Brief Summary
This video discusses the highs and lows of Doctor Who between 1989 and 2005, covering various attempts to revive the series, including abandoned film projects, anniversary specials, a TV movie, and a charity comedy episode. It analyzes the successes and failures of each project, highlighting the creative choices, casting decisions, and overall reception from fans.
- The Dark Dimension film project was shut down, leading to the creation of "Dimensions in Time."
- The Doctor Who TV movie introduced Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor but included controversial elements.
- "The Curse of Fatal Death" is a comedic take on Doctor Who written by Steven Moffat.
- Doctor Who Night featured Tom Baker in a mysterious role, later interpreted as the Curator.
The Dark Dimension and Dimensions in Time
In 1993, a big-budget Doctor Who film called "The Dark Dimension" was planned for the 30th anniversary, featuring an alternate timeline where the Fourth Doctor never regenerated. The film would have included cameos from other Doctors, but the project was ultimately shut down by the BBC. Instead, the 30th anniversary was celebrated with "Dimensions in Time," a 12-minute special that involves the Doctors being chased by monsters through the set of the British soap opera EastEnders. This special is criticized for its nonsensical plot, poor script writing, and the random transformations of characters into previous incarnations.
Doctor Who: The TV Movie
The Doctor Who TV movie, also known as "The Enemy Within," served as a bridge between the classic and new series. The Seventh Doctor is shot after failing to check the scanner before exiting the TARDIS, leading to his regeneration into the Eighth Doctor, played by Paul McGann. The plot involves the Eighth Doctor seeking out the surgeon who inadvertently caused his regeneration, and a romantic relationship develops between them. The Master, played by Eric Roberts, is portrayed as a Terminator-like figure in the first half of the film and becomes increasingly campy in the second half. While the TARDIS interior and orchestral music are praised, the scripting, the introduction of the Doctor being half-human, and the overall 90s aesthetic are criticized.
The Curse of Fatal Death
"The Curse of Fatal Death," written by Steven Moffat, is a half-hour comedy episode made for charity. It features recurring Moffat themes such as time-bending narratives, the Doctor marrying, and Time Lords changing sex upon regeneration. The plot involves the non-canon Ninth Doctor announcing his retirement and marriage to his companion, leading to conflicts with the Master. The Doctor is killed multiple times and regenerates into various incarnations played by Rowan Atkinson, Richard E. Grant, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Grant, and Joanna Lumley. The sketch explores the dynamic between the Doctor and the Master, with the Master ultimately ending up with the female Doctor.
Doctor Who Night
In November 1999, the BBC hosted a Doctor Who night, featuring Tom Baker as a mysterious incarnation of the Doctor. This version of the Doctor may or may not have been the Fourth Doctor at the time, but has since been interpreted as the Curator from "Day of the Doctor." The Curator is seen as a future incarnation of the Doctor, possibly having a dream or talking to himself.
