To mark the 20th anniversary of Doctor Who, “The Five Doctors” episode emerged during Peter Davison’s tenure as the Fifth Doctor. The premise is instantly intriguing: a mysterious force has pulled incarnations of the Doctor to the Death Zone on Gallifrey, the Time Lords’ home planet, for an undisclosed purpose. Confused but compelled, the Doctors aim to reach the Tower of Rassilon, hoping to unravel the mystery behind their summons and the challenges that await them. It becomes clear that this enigmatic individual believes the combined might of multiple Doctors is necessary to achieve their goal within the tower.
However, the reality of “The Five Doctors” deviates slightly from its name. Tom Baker, the immensely popular Fourth Doctor, opted not to participate. To navigate this absence, the production team ingeniously incorporated archival footage of Baker and devised a plot point where he is “time-scooped” and temporarily trapped, explaining his limited presence. Therefore, despite the title, the episode primarily features four Doctors. Furthermore, William Hartnell, the original First Doctor, had sadly passed away. Actor Richard Hurndall stepped into the role, offering a respectful portrayal that echoed Hartnell’s mannerisms, though the change in actor is noticeable.
When evaluating the episode’s overall quality, perspective is key. As a celebratory nod to Doctor Who’s rich history, “The Five Doctors” delivers a unique spectacle. Witnessing the dynamic interplay between different Doctors, particularly the witty exchanges between Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor and Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, provides genuine entertainment. Each Doctor’s distinct personality shines through in their reactions to encountering their other selves.
Yet, in terms of narrative depth, the plot feels somewhat thin. A significant portion of the episode consists of scenes depicting the Doctors in separate locations, mostly running from classic monsters like Daleks, Cybermen, and a Yeti. The Fifth Doctor spends considerable time outside the Death Zone, attempting to decipher the overarching situation. The narrative justification for the Fourth Doctor’s absence feels like a necessary patch rather than an integral part of the story. The Master also makes an appearance, adding another familiar element. Ultimately, with such a large ensemble cast of Doctors (and their companions), the 90-minute runtime proves insufficient to develop a truly substantial and intricate plot that effectively utilizes all of them.
In conclusion, “The Five Doctors” is worth watching for the sheer novelty of seeing multiple Doctors (even if it’s technically four and a recast) interacting on screen. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for long-time fans and a decent introduction to the different eras of Doctor Who for newer viewers. However, viewers should temper expectations regarding a complex or deeply engaging storyline. The episode’s strength lies in its celebratory nature and the charm of its multi-Doctor cast, rather than its plot intricacies.
