Posted inUS_1

Doctor Who: A Comprehensive Guide to Doctors in Order

No Comments

The iconic BBC science fiction series, Doctor Who, has captivated audiences for decades with its time-traveling adventures and ever-changing lead character. Central to its enduring appeal is the concept of regeneration, allowing the Doctor to cheat death and return in a new incarnation, each with a distinct personality and style. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, understanding the Doctors in order is key to appreciating the rich tapestry of this beloved show. This guide provides a detailed journey through the Doctors, from the very first to the current era, offering insights into their tenures and landmark episodes.

The First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963-1966)

William Hartnell inaugurated the role of the Doctor, establishing him as a mysterious and somewhat irascible traveler from another world. His era, beginning in 1963, laid the foundation for the entire series, introducing iconic elements like the TARDIS and early companions.

Season 1

  • A. 23-Nov-63. 100,000 BC. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: William Hartnell as the First Doctor, Jacqueline Hill as Barbara Wright, and William Russell as Ian Chesterton in 100,000 BC, the first Doctor Who story.

    • The very first Doctor Who story arc, An Unearthly Child, sees schoolteachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright investigate their student Susan Foreman and her enigmatic grandfather. Their curiosity leads them to a junkyard and a police box that is much more than it seems. Kidnapped by the Doctor, they are taken back to the Stone Age, encountering primitive tribes and the struggle for survival.

  • B. 21-Dec-63. The Daleks. (7 episodes)

    • Alt Text: A menacing Dalek from the 1963 Doctor Who story “The Daleks” on the planet Skaro.

    • The Doctor and his companions arrive on the desolate planet Skaro and encounter two warring species: the Daleks, mutated creatures encased in metal shells, and the peaceful Thals. This story marks the debut of the Daleks, who would become the Doctor’s most iconic adversaries, as the Doctor and his companions help the Thals overcome the Dalek threat.

  • C. 8-Feb-64. The Edge of Destruction. (2 episodes)

    • Trapped inside the TARDIS, the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara face a mysterious and hostile force. This introspective story explores the TARDIS itself as a character and forces the travelers to confront their own tensions, ultimately strengthening their bonds.

  • D. 22-Feb-64. Marco Polo. (7 episodes)

    • The TARDIS lands in 13th century China, and the travelers become entangled in the court of Kublai Khan and the intrigues surrounding Marco Polo. This historical adventure is sadly lost to time, with no surviving episodes.

  • E. 11-Apr-64. The Keys of Marinus. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor and his companions are tasked with a quest to retrieve four keys scattered across the planet Marinus to reactivate a powerful computer system, the Conscience of Marinus, that maintains order. Each key leads to a different perilous environment, showcasing the Doctor’s ingenuity and the companions’ resourcefulness.

  • F. 23-May-64. The Aztecs. (4 episodes)

    • Arriving in Aztec Mexico, Barbara is mistaken for a goddess. She attempts to use her perceived divinity to end human sacrifice, creating a dangerous paradox and ethical dilemma for the Doctor, who believes in non-interference with historical events.

  • G. 20-Jun-64. The Sensorites. (6 episodes)

    • The TARDIS materializes on a spaceship held captive by the Sensorites, beings with heightened senses who are wary of human exploitation. The Doctor must mediate between humans and Sensorites, uncovering a mystery illness affecting the Sensorite race and ensuring peaceful resolution.

  • H. 8-Aug-64. The Reign of Terror. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara arrive in revolutionary France during the Reign of Terror. They become caught up in political intrigue, facing danger from both revolutionaries and counter-revolutionaries, narrowly escaping the guillotine.

Season 2

  • J. 31-Oct-64. Planet of Giants. (3 episodes)

    • The TARDIS malfunctions, shrinking the Doctor and his companions to the size of insects on Earth. They must navigate a giant-sized world and prevent the release of a deadly insecticide, highlighting the danger of seemingly small actions.

  • K. 21-Nov-64. The Dalek Invasion of Earth. (6 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Daleks patrolling iconic London landmarks during the Dalek Invasion of Earth storyline in Doctor Who.

    • The Doctor returns to Earth in the 22nd century to find London and the planet under Dalek occupation. This story is a landmark Dalek adventure, featuring iconic scenes of Daleks in London and marking the departure of Susan Foreman, the Doctor’s granddaughter.

  • L. 2-Jan-65. The Rescue. (2 episodes)

    • On the planet Dido, the Doctor, Ian, and Barbara encounter survivors of a spaceship crash. They soon uncover a deceptive scenario involving a seemingly innocent young girl and a monstrous native creature, leading to the introduction of Vicki as a new companion.

  • M. 16-Jan-65. The Romans. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Maureen O’Brien as Vicki, the Doctor’s companion who joined in “The Rescue” and traveled through historical adventures.

    • In ancient Rome, the Doctor’s attempts at anonymity fail spectacularly when he is mistaken for a famous lyre player, drawing the attention of Emperor Nero. Meanwhile, Ian and Barbara are sold into slavery, and the Doctor inadvertently inspires Nero to burn Rome.

