Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 51 "The Fourth Doctor In Review"

Notes: If anything, Tom Baker is certainly recognized as 'THE' Doctor when most people talk about the older Doctor Who episodes. As to whether he's the 'BEST' Doctor is widely debated. Technically, he was still UNIT's scientific adviser but he was being used less and less in this capacity. After the story 'Robot', The Doctor went on to adventure other places besides Earth, meaning UNIT stories became less and less frequent. Also, the Tardis began to 'fill up'. The first Doctor had three people in his Tardis but eventually that was scaled back to two by the time Patrick Troughton took over. When Jon Pertwee was the Doctor, he was down to just one dedicated companion. Tom Baker also had a dedicated companion in Sarah but Harry Sullivan did travel with them for a short time. Once Sarah Jane left, the Doctor had one adventure all by himself on Gallifrey. After that Leela began to accompany him. Shorty after K-9 joined the Doctor and the days of the single companion were essentially gone for the time being. Even still, using K-9 was an easy fix when the story required only one companion because K-9 would either break down, or the planet would be inhospitable for him. Leela left and was replaced by Romana during a season long story arc, something the newer episodes are now doing. When the first Romana actress left the series, she 'regenerated' into Lalla Ward and tensions on the set were extreme. There was something between Tom and Lalla, but it wasn't good. There was a lot of friction between the two actors who seemingly despised each other. There are even a few episodes of Doctor Who where you can see the tension even on screen. Usually neither looked the other in the eye. So it was a surprise to everyone when Tom suddenly announced they had gotten married over the weekend. The marriage really didn't last long and when Lalla was once asked at a convention what her favorite Doctor Who monster is, she replied "Tom Baker". Just before Romana left the series, Adric was introduced. This marked the beginning of the 'crowded house' feel of the Tardis. Adric did have one adventure with the Doctor as a sole companion, but it was the adventure they met Nyssa. Though not joining the Tardis this episode, she did the very next episode along with Tegan. Just in time for another regeneration, and a new era of Doctor Who.
Name: The Doctor 1974-1981
Actor: Tom Baker
January 20, 1934 -
Occupation: Timelord
First Seen: Earth, 1974
First Episode: Robot (Season 12)
Last Seen: Earth, 1981
Last Episode: Logopolis (Season 18)
Special Appearance: The Five Doctors (1983), Dimensions In Time (1993)


Notes: The Doctor still has lose affiliations with UNIT after his regeneration, though he's not as dedicated to the cause as when he was marooned on Earth. The Brigadier has the ability to contact the Doctor when his help is needed and generally the Doctor comes to the aid. The Doctor can at times infuriate the Brigadier, but Lethbridge-Stewart knows the Doctor is almost always right, which conflicts with his own ego. All things aside, the two generally become very good friends though the Brigadier refuses to travel in the Tardis with the Doctor for loyalty with UNIT. If he had his way, he'd like to run into at least one alien threat that wasn't immune to bullets. In the original series, the Brigadier met 6 incarnations of the Doctor and considers them wonderful chaps, all of them.
Name: Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart
Actor: Nicholas Courtney
12/16/29 - 02/22/11
Occupation: Brigadier of UNIT.
First Seen: Earth, 1974
First Episode: Robot (Season 12)
Last Seen: Earth, 1975
Last Episode: Terror of the Zygons (Season 13)
Special Appearance: Mawdryn Undead (1983), The Five Doctors (1983),


Notes: Working as a medic for UNIT, Harry was looking over the Doctor when he regenerated for the third time. He quite probably thought the Doctor was insane and when he was invited into the Tardis, he did so to prove it didn't actually work. Harry stayed with the Doctor till another adventure brought them back to Earth. He then opted to catch a ride back to UNIT headquarters instead of travel with the Doctor. Though he enjoyed the time with the Doctor, Harry always seemed eager to head home. Always chivalrous, he drove Sarah Jane crazy with his view on the women's role and annoyed her by constantly calling her 'old girl'. He reunites with Sarah and the Doctor when another adventure brought them back to Earth, though he's not invited back onto the Tardis. Quite probably because he would have declined the offer.
Name: Harry Sullivan
Actor: Ian Marter
10/28/1944 - 10/28/1986
Occupation: Medic
First Seen: Earth, 1974
First Episode: Robot (Season 12)
Last Seen: Earth, 1975
Last Episode: Android Invasion (Season 13)


