Brief Summary
This video summarizes the 20th season of Doctor Who, highlighting key plot points, character developments, and behind-the-scenes trivia for each story. It covers the return of Tegan, the introduction of Turlo, Nissa's departure, and the anniversary special "The Five Doctors."
- The Ark of Infinity brings back Tegan and features Omega's return.
- Snake Dance is a sequel to Kinda, exploring the Mara's influence.
- Modern Undead introduces Turlo and sees the return of the Brigadier, while also creating continuity issues.
- Terminus marks Nissa's departure.
- Enlightenment concludes the Black Guardian trilogy.
- The King's Demons features the Master attempting to alter history.
- The Five Doctors celebrates the show's history with returning characters and elements.
The Ark of Infinity
The opening story of the season, The Ark of Infinity, brings back Tegan and features the return of Omega. The story is partially set in Amsterdam and includes Colin Baker as Commander Maxwell of Time Lord Security. Maxel shoots the Doctor, leading Colin Baker to joke that he got the role by killing his predecessor. The Time Lords order the Doctor's execution due to an antimatter creature invading the TARDIS. Omega is trying to create a new body, an exact duplicate of the Doctor.
Snake Dance
Snake Dance is the sequel to Kinda and sees the return of the Mara, a mind-based snake monster. The Mara has been sleeping in Tegan's mind since its defeat in Kinda. It directs the TARDIS to the planet Manusa, where the locals are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Mara's defeat. The Mara possesses Martin Cloons and intends to use a crystal to give itself a corporeal body. The Doctor lets himself get bitten by a snake and has to learn to master his fear to defeat the Mara.
Modern Undead
Modern Undead introduces Turlo, an alien on a mission to kill the Doctor, and sees the return of the Brigadier. The Brigadier has amnesia about the Doctor in 1983, while a younger version in 1977 remembers everything. An alien called Modin needs the Doctor's remaining regenerations. The story creates continuity issues with the UNIT timeline. This story also kickstarts a trilogy where the Black Guardian forces Turlo to murder the Doctor.
Terminus
Terminus is set on a massive ship at the center of the universe. Turlo is again ordered to kill the Doctor by the Black Guardian. Nissa is infected with Lazar's disease, and Terminus is a space hospital run by an evil corporation. The ship might have caused the Big Bang when it lost an engine. Nissa decides to stay on board Terminus to help it be a better hospital.
Enlightenment
Enlightenment introduces the Eternals, beings who are bored and can read minds. The TARDIS lands in an Edwardian sailing vessel in space, taking part in an interstellar sailing contest to find enlightenment. Turlo turns against the Black Guardian and refuses to kill the Doctor. The race is won by Captain Rack and her pirate ship.
The King's Demons
The King's Demons features the Master using a shape-changing robot to replace King John and stop him from signing the Magna Carta. The Master's plan is to make King John an [ __ ] so there's a revolt and he won't sign the Magna Carta. The story introduces Chameleon, a shape-changing robot companion.
The Five Doctors
The Five Doctors is an anniversary story featuring all five doctors. It includes Susan, the Brigadier, Sarah Jane, unused footage from Shada, and cameos from Jaime and Liz Shaw. The Master is trying to be a good guy. The story introduces the Raston Warrior Robot and features the real Rascalon. Patrick Troughton advised Peter Davison to quit after three seasons during filming.