  • N. 13-Feb-65. The Web Planet. (6 episodes)

    • The TARDIS arrives on Vortis, a planet caught in a conflict between the ant-like Zarbi and the butterfly-like Menoptera. The Doctor and his companions become involved in the struggle to free the Menoptera from the control of the Animus.

  • P. 27-Mar-65. The Crusades. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor and company land in 12th century Palestine during the Third Crusade, encountering Richard the Lionheart and Saladin. Barbara is captured, and Ian is knighted by King Richard in this historical epic.

  • Q. 24-Apr-65. The Space Museum. (4 episodes)

    • Inside a space museum, the travelers see themselves as exhibits in a possible future. They must race against time to alter events and prevent this bleak future from becoming reality, leading to a rebellion against the Morok curators.

  • R. 22-May-65. The Chase. (6 episodes)

    • The Daleks develop time travel and pursue the Doctor and his companions through various points in time and space. This chase culminates in a battle between the Daleks and Mechonoids, and marks the departure of Ian and Barbara, who use the Dalek time machine to return home.

  • S. 3-Jul-65. The Time Meddler. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Vicki, and new companion Steven encounter another time traveler, the Monk, in 1066 England. The Monk is attempting to alter history for his own amusement, and the Doctor must stop him from changing the outcome of the Battle of Hastings.

Season 3

  • T. 11-Sep-65. Galaxy Four. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Vicki, and Steven arrive on a planet on the verge of destruction and must choose between aiding the beautiful Drahvins or the monstrous Rills. This story explores themes of appearances versus reality and moral choices.

  • T/A. 9-Oct-65. Mission to the Unknown. (1 episode)

    • A unique standalone episode with no regular cast members, Mission to the Unknown serves as a prologue to The Dalek Masterplan. It focuses on Space Security Agent Marc Cory uncovering a Dalek plot on the planet Kembel.

  • U. 16-Oct-65. The Myth Makers. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor becomes entangled in the Trojan War, influencing the course of history while trying to ensure events unfold as they should. This story sees Vicki depart the TARDIS.

  • V. 13-Nov-65. The Dalek Masterplan. (12 episodes)

    • An epic, sprawling adventure, The Dalek Masterplan sees the Daleks attempting to acquire the powerful Time Destructor. This story features multiple companions, betrayals, and sacrifices, and is largely missing from the BBC archives.

  • W. 5-Feb-66. The Massacre. (4 episodes)

    • Set during the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in 16th century France, this historical story sees the Doctor alone as Steven is briefly separated. It’s a somber and controversial episode, with the Doctor unable to prevent the tragic historical events. Dodo Chaplet joins the TARDIS crew at the end of this story.

  • X. 5-Mar-66. The Ark. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Steven, and Dodo arrive on a spaceship in the distant future carrying the last humans and Monoids from Earth to a new world. They return to the Ark 700 years later to find the Monoids have enslaved the humans, highlighting themes of societal evolution and power dynamics.

  • Y. 2-Apr-66. The Celestial Toymaker. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor finds himself in a bizarre realm controlled by the enigmatic Celestial Toymaker, who forces him and his companions to play deadly games. This story is notable for its surreal atmosphere and the Toymaker’s unique villainy.

  • Z. 30-Apr-66. The Gunfighters. (4 episodes)

    • A Western-themed story set in Tombstone, Arizona, during the lead-up to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The Doctor is mistaken for Doc Holliday, and the story incorporates Western tropes and musical numbers, making it a unique and somewhat controversial entry.

  • AA. 28-May-66. The Savages. (4 episodes)

    • On a seemingly utopian planet, the Doctor and his companions discover a society built on the exploitation of a primitive underclass known as the Savages. Steven departs at the end of this story, disillusioned with the Doctor’s methods.

  • BB. 25-Jun-66. The War Machines. (4 episodes)

    • In 1966 London, a rogue computer named WOTAN controls war machines and threatens to take over the world. Dodo departs unceremoniously, and Polly and Ben, two new companions from 1966, join the Doctor to defeat WOTAN.

Season 4

  • CC. 10-Sep-66. The Smugglers. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Polly, and Ben arrive in 17th century Cornwall and become involved in the hunt for hidden pirate treasure. This story is another lost serial.

  • DD. 8-Oct-66. The Tenth Planet. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Polly, and Ben arrive at the South Pole in 1986, where they encounter the Cybermen for the first time. This groundbreaking story marks William Hartnell’s final appearance as the Doctor and the first regeneration in Doctor Who history, as the First Doctor transforms into the Second Doctor.

The Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966-1969)

Patrick Troughton took over the role, reinventing the Doctor as a more whimsical and comedic figure, while still retaining a core of seriousness. His era is characterized by “base-under-siege” stories and further development of iconic monsters like the Cybermen and Daleks.