Notes: Much as Tom Baker is the most recognized Doctor, Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith is widely recognized as THE companion of the Doctor. It's true she started out with Jon Pertwee as a feminist, but her tough exterior gradually faded. No, it didn't disappear all together. It seems her travels with the Doctor mellowed her out. It certainly broadened her mind and taught her to look beyond just the surface of things. Being a journalist, this was a handy skill to develop. Sarah traveled with the Doctor for quite a long time and would likely have traveled even longer with him if he hadn't dropped her off at home when he learned there was trouble on Gallifrey. Lke the Brigadier, she's met several different regenerations of the Doctor. She met the first five while on Gallifrey's Death Zone and would later go on to meet the tenth and eleventh Doctors. In fact, the Doctor became so fond of Sarah he gave her a K-9 unit as a present. She used K-9 till he became inoperable and had to place him in storage. Exactly when she meets the latest Doctors will be discussed in the future.
Name: Sarah Jane Smith
Actor: Elisabeth Sladen
February 01, 1948 - April 19, 2011
Occupation: Journalist
First Seen: Earth, 1974
First Episode: Robot (Season 12)
Last Seen: Earth, 1976
Last Episode: Hand of Fear (Season 14)
Special Appearance: K9 & Company (1981), The Five Doctors (1983), School Reunion (2006), The Stolen Earth (2008), Journey's End (2008), End of Time (2009) Sarah Jane Adventures (2008-2011)


Notes: A descendant of a crashed spaceship on an unnamed planet, Leela's people were essentially savages. At some point in the planets past, the Doctor visited the crashed ship and tried to repair it though he forgot to whip his personality out of the computer when done. As a result, the computer used his likeness which created an alter ego, driving the computer insane. After the Doctor set things straight Leela decided to accompany him, though the Doctor had to forbid the use of deadly force, through the poisonous Janis thorns she used. As a savage, she believed the Tardis was magic, though the Doctor did his best to try and explain it scientifically. As an outcast when he first met her, Leela had no where to go when he returned to Gallifry. This time he took Leela with him, despite having to leave Sarah behind on Earth the last time he visited. Or maybe the Doctor realized Leela would fit in better. And fit in she did. So much in fact, when the Doctor was departing, she opted to stay behind, having fallen in love with a Gallifreyan. K-9 stayed with Leela.
Name: Leela
Actor: Louise Jameson
April 20, 1951 -
Occupation: Savage
First Seen: Unnamed planet in the future.
First Episode: Face of Evil (Season 14)
Last Seen: Gallifrey
Last Episode: Invasion of Time (Season 15)
Special Appearance: Dimensions In Time (1993)


Notes: Originally owned by Professor Marius, K-9 was given to the Doctor when the Professor realized he was going to be heading back to Earth and K-9 would not be able to travel with him. K-9's time with the Doctor was tricky because landing on a planet with rough or rocky terrain meant K-9 had to sit out on the adventure. This was something Tom Baker grew to appreciate because he'd have to bend down to K-9's level to have a conversation with it. When Leela left the series K-9 was scripted to depart as well, but by then K-9 was every child's favorite companion and in a last minute scene, the Doctor brings in a new K-9. This second version of K-9 traveled with the Doctor and Romana during the Key of Time quest, though there were still a few times he was unable to join them because of swamps or other terrain hazards. Another device which took K-9 out of the picture was damage. Several episodes had K-9 out of commission in part or all because he was not functioning properly. When Romana opted to stay behind in E-Space, K-9 stayed with her and reminded her he had full schematics of the Tardis saved in his memory if they desired to build their own.
Name: K-9
Actor: John Leeson / David Brierly
March 1943 - / 1935 - June 10th 2008
Occupation: Faithful Computer Pet
First Seen: Bi-Al Foundation, Asteroid K4067; 5080
First Episode: Invisible Enemy (Season 15)
Last Seen: E-Space
Last Episode: Warriors Gate (Season 18)
Special Appearance: K9 & Company (1981), The Five Doctors (1983), Dimensions In Time (1993), School Reunion (2006), Journey's End (2008), Sarah Jane Adventures (2008-2010), K9 Series (2009-2010)


