Since Doctor Who debuted there have been almost 300 stories, over more than 800 episodes, and almost 60 years with 13 actors in the lead role.
The show has had to reinvent itself over the years. Doctors and creative teams come and go. It can be hard to compare stories from different eras, so we are not going to try. So, as part of DOCTOR WHO JUNE, we look back at the classic era of the series (1963-1989), and pick our favorite serials by the decades.
First up, the 1960s. The 60s cover the entire black and white era, featuring William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton as the Doctor. As well documented, many of the episodes from this period got wiped and were lost for a long time. Over the years we have been lucky. Episodes have been found and returned to the BBC. Some were found in forgotten BBC film storage facilities. Some return from international broadcasters who didn’t get around to destroying their copies. A handful was found in the hands of private collectors. To date, 97 episodes are still missing, mostly from Seasons 3 through 5. Because of that, we have decided to only include stories that are at least 75% complete.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
The Chase
From the far future to the Mary Celeste, to the top of the Empire State Building, to the jungles of Mechanus, the Daleks chase the Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Vicki throughout the universe. This is that rare Dalek story that incorporates humor and does it well. From a modern perspective, it may feel weird, but when you go with it, it makes it a very fun story.
“The Chase” is also the last story to feature the two teachers, Ian Chesterton (William Russell) and Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill) who had been with the Doctor since the start of the series almost two years earlier. The two get a fun send-off, and the Doctor and Vicki pick up a new friend in Steven Taylor.
The War Games
The last story of the 6th season, the last story of the 60s, the last story of the 2nd Doctor, the last black and white story. This 10-episode epic helped establish most of the show’s underlying mythology going forward. The story’s length does feel padded out a bit, but there is plenty of action and intrigue to keep viewers engaged.
“The War Games” subverts the viewers’ expectations. When the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe arrive in the middle of no man’s land, it is easy to believe that this will be another traditional historical adventure. But they soon find themselves involved with something much bigger, and for the first time, the Doctor needs help if he going to save everyone.
“The War Games” introduces the Time Lords. It establishes the Doctor as a rebellious member of their society. A society that has great power but chooses not to interfere. The ending (Season 6B rumors to the contrary) sets up the show’s future nicely, helping it recover from sinking ratings and reinvents itself for the new decade.
An Unearthly Child
The very first episode, the very first serial. Who could have guessed when it started back in the fall of 1963 that the show would still be running 2 decades into the 21st Century? 58 years of adventures in space and time all started here.
If you are a fan of the modern series, this feels like a very different Doctor. And, of course, he is. But here you get everything, the TARDIS and new (albeit unwanted) companions. The Stone Age story that starts with Episode 2 is eh, but the pilot is a must-watch and earns the number nine spot on our list.
The Mind Robber
The Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe find themselves in the Land of Fiction. A place only limited by imagination. It’s filled with fairy tale characters, public domain heroes, and the strangest 21st-century comic strip superhero they could come up with.
More fantasy than science fiction, it could have been played with more camp. Despite what seems like a silly premise, it was played straight. If it were made today, the would probably gone a bit meta. Thankfully, the production team didn’t go that way. We end up with a fantastic new type of story that still feels rooted in the world of Doctor Who.
The Romans
A big feature of the early era of Doctor Who is the historical storylines. That is, a story that takes place in human history that has no science fiction elements. (Except the arrival of the TARDIS).
“The Romans” is a delightful blend of history and comedy, filled with all the classic theatrical tropes, mistaken identities, gladiatorial combat, and daring rescues. Of course, there’s the matter of a little fire…
The Web of Fear
This was a story I never thought I would get to see. It was rediscovered in 2013 at a TV relay station in Nigeria along with an episode from Enemy of the World. The return of these two stories helped a whole new generation of fans get to know the Second Doctor. Before being found, there was only one episode known to exist. Now the story is nearly complete with just Episode 3 still missing. (It is believed to have been stolen from the group who found it. Phillip Morris, who headed up the TIEA expedition to Nigeria, said Episode 3 was there when they found them.)
This story, set in a deserted London Underground, is an excellent example of the classic base under siege story. The Yeti, robots controlled by the Great Intelligence first appeared in the mostly lost “The Abominable Snowmen” story from earlier in the season. Because of this, if you aren’t familiar with that story, it can be a little confusing at first. But the strong action and moody visuals quickly draw you into the story.
It also is the story that introduces UK Army Colonel Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney) to the series. He would go on to be promoted and put in charge of the British contingent of UNIT and become a regular on the series during the 1970s. Sadly, his actual first appearance is in that missing third episode. (Which is rumored to be remade with animation in the near future.)
The Time Meddler
“The Time Meddler” is filled with firsts. All of which makes it a noteworthy story. For the first time, we meet another of the Doctor’s race. (Though not yet called Time Lords.) It is the first story without any of the original companions, with Ian and Barbara having just left in the previous serial, “The Chase.”
For the first time, science fiction elements are introduced in a historical setting. Something that has gone on to be the norm for Doctor Who. The eponymous meddler, known only as the Monk (Peter Butterworth), is trying to change human history. It’s up to the Doctor and his companions to stop him.
Tomb of the Cybermen
This story was among the lost ones as late as 1990 before it was discovered at a Hong Kong television station. And boy, are we lucky they found it. In one story, we see just about everything that made Doctor Who great in the 60s.
Patrick Troughton and Frazier Hines’ fantastic working partnership is showcased here, and Deborah Watling’s Victoria makes a fine addition to the team. Of course, it’s the Cybermen who carry the story, and these are the metal monsters at their creepy best.
The Aztecs
You can’t change history not one line. That is the lesson Barbara has to learn when the TARDIS lands in Central America at the height of the Aztec empire, and she is mistaken to be the reincarnation of a high priestess.
The TARDIS crew is separated from the ship. Trapped in a world very different from the home they know. Barbara finds herself in a position of tremendous influence. She believes she can help advance the Aztecs beyond human sacrifice. The Doctor warns her not to interfere.
In a world already filled with danger, it’s her own hubris that ends up putting them in the most danger.
Enemy Of The World
Lost for 45 years, “Enemy of the World” was found in 2013 in Nigeria. It was part of Season 5, an era of the show that had been hit particularly hard hit by the BBC junking policy of the 1970s. During a period where the show was mostly doing base under siege and alien monster stories, this was something daring and different.
“Enemy Of The World” is a straight-up action thriller. In the near future, the world is at peace, but resources are stretched thin. The best thing about this serial was star Patrick Troughton getting to pull double duty as both hero and villain of the story: As the Doctor and the would-be global dictator, Salamander. He turns in an amazing performance, a completely different type of a villain than what we usually get. Not a military leader, but a scientist who believes only he can save mankind. He engineers natural disasters like volcanos and earthquakes so he can swoop in and save them. He is ruthless and not afraid to eliminate anyone who gets in his way.
This story was directed by Barry Letts, who would go on to produce the show during the early 70s during Jon Pertwee’s UNIT era. You can see some of that era’s sensibilities in this 6 episode political spy thriller.
What do you think? Did your favorite story make the list? Make sure to come back and check out our Top Ten Doctor Who episode lists for the 1970s and 1980s and for more Doctor Who June fun this month.