Season 4 ctd

  • EE. 5-Nov-66. The Power of the Daleks. (6 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The Second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, facing the menacing Power of the Daleks in his debut story.

    • The newly regenerated Second Doctor, along with Polly and Ben, arrives at Vulcan, a human colony. They discover Daleks hidden in a crashed space capsule, who are quickly revealed to be cunning and manipulative, setting the stage for a dangerous rebellion. This story is entirely missing from the archives.

  • FF. 17-Dec-66. The Highlanders. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Polly, and Ben land in 18th century Scotland after the Battle of Culloden. They encounter Jacobite rebels and help Jamie McCrimmon escape, who then joins them as a companion. This is another lost serial.

  • GG. 14-Jan-67. The Underwater Menace. (4 episodes)

    • The TARDIS arrives in Atlantis, where mad scientist Professor Zaroff plans to raise Atlantis and destroy the world. The Doctor, Polly, Ben, and Jamie must stop him, facing fish-like creatures and underwater dangers. This serial is partially lost.

  • HH. 11-Feb-67. The Moonbase. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Polly, Ben, and Jamie arrive at a Moonbase in 2070, where the crew is under attack by Cybermen attempting to seize control of a weather-controlling device. This story is a classic base-under-siege narrative and features the Cybermen’s plan to destroy Earth’s weather systems. Two episodes are missing from the archives.

  • JJ. 11-Mar-67. The Macra Terror. (4 episodes)

    • On a seemingly utopian human colony, the Doctor and his companions discover the dark secret of the Macra, giant crab-like creatures controlling the colony from the shadows. This story explores themes of hidden control and suppressed truth. This serial is missing from the archives.

  • KK. 8-Apr-67. The Faceless Ones. (6 episodes)

    • At Gatwick Airport, strange occurrences are linked to Chameleon Tours flights. The Doctor, Polly, Ben, and Jamie investigate alien kidnappings and body-switching. This story marks the departure of Polly and Ben, who decide to return to their own time, realizing they have arrived back on the same day they left Earth in The War Machines. Two episodes are missing.

  • LL. 20-May-67. The Evil of the Daleks. (7 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Jamie pursue their stolen TARDIS to Victorian England, where they uncover a Dalek plot to find the “Human Factor” and achieve ultimate Dalek evolution. This story features the Dalek Emperor and marks the apparent destruction of the Daleks, as well as introducing Victoria Waterfield as a new companion. This serial is mostly missing, with only one episode surviving.

Season 5

  • MM. 2-Sep-67. Tomb of the Cybermen. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Cybermen emerging from their tombs in the classic Doctor Who story “Tomb of the Cybermen.”

    • The Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria encounter an archaeological expedition on Telos, where Cybermen are entombed. The Cybermen are awakened, leading to a tense and claustrophobic battle within their tombs. This is a classic Cybermen story, known for its suspense and iconic imagery.

  • NN. 30-Sep-67. The Abominable Snowmen. (6 episodes)

    • In the Himalayas, the Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria encounter monks and the Abominable Snowmen, robotic Yeti controlled by the Great Intelligence. This story introduces the Great Intelligence, a recurring psychic entity, and sets the stage for future conflicts. This serial is mostly lost, with only one episode surviving.

  • OO. 11-Nov-67. The Ice Warriors. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria arrive at a scientific base during a new Ice Age. They awaken Ice Warriors frozen in ice, who are revealed to be Martian warriors. This story marks the debut of the Ice Warriors, a formidable reptilian race. Two episodes are missing.

  • PP. 23-Dec-67. The Enemy of the World. (6 episodes)

    • In 2018, the Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria encounter Salamander, a powerful and charismatic dictator who is also the Doctor’s double. This story is notable for Patrick Troughton playing dual roles and explores themes of identity and power. This serial was previously lost but has since been recovered.

  • QQ. 3-Feb-68. The Web of Fear. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria find themselves in the London Underground, which is under siege by the Great Intelligence and its Yeti. They team up with Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart (later Brigadier) and UNIT to combat the threat in this atmospheric and claustrophobic adventure. One episode is missing.

  • RR. 16-Mar-68. Fury from the Deep. (6 episodes)

    • At a North Sea gas refinery, sentient seaweed is attacking the crew. The Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria must combat this unusual threat, with Victoria’s screams proving to be a surprising defense. This story marks Victoria’s departure from the TARDIS and is entirely missing from the archives.

  • SS. 27-Apr-68. The Wheel in Space. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Jamie arrive on a space station called the Wheel in orbit around Earth. They discover a Cybermen plot to invade Earth using meteorites. This story introduces Zoe Heriot as a new companion, who stows away on the TARDIS. Episodes 1 and 3 are missing.

Season 6

  • TT. 10-Aug-68. The Dominators. (5 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe arrive on the peaceful planet of Dulcia, which is targeted by the Dominators, a war-like race seeking to use the planet for its resources. They must stop the Dominators and their robot Quarks from destroying Dulcia.

