Celebrating 20 years of Doctor Who, “The Five Doctors” was conceived as a grand spectacle, uniting multiple incarnations of the iconic Time Lord. This special episode, broadcast during Peter Davison’s tenure as the Fifth Doctor, promised a nostalgic trip down memory lane for long-time fans. The premise is intriguing: a mysterious force summons the various Doctors to the Death Zone on Gallifrey, the Doctor’s home planet, for an unknown purpose.
The Doctors, each arriving in their own distinct style, find themselves drawn towards the ominous Tower of Rassilon. Along their paths, they encounter a gauntlet of classic Doctor Who monsters – a Dalek, Cybermen, and a Yeti – creating a thrilling obstacle course for our heroes. It becomes clear that a shadowy manipulator is orchestrating these events, believing that the combined might of five Doctors is necessary to obtain something hidden within the Tower. However, as the title suggests, there’s a slight catch.
Eagle-eyed fans will notice the absence of Tom Baker, the immensely popular Fourth Doctor. Baker declined to participate in the special, leading to a creative workaround. Archival footage from an unaired Fourth Doctor story was cleverly integrated, with the plot explaining his absence by having him “stuck” in a time vortex. Thus, despite the title “The Five Doctors,” the narrative primarily focuses on four. Adding to the casting complexities, William Hartnell, the First Doctor, had sadly passed away. Richard Hurndall stepped into the role, tasked with portraying the original Doctor. Hurndall delivers a commendable performance, capturing the essence of Hartnell’s portrayal, although the change in actor is noticeable.
The episode’s strength lies in the sheer novelty of seeing multiple Doctors interact. The dynamic between the different incarnations is a highlight, particularly the witty exchanges between Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor and Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, providing genuinely humorous moments. For fans, witnessing these iconic characters together is a treat in itself.
However, in terms of plot depth, “The Five Doctors” is less substantial. A significant portion of the episode consists of scenes depicting each Doctor running from various perils. The Fifth Doctor spends considerable time outside the Death Zone, seemingly marking time while trying to unravel the mystery. The narrative regarding the Fourth Doctor’s predicament feels somewhat perfunctory. Even the inclusion of the Master feels somewhat tacked on. With a runtime of approximately 90 minutes, the episode struggles to fully develop a compelling narrative that adequately serves such a large cast of characters, Doctors and companions alike.
In conclusion, “The Five Doctors” is best viewed as a celebratory anniversary piece rather than a tightly plotted story. It’s a worthwhile watch for Doctor Who enthusiasts to witness the spectacle of (almost) all the Doctors united on screen. While the plot may be lightweight, the episode delivers on its promise of a multi-Doctor adventure and the nostalgic charm of seeing these beloved characters together. Don’t expect a narrative masterpiece, but do anticipate a fun, action-packed romp through Doctor Who history.