Notes: Romana's full name is Romanadvoratrelundar but shorted to just Romana when the Doctor realized it was too much to say, especially if he needed to get her attention quickly. She was sent to help the Doctor in his quest to find the Key of Time. A device which would enable the White Guardian to restore the balance in the universe. Tensions between the Doctor and Romana were at first high. The Doctor finally had someone on board truly his equal, and Romana wanted to simply get the task completed, instead of getting involved in local affairs as the Doctor was prone to do. Ultimately, the two became very fond of each other and instead of returning back to Gallifrey when the task was complete, she decided to regenerate and continue traveling with the Doctor.
Name: Romanadvoratrelundar I
Actor: Mary Tamm
March 22, 1950 -
Occupation: Timelady
First Seen: The Tardis, Gallifrey Native
First Episode: Ribos Operation (Season 16)
Last Seen: The Tardis
Last Episode: The Armageddon Factor (Season 16)
Special Appearance: None


Notes: When Patrick Troughton's Doctor was forced to regenerate, the Timelords gave him several options of what he could look like. He ultimately decided to take his chances randomly. So it's not so odd to find out when Romana decided to regenerate she chose what she wanted to look like. Though the Doctor was against the idea, she wanted her next regeneration to look like Princess Astra, someone the pair met on the previous adventure. Unlike the other Romana who seemed very sure of herself, this Romana turned out to be a screamer. Of course, its possible she gave that impression to make it look like she wasn't as much of a threat as she was. This was a characteristic the second Doctor had. This Romana also seemed to be more caring and empathetic towards others plights. She completely understood the Doctors reasoning's for getting involved and was upset when Gallifrey recalled her. Instead of going back to Gallifrey, she stayed in E-Space with K-9 to help free the Tharils from the various worlds they were imprisoned on.
Name: Romanadvoratrelundar II
Actor: Lalla Ward
June 28th, 1951
Occupation: Time Lady
First Seen: The Tardis
First Episode: Destiny of the Daleks (Season 17)
Last Seen: E-Space
Last Episode: Warriors Gate (18)
Special Appearance: Dimensions In Time (1993)


Notes: The Doctor met Adric when he was first trapped in E-Space. As a promising elite on the crashed starliner he was from, Adric became bored with his life and tried to join his brother who was rebelling against the society. But the time of mists brought some dark days for Alzarius when the Marshmen began attacking the starliner. Adric's brother died in a Marshmen attack so after the Doctor helped resolve the situation he stowed away in the Tardis. The Doctor was hesitant in letting Adric remain, but relented and asked Adric if he'd miss E-Space because the Doctor was heading back to his normal universe. Adric said there was nothing for him anymore and was excited to travel with the Doctor. Adric was at the Doctors side when he regenerated.
Name: Adric
Actor: Matthew Waterhouse
December 19th, 1961
Occupation: Civilian
First Seen: Alzarius (E-Space)
First Episode: Full Circle (Season 18)
Last Seen: Still traveling with the Doctor
Last Episode: Logopolis (Season 18)
Special Appearance: None