  • UU. 14-Sep-68. The Mind Robber. (5 episodes)

    • Trapped in a strange dimension known as the Land of Fiction, the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe find themselves in a world where fictional characters and concepts become reality. They must navigate this surreal landscape and escape the Master of the Land of Fiction. One episode is missing.

  • VV. 2-Nov-68. The Invasion. (8 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Cybermen marching in modern-day London in “The Invasion,” a classic Second Doctor Cybermen story.

    • The Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe work with UNIT, led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, to combat a Cybermen invasion of Earth orchestrated by the sinister Tobias Vaughn. This iconic story features extended scenes of Cybermen in London and solidified UNIT’s role in the Doctor Who universe. Two episodes are missing.

  • WW. 28-Dec-68. The Krotons. (4 episodes)

    • On the planet of the Gonds, the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe discover the Krotons, crystalline beings who enslave the Gonds and drain their mental energy. The Doctor uses chemistry to defeat the Krotons and liberate the Gonds.

  • XX. 25-Jan-69. The Seeds of Death. (6 episodes)

    • The Ice Warriors hijack a lunar transmat station as part of their plot to conquer Earth by spreading deadly fungus spores. The Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe must stop the Ice Warriors and counteract their bioweapon.

  • YY. 8-Mar-69. The Space Pirates. (6 episodes)

    • In a space-faring future, space pirates are disrupting transport routes. The Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe investigate and uncover a larger conspiracy. This serial is partially missing.

  • ZZ. 19-Apr-69. The War Games. (10 episodes)

    • An epic finale to the Second Doctor’s era, The War Games sees the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe arrive in war zones spanning different historical periods. They uncover a War Lord experimenting on humans to create soldiers. The Doctor is forced to call upon the Time Lords for help, leading to his trial, forced regeneration, and exile to Earth. This story marks the end of the black and white era of Doctor Who and sets the stage for the Third Doctor’s earthbound adventures.

The Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970-1974)

Jon Pertwee portrayed the Doctor as a dapper, action-oriented figure, exiled to Earth by the Time Lords and working with UNIT. His era introduced color to the series and focused on contemporary Earth settings, often battling alien threats and rogue scientists.

  • Alt Text: Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor, a dapper and action-oriented incarnation of the Time Lord.

Season 7

  • AAA. 3-Jan-70. Spearhead from Space. (4 episodes)

    • The newly regenerated Third Doctor crash-lands on Earth and immediately faces a threat from the Autons, sentient plastic mannequins controlled by the Nestene Consciousness. This story is notable for being the first Doctor Who serial broadcast in color and introduces UNIT and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart as regular allies.

  • BBB. 31-Jan-70. The Silurians. (7 episodes)

    • UNIT investigates strange events at a research center and discovers a race of intelligent reptiles, the Silurians, who predate humanity and are awakening from hibernation. The Doctor attempts to broker peace between humans and Silurians, highlighting themes of co-existence and territorial conflict.

  • CCC. 21-Mar-70. The Ambassadors of Death. (7 episodes)

    • A returning space probe is found to be carrying deadly alien lifeforms, the Ambassadors of Death. UNIT and the Doctor investigate a conspiracy surrounding the probe and face a dangerous threat to Earth.

  • DDD. 9-May-70. Inferno. (7 episodes)

    • The Doctor becomes trapped in a parallel universe where a drilling project unleashes a destructive force from the Earth’s core. This story features a parallel version of UNIT and explores themes of environmental disaster and human hubris.

Season 8

  • EEE. 2-Jan-71. Terror of the Autons. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The terrifying Autons and their Nestene Consciousness return to menace Earth in “Terror of the Autons.”

    • The Master, a renegade Time Lord and the Doctor’s nemesis, makes his debut, allying with the Autons and the Nestene Consciousness to invade Earth. Jo Grant is introduced as the Doctor’s new companion, and the story is full of iconic and disturbing imagery, such as killer plastic daffodils and telephone cords.

  • FFF. 30-Jan-71. The Mind of Evil. (6 episodes)

    • The Master attempts to use a mind-altering machine, the Keller Machine, to incite global conflict at a peace conference and steal a nuclear missile. The Doctor and Jo must stop his plan, facing psychological manipulation and physical threats.

  • GGG. 13-Mar-71. The Claws of Axos. (4 episodes)

    • Aliens from Axos arrive on Earth offering advanced technology, but their true intentions are sinister. The Master is involved, manipulating events to his own advantage. The Doctor and UNIT must uncover the Axons’ parasitic nature and thwart their global takeover.

  • HHH. 10-Apr-71. Colony in Space. (6 episodes)

    • The Time Lords send the Doctor and Jo to the planet Uxarius to investigate a dispute between miners and colonists over a valuable artifact, an ancient superweapon. The Master is also involved, seeking to acquire the weapon for himself.

  • JJJ. 22-May-71. The Dæmons. (5 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The Third Doctor confronting the ancient and powerful Daemon Azal in “The Dæmons.”

