For any dedicated Doctor Who fan, the transition between Doctors is always a moment of anticipation mixed with trepidation. After immersing myself in Tom Baker’s iconic Fourth Doctor era for an extended period, complete with the requisite collection of scarves and floppy hat, the prospect of Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor felt like a significant shift. Tom Baker was the Doctor in my mind, his bohemian vagabond persona and boundless energy having defined the role so completely. The question loomed: could this new, younger Doctor capture the same magic? My anxiety, however, soon morphed into excitement as I considered the challenge Davison faced in stepping into the TARDIS after Baker’s remarkable seven-year tenure. It took courage to follow such a legend, and that realization ignited a fresh wave of enthusiasm to embark on this new chapter of Doctor Who history.
My journey through the Fifth Doctor’s era, encompassing Seasons 19-21 from his debut on January 4, 1982, to his departure on March 16, 1984, proved to be anything but disappointing. It was an era that boldly carved its own identity while retaining the heart of Doctor Who, and here are my impressions of this fascinating regeneration.
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A Deliberate Departure: Setting the Stage for a New Doctor
Peter Davison’s inaugural episode, “Castrovalva: Part One,” immediately signaled a decisive break from the Tom Baker years. The regeneration itself was portrayed as turbulent, leaving the Fifth Doctor in a vulnerable state. In a symbolic act of shedding the past, the Doctor literally unravels the Fourth Doctor’s iconic scarf while searching for the Zero Room within the TARDIS, a sanctuary designed for healing. This visual cue was powerfully reinforced as he further divested himself of his coat, shoes, and even tore his vest, leaving a trail of familiar Doctor paraphernalia. The message was unmistakable: this was a new Doctor, embarking on a distinct era. The flamboyant bohemian had given way to someone altogether different.
One of the initial adjustments was getting accustomed to the Fifth Doctor’s distinctly preppy appearance. Following the Fourth Doctor, with his wild curls, flowing scarf, and bohemian flair, the Fifth Doctor’s arrival in sneakers, slacks, a pullover sweater, and a button-down coat was quite a contrast. While undeniably “Doctor-esque” with the quirky addition of celery on his lapel, the stylistic shift was yet another clear indication of a new direction. This preppy aesthetic, while initially unexpected, quickly became part of the Fifth Doctor’s unique charm.
Adding to this sense of novelty, the opening credits for Season 19, and every subsequent episode featuring Peter Davison, listed his character simply as “The Doctor,” not “Doctor Who.” This subtle change in nomenclature further emphasized the dawn of a fresh chapter in the show’s long-running narrative.
Fifth Doctor
The TARDIS as a Family Home: Exploring Companion Dynamics
The Fifth Doctor inherited the existing TARDIS crew: Adric (Matthew Waterhouse), Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding), companions who had joined during the Fourth Doctor’s final days. Their dynamic with the new Doctor was instantly engaging. The best analogy that comes to mind is a classic 1980s sitcom premise: the Fifth Doctor as a young, hip, single dad navigating the complexities of parenthood. This interpretation added a layer of warmth and relatability to the TARDIS team, making them feel more like a family unit. Even the domestic detail of Nyssa and Tegan sharing a room on the TARDIS reinforced this familial atmosphere.
Tegan, with her outspoken and sarcastic nature, embodied the role of the sassy, eldest daughter. Her self-description as “just a mouth on legs” perfectly captured her quick wit and tendency to speak her mind, often leading to humorous exasperation from the Doctor. A memorable exchange in “The Visitation: Part Four” exemplifies this:
The Doctor – “Have a look around. See what papers you can find.”
Tegan – [sarcastically] “Oh, you think they’ll have left a forwarding address?”
The Doctor – [yelling] “WILL YOU…[deep breath, calmly] Just look around. There might be something.”
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Nyssa, in contrast, functioned as the “perfect” middle daughter, striving for harmony and balance within their unconventional family. Despite her youth, she often acted as a mediator between the Doctor and Tegan, as seen in a poignant moment in “Terminus: Part Four”:
The Doctor – “Tegan!”
Tegan – “Doctor…”
The Doctor – “What are you doing?”
Tegan – “I was trying to reach you. Turlough went back to the TARDIS on his own.”
The Doctor – [sternly] “I told you not to follow me.”
Nyssa – “Doctor, say you’re pleased to see her.”
The Doctor – “Yes, well I’m pleased to see her but she shouldn’t’ve followed us!”
Tegan – [pleading] “You don’t understand…”
The Doctor – [dismissively] “Yes, well we’ll talk about it later. [turning away] Valgard?”
