Doctor Who: Classic Series Stories For Fans Of The Fifteenth Doctor

Highlights

The Fifteenth Doctor’s debut run was packed with surprises but pays great tribute to the show’s long history.
The classic era of Doctor Who offers up more than 300 stories mostly told in a serial format, packed with sci-fi, comedy, terror, and memorable enemies.
New fans will find many dilemmas faced by the Fifteenth Doctor’s predecessors in this selection of classic serials reassuringly familiar.

As a long-time enthusiast of Doctor Who, I can confidently say that the series has always been a treasure trove of timeless stories and unforgettable characters. From Peter Davison’s dynamic Fifth Doctor to Ncuti Gatwa’s vibrant Fifteenth, each incarnation brings something unique to the table.

The initial season starring the Fifteenth Doctor as Doctor Who was filled with classic elements such as humor, heart-pounding suspense, spooky narratives, and time travels through history. However, unlike many of his predecessors, Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure was shorter, yet it didn’t skimp on surprises – offering a musical episode and focusing more on mythology and fantasy.

In the final episodes of Season 14, the long-awaited return of the iconic villain Sutekh occurred, a character last seen over half a century ago. This moment was eagerly anticipated by fans, who were thrilled to witness ‘The One Who Waits.’ The series concluded with a captivating retrospective finale, incorporating clips from the original story “Pyramids of Mars.” This nostalgic reference provides an ideal chance for new viewers enamored with the Fifteenth Doctor’s wit, compassion, and playful spirit to delve into the classic show’s history.

Heading Back In Time To Doctor Who’s Classic Series

The original run of “Doctor Who” spanned from 1963 to 1989, with each year bringing a new season filled with the thrilling escapades of seven different Doctors. A standalone TV movie featuring Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor was aired in 1996 and is considered part of this era. Many elements introduced during the original series continue to be integral to the show, such as the Doctor, companions, and the TARDIS disguised as a police box. Since its revival in 2005, the show has been overseen by fans who grew up with it, expertly modernizing key aspects for today’s viewers. However, those revisiting the series should be aware of significant changes that have taken place.

Initially, you’ll find an abundance of timeless “Doctor Who” episodes: over 300 tales spanning across 26 seasons and a movie. Unlike the contemporary series, the classic era infrequently featured standalone episodes. Instead, it was common to have multi-episode serials, which would unfold a story over two to twelve parts. This characteristic of cliffhangers is a legacy that the modern series has continued to uphold when appropriate. Notably, each season of “Doctor Who” encompassed multiple stories, taking up a significant portion of the year during broadcast. Consequently, the viewing experience was drastically distinct from the recent 8-part series.

In a serial format, stories often move at a more leisurely pace and may contain additional scenes for padding. However, this doesn’t make them any less captivating or enjoyable. Many recent episodes of Doctor Who, for instance, could have benefited from the extended running time of classic-era tales. It’s worth noting that during its early years, the show was broadcast in black and white. In 2023, “The Daleks in Color” became the first serial from this era to be colorized in a special edition.

Later, we have the unfortunate situation where numerous episodes from the show went missing due to the BBC, its producer, discarding them before the concept of home media and on-demand viewing was even considered. However, the BBC is now working on animating these lost episodes, so fans can eventually watch a complete era of the show. Fortunately, a large number of surviving episodes still exist, making it an exciting prospect for any fan of the Fifteenth Doctor who wants to explore the extensive history of Doctor Who.

The Classic Stories Fifteenth Doctor Fans Have To Watch

15th Doctor charmed audiences by fitting seamlessly into a storied lineup of Time Lords while developing a unique flair, making him one of the most suave Doctors to navigate the TARDIS. His distinct style is apparent as he switches and blends his stylish outfits for each new journey, forming connections effortlessly. Unlike some past incarnations, he’s more willing to disclose personal details, such as when he shared intimate moments with longtime friends like Kate Stewart in the series finale.

The Fifteenth Doctor embodies a lively spirit and is always eager to delve into fresh experiences – a key characteristic that conceals another. This compassionate version of the Doctor makes each tale an emotional journey on a roller coaster, yet Fifteen often yearns for the next adventure when sorrow and heartache become too intense. Some of these qualities mirror those of his predecessors, as do the challenges he encounters. Viewers will notice numerous connections to Series 14 in these timeless stories.

“Pyramids Of Mars” (4 Episodes, Season 13, 1975)

Doctor Who: Classic Series Stories For Fans Of The Fifteenth Doctor

Given the unexpected events of Series 14’s conclusion, it’s only natural that this encounter takes place. Back in 1975, Doctor Number Four and his companion Sarah Jane Smith crossed paths with Sutekh during an exciting escapade that combined elements of science fiction and classic gothic horror akin to “The Mummy”. This upcoming scene offers viewers the unique opportunity to witness Osiran prior to his transformation. During this period, he was more of a tyrannical alien ruler harboring divine pretensions.