    • In a small English village, the Master awakens Azal, a powerful Daemon, seeking to control its power. The Doctor and UNIT must intervene before Azal destroys the Earth. This story is a fan-favorite, blending science fiction with folklore and featuring memorable imagery and characters.

Season 9

  • KKK. 1-Jan-72. The Day of the Daleks. (4 episodes)

    • The Daleks return, using time travel to alter Earth’s history and prevent the formation of a future galactic federation. The Doctor and UNIT must unravel the Dalek plot and restore the timeline. This story introduces the concept of multiple timelines and features time-travel paradoxes.

  • LLL. 29-Jan-72. The Curse of Peladon. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Jo arrive on the planet Peladon, a member of the Galactic Federation, which is facing political turmoil and accusations of sabotage. The Doctor must uncover the truth behind the unrest and navigate Peladonian courtly intrigue.

  • MMM. 26-Feb-72. The Sea Devils. (6 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The reptilian Sea Devils emerge as a formidable aquatic threat in the Third Doctor story “The Sea Devils.”

    • The Doctor and UNIT face a new aquatic threat, the Sea Devils, reptilian cousins of the Silurians, who are awakened and seek to reclaim Earth for themselves. This story is a loose sequel to The Silurians and features a tense standoff between humans and Sea Devils.

  • NNN. 8-Apr-72. The Mutants. (6 episodes)

    • On the planet Solos in the far future, the Doctor and Jo investigate a mystery surrounding the planet’s inhabitants, who are undergoing forced mutations due to radiation. This story is a political allegory, drawing parallels to colonialism and social injustice.

  • OOO. 20-May-72. The Time Monster. (6 episodes)

    • The Master attempts to harness the power of the Time Monster, an ancient Chronovore, using a device called the Time Meddler. The Doctor must stop him before the Chronovore unleashes chaos and destroys time itself. This story concludes Season 9 with a time-bending climax.

Season 10

  • RRR. 30-Dec-72. The Three Doctors. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The first multi-Doctor story, “The Three Doctors,” featuring Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, and William Hartnell.

    • A special 10th-anniversary story featuring not one, not two, but three Doctors! The Time Lords are facing an energy crisis and call upon the First and Second Doctors to aid the Third Doctor. Together, they must confront Omega, a legendary Time Lord trapped in an anti-matter universe. This story is a landmark event, celebrating Doctor Who’s history and introducing the multi-Doctor concept.

  • PPP. 27-Jan-73. Carnival of Monsters. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Jo find themselves miniaturized and trapped inside a Miniscope, a device containing a collection of alien creatures. They must escape the Miniscope and prevent its misuse by a showman. This story is a creative and imaginative adventure, exploring themes of captivity and exploitation.

  • QQQ. 24-Feb-73. Frontier in Space. (6 episodes)

    • In the 26th century, tensions are rising between Earth and Draconia. The Doctor and Jo become entangled in a plot by the Master, working with the Daleks and Ogrons, to instigate war between the two planets. This story sets the stage for Planet of the Daleks.

  • SSS. 7-Apr-73. Planet of the Daleks. (6 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Daleks in their classic bronze design menacingly populate the jungle planet of Spiridon in “Planet of the Daleks.”

    • A direct sequel to Frontier in Space, this story sees the Doctor, injured by the Master, recuperating on Spiridon. Jo is separated and discovers a massive Dalek army in suspended animation. The Doctor must stop the Daleks’ plan to unleash a plague and conquer the galaxy.

  • TTT. 19-May-73. The Green Death. (6 episodes)

    • In Wales, giant maggots are terrorizing a mining community, linked to a mysterious corporation and a sentient computer. Jo Grant departs at the end of this story, leaving to pursue a life with Professor Clifford Jones. This story deals with environmental themes and corporate greed.

Season 11

  • UUU. 15-Dec-73. The Time Warrior. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor and new companion Sarah Jane Smith arrive in medieval England, where they encounter a Sontaran warrior named Linx who is stranded and using 20th-century technology to terrorize the local population. This story marks the debut of the Sontarans and establishes Sarah Jane as a key companion.

  • WWW. 12-Jan-74. Invasion of the Dinosaurs. (6 episodes)

    • Dinosaurs suddenly appear in London, causing chaos and panic. UNIT and the Doctor investigate and uncover a secret society planning to revert Earth to a prehistoric state.

  • XXX. 23-Feb-74. Death to the Daleks. (4 episodes)

    • The TARDIS is drained of power and crash-lands on Exxilon. The Doctor and Sarah Jane encounter the Exxilons and Daleks, who are both seeking a life-giving mineral source on the planet. This story features classic Dalek designs and a mysterious alien race.

  • YYY. 23-Mar-74. The Monster of Peladon. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Sarah Jane return to Peladon, finding it on the brink of war with its neighbor, Arcturus. The Doctor must mediate the conflict and uncover a conspiracy threatening Peladon’s stability and its place in the Galactic Federation.