Tegan – [to Nyssa] “Why does he never listen?”
Nyssa – “There’s a great deal to do.”
Tegan – “There always is.”
Nyssa, portrayed by Sarah Sutton, often acts as a peacemaker within the TARDIS crew, using her gentle and understanding nature to mediate between the Doctor and the more headstrong Tegan.
Adric, the youngest of the trio, played the role of the eager but insecure younger brother. He craved the Doctor’s attention and validation, often feeling overlooked in favor of the older companions. This dynamic is evident in a scene from “Earthshock: Part One” where the Doctor attempts to engage Adric with a book:
The Doctor –“You must read this Adric, Black Orchid.”
Adric – [monotone] “Why?”
The Doctor – “It’s fascinating scholarship!”
Adric – [opens the cover, closes it, puts it aside] “Why should that interest me?”
The Doctor – [gently] “What’s the matter?”
Adric – “I’m fed up.”
The Doctor – “Why?”
Adric – “I’m tired of being considered a joke.”
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The Doctor – “Oh, no one thinks that!”
Adric – “Then why am I constantly teased?”
The Doctor – “Well, everyone’s teased from time to time.”
Adric – “Yeah, but not as often as me.”
The Doctor – “That’s not true.”
Adric – “No, and I suppose neither is the fact that whenever Nyssa or Tegan ask you a question you always find time to answer it, but hardly ever with me.”
[the Doctor fiddles with stuff on Adric’s desk.]
Adric – [walking over to him] “Look, how am I to learn if you never find time to explain?”
The Doctor – “Time? We have spent many hours discussing and debating endless topics!”
Adric – “I’m just fitted in when it’s convenient for you!”
The Doctor engages in a conversation with Adric in his TARDIS room, attempting to address the young companion’s feelings of being undervalued and seeking reassurance.
This family dynamic was incredibly endearing. The contrast between Tegan, the twenty-something, and the teenage Nyssa and Adric created a unique dynamic not seen since the First Doctor’s era with Susan and Vicki. This larger TARDIS team, feeling more like a family unit, was a refreshing and enjoyable aspect of the Fifth Doctor’s era.
A Paternal Figure: The Doctor’s Caring Side
The Fifth Doctor displayed a paternal energy reminiscent of the First Doctor’s relationship with his granddaughter Susan and later Vicki. While the Second Doctor had a teenager in Victoria, and the Third Doctor had Jo Grant who was younger, the Fifth Doctor’s paternal nature felt more pronounced. He exhibited a clear love and concern for his companions, balancing reprimands with praise, and demonstrating both exasperation and pride in their accomplishments. His protectiveness and desire to share the wonders of the universe with them resonated deeply, adding a layer of emotional depth to his character.
Adding to his endearing qualities, the Fifth Doctor frequently sported surprised, shocked, or slightly overwhelmed expressions, further enhancing the “single dad sitcom” vibe. These reactions, coupled with his youthful energy, made him incredibly relatable and charming.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor displays a surprised and slightly overwhelmed expression, a characteristic trait that contributes to his endearing and relatable persona.
The Fifth Doctor’s cute and youthful charm is captured in this close-up, highlighting his expressive face and endearing personality.
Echoes in the Tenth Doctor: Davison’s Lasting Influence
It’s hard not to notice the parallels between the Fifth Doctor and David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor. Many aspects of Tennant’s performance seem to draw inspiration from Davison. The way the Fifth Doctor carried himself, the gesture of pushing back his coat to put his hands in his pockets, the use of glasses for reading and technical work, and the rapid shifts between goofy humor and serious intensity when danger threatened – these elements are all echoed in the Tenth Doctor’s portrayal. Davison’s influence on later Doctors is a testament to the enduring impact of his performance.
Similar to Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor, the Fifth Doctor also experienced a somewhat turbulent regeneration, resulting in initial memory confusion. In “Castrovalva: Part Three,” when asked, “Who are you, stranger?” the Doctor’s reply, “That’s the strangest thing of all…I’m not entirely sure,” mirrored the Thirteenth Doctor’s own post-regeneration amnesia, creating a fascinating link between these seemingly disparate incarnations.
Memorable Foes and Recurring Themes: Terileptils and the Mara
Among the Fifth Doctor’s adversaries, the Terileptils stand out as visually striking and conceptually intriguing. In a series known for its imaginative aliens, the Terileptils, with their reptilian design and menacing presence, were particularly memorable. Their story arc explored themes of colonization, imperialism, and environmental responsibility, recurring motifs throughout the Fifth Doctor’s era.