In the latest installment, traditional horror aspects were absent as Tom Baker’s Doctor, at his strongest, faced one of his toughest adversaries. A standout moment was when the Doctor traveled to the future to show Sarah Jane the repercussions of time travel, a concept echoed in “The Devil’s Chord.”

“The Greatest Show In The Galaxy” (4 episodes, Season 25, 1988)

For the Fifteenth Doctor, confronting divine entities became a recurring motif. This approach is daring, placing the Doctor against seemingly insurmountable challenges, but he’s not the first to encounter seemingly omnipotent adversaries. In the season commemorating the show’s 25th anniversary, the Seventh Doctor and Ace were thrust into an uncannily bizarre journey when they encountered the Psychic Circus.

In this twisted tale, I find myself facing the ominous trio known as the Gods of Ragnarok, hidden threats from beyond dimensions who thrive on entertainment. They are quick to eliminate anyone who fails to entertain them, making each performance a matter of life and death. These beings are a chilling precursor to the divine family depicted in the latest series.

“The Caves Of Androzani” (4 Episodes, Season 21, 1984)

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the youthful, energetic, and suave portrayal of the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa. However, I can’t help but draw parallels with Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor, who also embodied these qualities in his time.

“The Caves of Androzani” isn’t just the crowning achievement of the Fifth Doctor, but is often considered one of the finest stories in the history of ‘Doctor Who’. Instead of divine conflicts, these four episodes depict a very human drama filled with manipulation and revenge. Characters like “Boom” and the duplicates find themselves in dire, life-threatening situations, while ‘Rogue’ plays out a deception that is anything but divine.”

“The Curse of Fenric” (4 Episodes, Season 26, 1989)

In the last complete season of its classic run, the Seventh Doctor displayed a cunning and ominous nature by delving into Ace’s personal history and family ties in the stories he chose for her, which eerily foreshadowed the complex encounters with divine entities and enigmatic connections to the Doctor’s associates in Series 14.

“The Fenric Conundrum” unfolds during World War II, as a timeless conflict between the Doctor and a malevolent entity from before creation nears its climax. This enigmatic being, hinting at Lovecraftian Elder God qualities, employs his followers, who resemble wolves, from Earth’s distant past and a potential dystopian future where the surviving humans have evolved into aquatic vampires. The story takes a grim turn when Ace is unveiled as one of these ancient wolves.

“Doctor Who And The Silurians” (7 Episodes, Season 7, 1970)

In “73 Yards,” while the Doctor doesn’t have a large role, he does refer to the conflict between land and sea, which is the title of a spin-off series about the Sea Devils from Doctor Who, revealed at SDCC 2024. These creatures are cousins to the Silurians, who first appeared in an epic serial during the Third Doctor’s Earth exile.

As a devoted fan, if you’re interested in experiencing scenes that subtly shaped the poignant and emotionally draining feelings of powerlessness towards the finale of “Dot and Bubble,” these are absolutely crucial to watch, as they depict the heart-wrenching struggle between the Doctor, now serving as UNIT’s scientific advisor, and the military’s relentless pursuit to safeguard humanity at any cost, regardless of the consequences.

“The Dalek Invasion of Earth” (6 Episodes, Season 2, 1964)

Although the Fifteenth Doctor hasn’t engaged his most formidable adversaries yet, viewers can feel confident that he will do so. The Daleks made quite an impact when they debuted in the series’ second tale, and their reappearance the following season intensified the conflict as the Daleks managed to invade Earth… Temporarily.

In “The Dalek Invasion of Earth,” the concept of family played a significant role, and it was a recurring motif in Series 14. The Fifteenth Doctor started to discuss his family as he grew certain that his long-lost granddaughter Susan could have been entangled in some way. Eventually, at the end of this Dalek serial from the show’s second season, Susan decided to leave her grandfather and embark on a new life with her fiancé, David, to aid in rebuilding the planet after the Daleks were vanquished.

“The Ark in Space” (4 Episodes, Season 12, 1975)

As a long-time fan of Doctor Who, I must say that the classic episode featuring the Fourth Doctor is one of my favorites. Growing up with this iconic series, I have seen countless adventures of our time-traveling hero and the various incarnations he takes on. However, this particular storyline stands out for its unique blend of mystery, action, and a fresh take on the Doctor’s character after his regeneration. The space station setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, as humanity’s future hangs in the balance against an unknown and invasive force. I can still remember the excitement I felt watching this episode for the first time, eagerly anticipating the Doctor’s next move to save the day. It’s experiences like these that make Doctor Who such a timeless and beloved series.

As a dedicated Whovian with decades of Doctor Who fandom under my belt, I can confidently say that the story penned by Robert Holmes during the tenure of one of the all-time favorite Doctors has left an indelible mark on the series’ history. This captivating blend of horror and science fiction continues to resonate throughout the modern era, and it is evident that the chilling space-bound adventures we see today have their roots in this groundbreaking tale.

2024-08-08 00:34