  • ZZZ. 4-May-74. Planet of the Spiders. (6 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith, under mind control in “Planet of the Spiders,” the Third Doctor’s final story.

    • The Third Doctor’s final adventure involves giant spiders from Metebelis III and a powerful crystal with psychic energies. The Doctor is exposed to lethal radiation and regenerates into his fourth incarnation at the story’s climax. This story sees the departure of Jon Pertwee and the transition to the Tom Baker era.

The Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974-1981)

Tom Baker’s portrayal of the Doctor is arguably the most iconic, defined by his bohemian eccentricity, long scarf, and jelly babies. His era is known for its gothic horror elements, imaginative storylines, and a blend of humor and darkness.

  • Alt Text: Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, the longest-reigning and most iconic incarnation of the Doctor.

Season 12

  • 4A. 28-Dec-74. Robot. (4 episodes)

    • The newly regenerated Fourth Doctor, still recovering from regeneration, teams up with Sarah Jane and UNIT to stop a powerful robot and a group of anti-technology extremists from attempting to trigger World War III. This story is a direct sequel to Planet of the Spiders and introduces the Fourth Doctor’s personality and style.

  • 4B. 25-Jan-75. The Ark in Space. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The Fourth Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry encounter the insectoid Wirrn in the claustrophobic “Ark in Space.”

    • On a space station, the Ark, in the far future, the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry Sullivan discover the last remnants of humanity in suspended animation, threatened by insectoid Wirrn who seek to use the Ark for their own survival. This story is a classic example of gothic science fiction, set in a claustrophobic and menacing environment.

  • 4C. 22-Feb-75. The Sontaran Experiment. (2 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry arrive on a desolate Earth to find Sontarans conducting experiments on humans as a prelude to invasion. This short story is a tense and action-packed encounter with the Sontarans.

  • 4D. 8-Mar-75. Genesis of the Daleks. (6 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The Fourth Doctor confronts Davros, the creator of the Daleks, in the pivotal “Genesis of the Daleks.”

    • The Time Lords send the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry back to Skaro’s past to prevent the creation of the Daleks. They encounter Davros, the scientist responsible for their genesis, and face a moral dilemma about whether to commit genocide to prevent the Daleks’ future atrocities. This story is a dark and complex exploration of the Dalek origins.

  • 4E. 19-Apr-75. Revenge of the Cybermen. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry arrive on a gold-rich space station, Nerva Beacon, which is targeted by Cybermen seeking to destroy humanity using a gold plague. This story is a revenge-themed Cybermen adventure and a sequel to The Ark in Space, set on the same space station in a different time period.

Season 13

  • 4F. 30-Aug-75. Terror of the Zygons. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The Zygons, shapeshifting aliens, make their debut in “Terror of the Zygons,” a Scottish-set Fourth Doctor story.

    • The Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry investigate strange events in Scotland linked to Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. They uncover a plot by the Zygons, shapeshifting aliens, to conquer Earth by replacing key figures in society. This story is a classic base-under-siege adventure with a Scottish setting and introduces the Zygons, who would become recurring adversaries.

  • 4H. 27-Sep-75. Planet of Evil. (4 episodes)

    • On the jungle planet of Zeta Minor, a scientific expedition is threatened by a powerful antimatter lifeform. The Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry investigate and discover a Jekyll and Hyde-like transformation affecting the expedition leader, Professor Sorenson.

  • 4G. 25-Oct-75. The Pyramids of Mars. (4 episodes)

    • In 1911 England, strange events are linked to an ancient Egyptian pyramid. The Doctor and Sarah Jane investigate and confront Sutekh, a powerful Osirian being imprisoned on Mars, who seeks to escape and unleash destruction upon the universe. This story is a gothic horror adventure, drawing on Egyptian mythology and featuring a formidable villain.

  • 4J. 22-Nov-75. The Android Invasion. (4 episodes)

    • In a seemingly idyllic English village, strange behavior is observed among the inhabitants. The Doctor and Sarah Jane uncover an android invasion plot by the Kraal, who plan to replace humanity with android duplicates. This story is a paranoid thriller exploring themes of identity and artificial intelligence.

  • 4K. 3-Jan-76. The Brain of Morbius. (4 episodes)

    • On the planet Karn, the Doctor and Sarah Jane become embroiled in a conflict involving the Sisterhood of Karn and the disembodied brain of Morbius, a criminal Time Lord. This story is a gothic horror pastiche, drawing inspiration from Frankenstein and exploring themes of scientific ethics and ambition.

  • 4L. 31-Jan-76. The Seeds of Doom. (6 episodes)

    • Alt Text: The deadly Krynoid pod from “The Seeds of Doom,” a plant-based alien threat faced by the Fourth Doctor.

