Brief Summary
This video summarizes Season 24 of Doctor Who, highlighting the transition from Colin Baker to Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor. It covers the stories, companions, and overall quality of the season, noting its improvements over the previous season while also pointing out its flaws and eccentricities. The season introduces Ace as a new companion and sets the stage for the show's eventual end.
- Sylvester McCoy becomes the Seventh Doctor after Colin Baker's controversial firing.
- Season 24 shows improvement over Season 23 but remains flawed.
- Introduction of Ace, a companion who serves as a prototype for modern companions.
Introduction
The video introduces the transition to Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor following Colin Baker's firing. The creator notes that Baker's departure was unfortunate, as he loved the role, while the producer at the time was unenthusiastic. The video sets the stage for discussing the stories and characters of Season 24.
The Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy
Sylvester McCoy became the Seventh Doctor, allegedly Sydney Newman wanted Patrick Troughton to return. McCoy's initial portrayal was similar to Troughton's Second Doctor, with a comedic and non-threatening demeanor, including playing the spoons. McCoy had limited serious acting experience before the role. Ken Campbell, McCoy's former boss, also auditioned, but his performance was considered too disturbing. The creator shares a personal connection, recalling watching McCoy's debut on television and being disappointed that the Doctor was no longer blonde.
Time and the Rani
"Time and the Rani" features the newly regenerated Doctor encountering the Rani, who has transformed into a supervillain. She kidnaps intelligent individuals to attach them to a massive brain, aiming to guide evolution and reverse the extinction of the dinosaurs. The Rani also uses memory-damaging drugs on the Doctor and disguises herself as a male. The creator considers this story terrible, ranking it among the worst regeneration stories in the classic series. The only redeeming aspect is the Doctor's post-regeneration behavior, such as being forgetful and choosing a new look. The cause of the Sixth Doctor's death is unclear, with various humorous and absurd suggestions offered.
Paradise Towers
In "Paradise Towers," the Doctor intends to take his companion to a futuristic tower block with a pool, but instead, they find a dystopian environment. The tower block is inhabited by teenage girl gangs, evil robots, elderly cannibals, the disembodied mind of the architect, and fascist caretakers. The tower block was forgotten after a war and has since deteriorated into a dystopia. The creator considers this story the best since "Mindwarp," marking the beginning of an upward trend in the quality of classic Doctor Who stories. The tone is reminiscent of the Graham Williams era, eccentric and imaginative but not exceptionally brilliant.
Delta and the Bannermen
In "Delta and the Bannermen," the Doctor and Mel accidentally become the 10 billionth customers of an alien tour company and win a free trip to Disneyland on Earth. The alien spaceship is damaged and lands in a holiday camp in Wales in 1959. The Bannermen, who have wiped out the shimmerin race, are after Delta and her egg, who have escaped on the tour bus. The Bannermen attack, and a couple of bumbling CIA agents investigate a satellite crash. The story is filled with 1950s nostalgia, similar to "Back to the Future," but with a low budget and added aliens. One of the supporting characters, Ray, nearly became a companion. The creator finds the story interesting and imaginative but not particularly well-executed.
Dragonfire and Introduction of Ace
In "Dragonfire," Mel departs, and Ace is introduced as the new companion. Ace is a teenager from Perivale, London, who uses homemade explosives to travel to Iceworld. The Doctor encounters Sabalom Glitz, who seeks a dragon's treasure. Kane, a human-like villain who needs sub-zero temperatures, wants a crystal attached to the dragon to turn Iceworld into a spaceship and return home after millennia of exile. Ace is considered a precursor to Rose and a model for modern companions, being from modern-day, working-class London, with multiple stories connected to her life and family. Mel leaves with Sabalom Glitz because the Doctor hypnotized her to do so, wanting to travel with Ace. The creator notes that the Seventh Doctor is portrayed as a bit of a bastard.
Season 24 Overview and Conclusion
"Dragonfire" is described as fun, silly, and typical of Season 24, sharing similarities with "Paradise Towers" and "Delta and the Bannermen." The story features a strange cliffhanger. With the exception of "Time and the Rani," Season 24 is considered better than the entirety of Season 23, marking a positive turn for the show, despite its proximity to the end. The video concludes by teasing the next episode, which will feature the final classic appearances of the Daleks and Cybermen.