Notes: When her father married, Nyssa was assigned to take care of the evil Melkur instead of her step-mother. Though she didn't realize it, her step-mother was already being influenced by the Melkur who turned out to be the Master's Tardis. The Doctor left Traken with Adric after defeating the Master while Nyssa stayed behind. But the Doctor was unaware of the Masters true intent and was not around to stop the Master from taking over the body of Tremas, Nyssa's father. Unable to find her father, Nyssa tried to contact the Doctor but it was the Watcher who picked her up and brought her to Logopolis to be reunited with the Doctor and Adric. When the Doctor fell to his death, Nyssa was at his side.
Name: Nyssa
Actor: Sarah Sutton
December 12, 1961 -
Occupation: Civilian
First Seen: Traken
First Episode: Keeper of Traken (Season 18)
Last Seen: Still traveling with the Doctor
Last Episode: Logopolis
Special Appearance: Dimensions In Time (1993)


Notes: On her way to her first flight as an airline stewardess, Tegan's car broke down close to one of the last Police Box's. However, the Doctor materialized around it to take measurements and in so doing sprung a trap set by the Master. So Tegan stumbled into the Tardis, when the doors suddenly closed behind her. The Master, while waiting to bait the Doctor even further, murdered Tegan's aunt by compressing her atoms, shrinking her. When the Doctor took off for Logoplis, Tegan was still on-board the Tardis, lost and unaware of her Aunt's death. The Doctor was successful in stopping the Master's evil plan, but feel to his death. Tegan, along with Nyssa and Adric were by his side when the Watcher helped the Doctor to regenerate.
Name: Tegan Jovanka
Actor: Janet Fielding
January 1st, 1957
Occupation: Stewardess
First Seen: Earth, 1981
First Episode: Logopolis (Season 18)
Last Seen: Still traveling with the Doctor.
Last Episode: Logopolis (Season 18)
Special Appearance: A Fix With Sontarans (1985)

Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 44 "The Armageddon Factor"

The Doctor and Romana have five pieces of the Key of Time and are beginning their search for the sixth. The Doctor tries to park the Tardis in orbit around Atrios to see where their final mission will take them. Initially the Tardis has trouble finding Atrios but soon discovers it, though millions of miles where it should be. The Doctor realizes this will not be the typical mission, more may be involved than meets the eye.

The planet Atrios is at war with Zeos and on the brink of loosing the war. Princess Astra and medic Merak are romantically involved, but more importantly secretly trying to contact Zeos in hopes of ending the war. All attempts by Astra have failed and she's worried the Marshall is suspicious. Merak assures her they are still safe, or the Marshall would have done something about them trying to contact Zeos. Shortly after, the Marshall gives orders Princess Astra is to be locked away in a part of the city teaming with radiation.

The Marshall is determined to make sure he wins the war at all costs. Several times he 'meditates' in front of a mirror, much to the puzzlement of his right hand man Shapp. Shapp notices he seems to be talking to someone. Once the Doctor arrives, the Marshall blames him for the death of a guard, but when the Doctor claims to be able to help win the war, the Marshall takes a liking to the Doctor and is willing to work with him.

The Doctor tells the Marshall he'll need K-9 to help build a shield to stop the Zeons from attacking, but Shapp informs them K-9 was found and sent the furnaces to be melted down (per the Marshall's order). The Doctor runs after K-9 in hopes of saving him from being melted into slag. While doing so, Romana notices the Marshall is very agitated and mutters to himself, "the Doctor does not die.... yet."

The Doctor quickly discovers the Marshall is actually a puppet to some unknown shadow. He discovers a trans-mat which takes them, not to Zeos, but to a hidden base between both planets. On this planet is Mentalis, a computer that has been waging the war the Marshall has been fighting. K-9 talks to Mentalis and informs the Doctor if the Marshall is successful in his attack, Mentalis' fail-safe is to blow itself up, taking Atrios and Zeos with it.

While trying to figure out who this mystery shadow person is the Doctor runs into Drax, another Timelord. Drax recognizes the Doctor but calls him Theet. The Doctor is horrified to find out Drax built Mentalis, though under pain of death by the Shadow. It doesn't take long before the Doctor convinces him to switch sides and help the Doctor. Drax agrees Timelords should stick together and agrees to help. He starts off building a gun which can shrink people.

