Androgum were just crazy. Having him and Shockeye racking up a massive bill at a local restaurant was hilarious. I wonder how Troughton felt about this being what he was given for his return! The concept of the Second Doctor potentially dying and that impacting on his future self was great. The use of time experimentation gave credence to the possibility that the Second Doctor could actually die despite the existence of his future self. Dastari is a strong character here and he certainly looks the part! His history with the Time Lords is intriguing and I love the idea of the Second Doctor and Jamie being sent on a mission. This Doctor talking openly to his companion about his people is just fascinating and hints at so much more with the concept of Season 6b given everything that happens in The War Games. I felt like Peri became something of a forgotten element in the story as it went on which was a shame and it’s shocking really how she was just viewed by Shockeye as a tasty snack. Quite literally! She does seem like she’s there for eye candy which is a tad frustrating because she has so much more to offer. I thought Chessene made for a fantastic villain and she was basically the star of the show. She was so good and I liked the background of her being an Androgum but one that was enhanced by Dastari to genius level. She couldn’t be more removed from Shockeye! The concept of the double cross within a double cross for the Sontarans and company was impressive but they do seem to be just stragglers. I like the idea of them wanting time travel but would they really be missed if they weren’t in the story? I’m not so sure and that’s coming from a huge Sontaran fan! The way things finish for them though looks impressive as they exit the ship in green goo. I’d love a figure of that destroyed Sontaran! The fate of the Androgums is sealed in decent fashion and the eyebrows returning to Chessene was quite fitting. Dastari realised things had gone too far which was a good finish. Overall, a really wild and not entirely comprehensible serial, but an entertaining watch nonetheless. I look forward to exploring the story further.

Rating: 7/10