The Fifth Doctor confronts a Terileptil, a visually striking and memorable alien foe from his era, highlighting the series’ creative creature design.
A close-up view of a Terileptil emphasizes their detailed and reptilian features, showcasing their unique and menacing design within the Doctor Who universe.
The Terileptils, having escaped a life sentence, arrive on Earth with a plan to eradicate the human population using a plague, justifying their actions by drawing parallels to humanity’s own history of displacing indigenous species. This storyline directly confronted issues of colonization and environmental ethics, themes that resonated throughout many of the Fifth Doctor’s narratives. In a significant moment, a Terileptil destroys the Doctor’s sonic screwdriver, prompting the Doctor’s lament, “I feel like I’ve lost an old friend.” This loss underscored the sonic screwdriver’s growing importance in the Doctor Who mythos, even though its use in the classic series remained relatively limited compared to the modern era.
The relative infrequency of the sonic screwdriver’s use in classic Doctor Who is noteworthy. Unlike the modern series where it functions almost as a magic wand, the classic Doctors relied more on their intellect and resourcefulness. The Fifth Doctor, in particular, exemplified this, often relying on his sharp mind and quick wit to overcome obstacles.
Another compelling villain introduced during the Fifth Doctor’s time was the Mara. For someone familiar with Hinduism and Buddhism, the name “Mara” carries significant pre-existing meaning, representing temptation, illusion, and negativity. This name, recently referenced in the Fifteenth Doctor’s era, added a layer of depth to the Mara’s portrayal.
The Mara storyline, particularly in “Kinda” and “Snakedance,” delved into psychological and existential horror. Set on a lush jungle planet, the narrative explored themes of colonization through the lens of the Kinda, a matriarchal society led by Panna (wisdom) and Karuna (compassion). While the portrayal of indigenous cultures reflected 1980s perspectives, the underlying themes of wisdom and compassion, embodied by the Kinda leadership, were significant. The concept of the “Book of Jnana” (wisdom in Sanskrit) further enriched the Hindu symbolism woven into the narrative.
The Mara’s influence manifests as a terrifying psychic invasion, primarily targeting Tegan. Panna’s description of the Mara encapsulates its nature:
“Wheel turns, civilizations arise, wheel turns, civilizations fall…. Wherever the wheel turns, there is suffering, delusion and death….It is the Mara who now turn the wheel. It is the Mara who dance to the music of our despair. Our suffering is the Mara’s delight, our madness the Mara’s meat and drink. And now he has returned.”
Ultimately, the Doctor and the Kinda defeat the Mara by surrounding it with mirrors. The Doctor explains, “No Mara can bear the sight of its own reflection. It must recoil from itself. Understandably, don’t you think, given its nature….[and then it] retreats back to where it came from,” or, “The dark places of the inside.” This resolution, framing the Mara as a manifestation of inner darkness and delusion, provides a powerful metaphorical interpretation.
The Doctor and the Kinda people collaborate to defeat the Mara, using mirrors to repel the psychic entity, symbolizing the confrontation of inner darkness.
Descent into Darkness: Tragedy and Moral Ambiguity
While the Fifth Doctor’s initial seasons were characterized by a lighter, almost sitcom-like tone, his era took a darker turn, culminating in unprecedented tragedy and moral complexity. Recurring villains like the Cybermen, Omega, the Mara (again), the Black Guardian, the Eternals, the Master, and the Daleks contributed to this growing darkness. This shift foreshadowed the grittier themes explored in modern Doctor Who.
The death of Adric in “Earthshock” marked a watershed moment. Adric’s sacrifice, staying aboard a Cyberman ship hurtling towards Earth to avert disaster, was the first on-screen death of a companion in classic Doctor Who. His demise, preventing the ship from destroying Earth but causing its crash into prehistoric Earth and triggering the dinosaur extinction, was a devastating and impactful narrative choice. The silent credits rolling over Adric’s shattered star badge underscored the profound loss.
This unprecedented companion death would have been shocking for viewers in 1982, a stark contrast to the more frequent companion deaths in modern Doctor Who. Adric’s death felt as impactful as Rose Tyler’s temporary separation from the Tenth Doctor, signifying a new level of emotional stakes in the series.
The immediate episode following Adric’s death opens with the TARDIS crew grappling with grief, a scene strikingly similar to the emotional aftermaths common in modern Doctor Who. However, the Doctor’s coping mechanism – burying the pain and seeking distraction – also reflects a certain emotional avoidance:
Tegan – “Aren’t you forgetting something rather important? Adric is dead.”
