Brief Summary
This video summarizes Season 22 of Doctor Who, which aired in 1985 and starred Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor. The season is known for its violence, controversial stories, and the behind-the-scenes turmoil that led to the show's cancellation. Despite the challenges, Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant are praised for their performances, and the audio dramas featuring the Sixth Doctor are highly recommended.
- Season 22 of Doctor Who (1985) is reviewed, highlighting its controversial aspects and behind-the-scenes issues.
- Colin Baker's casting and costume are discussed, noting the lack of input he had on his character's appearance.
- Individual stories like "Attack of the Cybermen," "Vengeance on Varos," "The Mark of the Rani," "The Two Doctors," "Timelash," and "Revelation of the Daleks" are analyzed.
- The season's violence, plot inconsistencies, and overall quality are assessed, with "Revelation of the Daleks" being a standout.
- The behind-the-scenes turmoil and the eventual cancellation of the show are mentioned, along with the actors' mistreatment.
Introduction to Season 22
Season 22 of Doctor Who aired from January 5th to March 30th, 1985. The season followed the failure of the "Twin Dilemma" story arc. The show faced cancellation due to a BBC executive who disliked it. Colin Baker was cast as the Sixth Doctor without an audition, making him the first Doctor who was already a fan of the show.
Colin Baker's Doctor and Story Structure
Colin Baker had no say in his costume, which was chosen by JNT against Baker's wishes. The season adopted 45-minute episodes, which sometimes delayed the Doctor's involvement in the plot until later in the story. "Revelation of the Daleks" exemplifies this, where the Doctor and Peri spend a significant amount of time wandering before engaging with the main plot.
Attack of the Cybermen
"Attack of the Cybermen" is a direct sequel to "Resurrection of the Daleks" and references various past Doctor Who stories, including "An Unearthly Child," "Tomb of the Cybermen," "The Tenth Planet," and "The Invasion." Lytton, a character from "Resurrection of the Daleks," returns, now working for the Cryons. The Doctor attempts to fix the TARDIS's chameleon circuit, leading to humorous results. The story is violent, featuring cyber beheadings and crushed hands.
Vengeance on Varos
"Vengeance on Varos" is set on the planet Varos, where society is governed by an extreme form of democracy with constant televised executions. Sill, an unscrupulous alien representing a mining corporation, seeks to buy rare ore at low prices. Peri is transformed into a bird. The story draws inspiration from video nasties and features Jason Connery as a space-filling revolutionary.
The Mark of the Rani
"The Mark of the Rani" introduces the Rani, a renegade Time Lord scientist with unethical research practices. She steals brain chemicals that induce sleep, causing Luddite riots. The Rani teams up with the Master, who is back from apparent death. The Rani uses mines to turn people into conscious, mobile trees. The Master disguises himself as a scarecrow. The story is a celebrity historical featuring George Stephenson, the inventor of the steam train.
The Two Doctors
"The Two Doctors" is a non-anniversary multi-doctor story featuring Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor and Fraser Hines as Jamie. Robert Holmes wrote the story. The story introduces the Androgums, aliens obsessed with food. The Sontarans appear, but their design is considered the worst in the show's history. The Second Doctor is captured and slowly transformed into an Androgum. The story was filmed in Seville, Spain, after budget issues prevented filming in New Orleans. The story establishes the "Season 6B" fan theory, suggesting the Second Doctor worked for the Time Lords after the War Games.
Timelash
"Timelash" is set on the planet Karfel, ruled by the evil Borad, who is trying to instigate a war. People are thrown into the Time Lash, a time-space corridor that deposits them in Scotland. The Doctor is sent into the Time Lash to recover an amulet and encounters a young H.G. Wells. The story features references to Wells' works and makeup for the Borad. The story is referenced in an episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Revelation of the Daleks
"Revelation of the Daleks" is set on the funeral planet Necros, where Davros is operating under the guise of the "Great Healer." Davros is feeding the galaxy with dead bodies and mutating them into a new generation of Daleks. The story involves space mercenaries sent to murder Davros and a squad of Daleks from an opposing faction, leading to a Dalek Civil War. The story confirms that Daleks can fly. Alexei Sayle plays an irritating supporting role.
Conclusion
"Revelation of the Daleks" is considered the best story of Season 22. The season is known for its violence and controversial elements, leading to the show's cancellation for 18 months. Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant were mistreated by the BBC and the show itself. The Sixth Doctor's audio dramas are highly recommended.