Once the gun is complete, Drax uses the gun on the Doctor and himself. The Doctor actually wanted Drax to shrink one of the Shadow's guards. Drax hadn't realized the Doctor opened his Tardis, which the gave the guard access. He went in and retrieved the first five segments of the Key to Time, claiming to know where the sixth piece was. The Doctor uses his miniature size to infiltrate the Shadow's domain (who turns out to be a servant of the Black Guardian). He reveals that Princess Astra is actually the final segment to the Key to Time. The Doctor grabs the completed Key and runs for the Tardis with Drax, Romana and K-9.

Safely in the Tardis and with Drax happily departed, the Doctor is contacted by the White Guardian who immediately tells the Doctor to release the Key to Time to him. When the Doctor asks what will happen to Astra, the White Guardian tells him she is a sacrifice for maintaining peace in the galaxy. This callous view of life makes the Doctor realize the White Guardian is really the Black Guardian in disguise. Not fooled, the Doctor disperses the Key to Time, the segments returning to their original forms, including Princess Astra. Now reunited with her lover Merak.

WHO: Romana I

DEPARTURE LOCATION: In the Tardis (Time and Location unknown)

REASON FOR DEPARTURE: It's unclear if Romana regenerates after being tortured by the Shadow, or simply wanted to change her appearance. Either way, it's not talked about on-screen and doesn't happen till the next episode.

NEXT: Return To Skaro

Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 43 "Ribos Operation"

While in mid-flight, the Doctors Tardis suddenly stops and he hears a calling from outside of the Tardis. The Doctor realizes only a Guardian could have so much power, so he accepts the invitation to step out of the Tardis. The Guardian is sending the Doctor on a mission to search for the Key of Time. With the Key, the White Guardian will be able to restore balance to the universe.

Despite his objections, the Doctor is given a new companion to help him on his quest for the six segments of the Key of Time. Before leaving, the Guardian reminds the Doctor there is also a black guardian who wants the Key for evil purposes. The Doctor is to trust no one. Heading back to the Tardis, he finds Romana already inside the Tardis. However, she claims the President of Gallifrey sent her on this mission.

The couple are given a 'tracer' which connects to the Tardis and draws it to the nearest segment of the Key of Time. The pieces have been disguised as ordinary objects. Once landing on the planet, the tracer can be disconnected from the Tardis and helps locate the hidden piece. While investigating the planet Ribos, they run into a couple of con artists named Garron and Unstoffe.

Things turn sour when the con artists intended target, the Graff Vynda-K discovers he's being conned. The 'intelligent' man that he is, Graff deduces the Doctor and Romana are working alongside Garron. He orders their capture, but Unstoffe manages to escape. He befriends Binro, an outcast on the 'backward' planet for believing the stars in the sky are not jewels, and they may not be alone in the universe.

When Unstoffe confirms Binro's theory, he agrees to help Unstoffe escape. To do so they enter the catacombs. Meanwhile the Doctor has summoned K-9 and with his help, escape along with Romana & Garron. Unwilling to accept defeat, Graff follows everyone into the catacombs. He manages to kill Binro, but soon after there is a cave in and the Graffs guards all die and he accidentally blows himself up.

With the situation now over, the Doctor departs with an expensive piece of jethrik owned by Garron, which he had used to con the Graff that Ribos was an expensive planet. Garron tries to steal back the jethrik, but the Doctor manages to switch it with a piece of stone. Once safely in the Tardis, Romana used the tracer to transform the jethrik into the first piece of the Key of Time.

WHO: Romana

PLANET OF ORIGIN: Gallifrey, era uncertain.

REASON FOR JOINING: Was asked by the 'President of Gallifrey' to help the Doctor on his quest for the Key of Time.






NEXT: Armageddon Day