Nyssa – “Tegan, please.”
The Doctor – “We feel his loss as well.”
Tegan, “Well, you could do more than grieve. You could go back.”
Nyssa – “Could you?”
The Doctor – “No.”
Nyssa – “But surely the Tardis is quite capable of…”
Tegan – “We can change what happened if we materialize before Adric was killed.”
The Doctor – “And change your own history?”
Tegan – “Look, the freighter could still crash into Earth. That doesn’t have to be changed. Only Adric doesn’t have to be on board.”
The Doctor – “Now listen to me, both of you. There are some rules that cannot be broken even with the TADRIS. Don’t ever ask me to do anything like that again! You must accept that Adric is dead. His life wasn’t wasted. He died trying to save others, just like his brother, Varsh. You know, Adric had a choice. This is the way he wanted it.”
Tegan – “We used to fight a lot. I’ll miss him.”
Nyssa – “So will I.”
The Doctor – “And me. But he wouldn’t want us to mourn unnecessarily.”
Nyssa – “Where are we going?”
The Doctor – “Special treat to cheer us all up.”
The Doctor attempts to console Tegan and Nyssa in the TARDIS after Adric’s death, showcasing the emotional impact of loss on the TARDIS crew.
Nyssa and Tegan, portrayed as a close-knit duo, continue their travels with the Doctor, forming a beloved TARDIS family dynamic.
This emotional avoidance is further contrasted by the Doctor’s increasingly ruthless actions in “Resurrection of the Daleks.” Driven by grief and anger, he resolves to murder Davros, the creator of the Daleks:
Tegan – “Where are you going?”
The Doctor – “To kill Davros.”
Tegan – “Doctor…”
The Doctor – “I must. Davros created the Daleks; he must not be allowed to save them.”
Tegan – “But murder?”
The Doctor – “Once before I held back from destroying the Daleks. It is a mistake I do not intend to repeat. Davros must die.”
The Fifth Doctor, armed and resolute, prepares to confront Davros, showcasing a darker and more vengeful side in his battle against the Daleks.
While ultimately unable to kill Davros in cold blood, the Doctor displays a disturbing gleefulness in destroying Daleks, even callously detonating bombs attached to their casings. This darker turn culminates in the Master’s gruesome demise in “Planet of Fire.” The Doctor watches impassively as the Master burns to death, refusing to intervene even as his oldest adversary pleads for mercy. This act of calculated inaction is chilling and raises profound questions about the Doctor’s morality.
The Master, engulfed in flames, desperately pleads for mercy from the Doctor, who watches on, highlighting the darker and morally ambiguous turn in the Fifth Doctor’s era.
This descent into darkness raises questions about the era’s potential reflection of 1980s cultural shifts. The rise of the “80s Action Hero” archetype, with figures like Rambo and Conan, might have influenced a push towards a grittier, more action-oriented Doctor. Similarly, Star Wars’ influence is evident in the TARDIS scenes, with the Doctor frequently resorting to physical manipulation of the console, reminiscent of the Millennium Falcon.
The departure of Nyssa and Tegan further marked the end of an era. Nyssa’s decision to stay and help plague victims and Tegan’s departure, overwhelmed by the constant death and danger, signaled a significant shift in the TARDIS dynamic. The introduction of Peri Brown, an American companion from Baltimore, further suggested a potential attempt to inject a more American sensibility into Doctor Who.
A Fond Farewell: Remembering the Warmth and Empathy
Despite the darker undertones that emerged towards the end, the Fifth Doctor’s defining characteristic remained his warmth and empathy. This incarnation was deeply caring and relatable. His quirky habits, like tossing and catching his cricket ball while thinking, or using coin tosses (and then often disregarding the outcome) to make decisions, added to his endearing personality. Even his comical attempts to understand cricket in 1925 added a touch of lightheartedness to his character.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor, despite initial hesitations about moving on from Tom Baker, quickly won me over. The family dynamic of the TARDIS crew, the warmth of the Doctor’s personality, and the blend of lightheartedness and growing darkness created a compelling and memorable era. The Fifth Doctor, Nyssa, and Tegan – along with Adric and Turlough – became one of my all-time favorite TARDIS teams.
The Doctor, Tegan, and Turlough at the TARDIS console, showcasing the camaraderie and enduring appeal of the Fifth Doctor’s TARDIS team, even as the crew composition evolved.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the Doctors who came before, explore these articles:
- Impressions of the First Doctor
- Impressions of the Second Doctor
- Impressions of the Third Doctor
- Impressions of the Fourth Doctor