    • In Antarctica, a mysterious pod is unearthed, containing a Krynoid, a plant-based alien lifeform that threatens to transform Earth into a planet of vegetation. The Doctor and Sarah Jane must stop the Krynoid from reaching maturity and unleashing its spores. This story is a plant-monster thriller, drawing on science fiction horror tropes.

Season 14

  • 4M. 4-Sep-76. The Masque of Mandragora. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Sarah Jane are swept to Renaissance Italy by the Mandragora Helix, a sentient energy force. They become involved in political intrigue and a plot to unleash the Helix’s power. This story is a historical adventure with gothic and occult elements.

  • 4N. 2-Oct-76. The Hand of Fear. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Sarah Jane’s departure in “The Hand of Fear,” after years of adventures with the Third and Fourth Doctors.

    • The Doctor and Sarah Jane find a petrified hand in a quarry, which regenerates into Eldrad, a being from the planet Kastria seeking to reclaim its power source on Earth. This story marks the departure of Sarah Jane Smith as a regular companion, leaving after years of adventures.

  • 4P. 30-Oct-76. The Deadly Assassin. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor returns to Gallifrey and becomes embroiled in Time Lord politics when he is framed for the assassination of the President of the Time Lords. He must navigate the Matrix, a virtual reality realm, to uncover the true assassin, who is revealed to be the Master in a decayed state. This story is a political thriller set on Gallifrey, exploring Time Lord society and mythology.

  • 4Q. 1-Jan-77. The Face of Evil. (4 episodes)

    • On a jungle planet, the Doctor encounters two warring tribes, the Sevateem and the Tesh. He discovers that the Sevateem worship a god-like figure, Xoanon, which is actually a damaged computer with the Doctor’s personality imprinted on it. Leela, a savage warrior, is introduced and becomes a new companion.

  • 4R. 29-Jan-77. The Robots of Death. (4 episodes)

    • On a giant sand-miner ship, the Doctor and Leela investigate a series of murders. The prime suspects are robots, but something more sinister is at play. This story is a murder mystery set on a claustrophobic spaceship, exploring themes of artificial intelligence and social class.

  • 4S. 26-Feb-77. The Talons of Weng-Chiang. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Leela arrive in Victorian London and investigate strange disappearances linked to a Chinese magician, Li H’sen Chang, and a sinister entity from the future, Weng-Chiang. This story is a Victorian-era adventure with gothic and horror elements, often considered one of the best of the Fourth Doctor era.

Season 15

  • 4V. 03-Sep-77. Horror of Fang Rock. (4 episodes)

    • On a remote island lighthouse, the Doctor and Leela encounter a deadly alien predator. This story is a claustrophobic and atmospheric horror piece, set almost entirely within the lighthouse and featuring a terrifying monster.

  • 4T. 1-Oct-77. The Invisible Enemy. (4 episodes)

    • A virus from space infects the Doctor and threatens to take control of his mind. He and Leela must travel inside the Doctor’s own brain to combat the virus, with the aid of miniature clones of themselves. This story is a body-horror adventure, exploring themes of infection and the nature of consciousness.

  • 4X.29-Oct-77. Image of the Fendahl. (4 episodes)

    • In a secluded English village, ancient pagan rituals and psychic phenomena are linked to a mysterious skull. The Doctor and Leela investigate and encounter the Fendahl, a powerful psychic entity seeking to break free from its ancient prison. This story is a folk-horror adventure, drawing on pagan mythology and psychic themes.

  • 4W. 26-Nov-77. The Sunmakers. (4 episodes)

    • On the planet Pluto in the far future, humanity lives under a totalitarian regime controlled by the Company. The Doctor and Leela become involved in a rebellion against the oppressive tax system and the mysterious Gatherer Hade. This story is a satirical social commentary on bureaucracy and taxation.

  • 4Y. 7-Jan-78. Underworld. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor and Leela arrive on a Minyan spaceship searching for their race’s mythical origins. They become entangled in a conflict between the technologically advanced Minyans and the primitive Outlanders, within a complex and labyrinthine planetoid. This story is loosely based on the myth of Jason and the Argonauts.

  • 4Z. 4-Feb-78. The Invasion of Time. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor returns to Gallifrey and claims the Presidency of the Time Lords, but his true intentions are mysterious. Gallifrey is invaded by the Vardans and later the Sontarans, and Leela and K9 are left behind on Gallifrey at the end. This story is a Gallifrey-set epic, exploring Time Lord society and featuring multiple alien invasions.

Season 16: The Key to Time

  • The Search for the Key to Time

    • This season is structured as a single overarching story arc, with each serial contributing to the quest for the Key to Time, a powerful artifact split into six segments. Romana I joins as the Doctor’s Time Lady companion.

    • 5A. 2-Sep-78. The Ribos Operation. (4 episodes)

      • The Doctor and Romana search for the first segment of the Key to Time on the planet Ribos, encountering a con artist named Garron and the Graff Vynda-K.

    • 5B. 30-Sep-78. The Pirate Planet. (4 episodes)

      • On the planet Calufrax, the Doctor and Romana uncover a planet-sized spaceship disguised as a planet, controlled by the tyrannical Captain Pirate. This story is known for its Douglas Adams script and satirical humor.

    • 5C. 28-Oct-78. The Stones of Blood. (4 episodes)

      • In rural England, the Doctor and Romana investigate ancient stones that come to life and encounter the Ogri and the Cailleach, a powerful witch-like being. This story blends folklore and science fiction in a rural setting.

    • 5D. 25-Nov-78. The Androids of Tara. (4 episodes)

      • On the planet Tara, the Doctor and Romana become involved in a royal succession crisis and encounter android duplicates and political intrigue. This story is a romantic adventure inspired by The Prisoner of Zenda.

    • 5E. 23-Dec-78. The Power of Kroll. (4 episodes)

      • On the swamp planet of Delta Magna, the Doctor and Romana investigate a series of attacks linked to the giant squid-like god Kroll. This story is a monster-hunt adventure set in a swamp environment.

    • 5F.20-Jan-79. The Armageddon Factor. (6 episodes)

      • The final segment of the Key to Time is located in a war-torn galaxy, where the Doctor and Romana confront the Shadow, a powerful and manipulative being, and the Black Guardian, who seeks to control the Key. This story concludes the Key to Time arc and features a complex political and cosmic conflict.

Season 17

  • 5J. 1-Sep-79. Destiny of the Daleks. (4 episodes)

    • Alt Text: Romana II regenerates in “Destiny of the Daleks,” a story that sees the return of Davros and the Movellans.

    • Romana regenerates into her second incarnation. The Doctor and Romana arrive on Skaro, where the Daleks are at war with the Movellans, a robotic race. Davros returns, seeking to lead the Daleks once more. This story is a direct sequel to Genesis of the Daleks and reintroduces Davros as a recurring villain.

  • 5H. 29-Sep-79. City of Death. (4 episodes)

    • In Paris, the Doctor and Romana investigate strange temporal anomalies linked to Count Scarlioni, who is revealed to be a Jagaroth time traveler seeking to alter Earth’s history for his own gain. This story is a stylish and witty adventure set in Paris, co-written by Douglas Adams and featuring a memorable villain and time-travel paradoxes.

  • 5G. 27-Oct-79. The Creature from the Pit. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Romana, and K9 arrive on the planet Chloris, rich in vegetation but lacking in metal. They encounter Lady Adrasta, who rules over the planet and throws her enemies into a pit containing a mysterious creature, Erato. This story is a political allegory with environmental themes.

  • 5K. 24-Nov-79. Nightmare of Eden. (4 episodes)

    • On two spaceships merged together after a collision, the Doctor, Romana, and K9 investigate a drug-smuggling operation involving a dangerous hallucinogenic drug called Vraxoin and monstrous Mandrels. This story is a drug-crime thriller set on spaceships, exploring themes of addiction and interspecies relations.

  • 5L. 22-Dec-79. The Horns of Nimon. (4 episodes)

    • On the war-like planet Skonnos, the Doctor, Romana, and K9 discover a tribute system to the Nimon, a monstrous bull-like creature dwelling in a labyrinth. The Nimon is revealed to be planning an invasion of Skonnos and beyond. This story is a mythological adventure, drawing on the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth.

  • 5M. (never broadcast) Shada. (6 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Romana, and K9 visit retired Time Lord Professor Chronotis in Cambridge. Skagra, a criminal mastermind, seeks a Gallifreyan book held by Chronotis, which will lead him to the criminal Salyavin and allow him to control the universe. This story was incomplete due to industrial action at the BBC but has since been completed using animation and narration.

Season 18

  • 5N. 30-Aug-80. The Leisure Hive. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Romana, and K9 visit the leisure planet Argolis for a holiday, but find themselves embroiled in a political power struggle between factions of Argolians and the Foamasi. The Doctor is aged prematurely but recovers. This story is a political drama with themes of leisure and societal decay.

  • 5Q. 27-Sep-80. Meglos. (4 episodes)

    • The Doctor, Romana, and K9 travel to Zolfa-Thura to visit an old friend, but find him replaced by Meglos, a cactus-like alien seeking to steal the Dodecahedron, a powerful energy source. This story is a body-snatcher thriller with a plant-based villain.

  • The E-Space Trilogy

    • A three-story arc set in E-Space, a pocket universe adjacent to our own, where the laws of physics are different. Adric, a young Alzarian, stows away on the TARDIS in Full Circle.

    • 5R. 25-Oct-80. Full Circle. (4 episodes)

      • The TARDIS is pulled into E-Space and lands on Alzarius, a planet where a spaceship crew is trapped, and swamp monsters called Marshmen roam. Adric, an Alzarian teenager, stows away on the TARDIS. This story is a coming-of-age adventure with a survival horror element.

    • 5P. 22-Nov-80. State of Decay. (4 episodes)

      • On the planet De

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *