TLDR;
This video features a panel of Doctor Who actors and contributors discussing their favorite episodes and experiences with the show. They share specific stories, highlight the collaborative spirit of the production, and reflect on the unique aspects of working on Doctor Who. Key takeaways include the importance of team spirit, the impact of individual performances, and the lasting memories created by the show's diverse and ambitious storytelling.
- Team spirit and collaboration were essential to the success of many Doctor Who stories.
- Individual performances, especially those of the Doctors and companions, left a lasting impact.
- The show's diverse settings and ambitious storytelling created unique and memorable experiences for the cast and crew.
Favorite Episodes and Team Spirit [0:00]
One of the panelists favorite episode is "Space Parents," praising its quality and enjoyability. He also highlights "The Demons" from 1971 as a personal favorite, emphasizing the excellent team spirit prevalent during his stories. He acknowledges the contributions of Katy Manning as Jo Grant, the Master, the Brigadier, Sergeant Benton, Captain Yates, writer Barry Letts (under the name Guy Leopold), and director Christopher Barry.
Design and Classic Writing [0:56]
Another panelist recalls enjoying the designs in "The Ark in Space" and a giant rat from another episode. He also liked "Earthshock" for Eric Saward's writing, but ultimately favors "Caves of Androzani" by Robert Holmes. He praises the classic writing, brilliant cast, and great director, humorously noting the exception of the last 30 seconds where he transforms into Colin Baker.
Favorite as a Viewer [1:49]
One of the speakers shares that as a viewer, his favorite story is "The Empty Child," written by Steven Moffat, which he found terrifying. He considers it Moffat's best work.
The Hardest Job of All [2:11]
One of the speakers expresses that he is not a fan of picking favorites. He appreciates Patrick Troughton's role in "The Two Doctors," recognizing Troughton as the actor who faced the challenge of the first regeneration. He believes Troughton's genius made the program's longevity possible. He also shares a personal connection, having shared a flat with Troughton's son, David, and being David's best man.
Brains Over Brawn [3:17]
One of the speakers favorite episode to film was the one with the Daleks. He explains his philosophy of the Doctor using his brain rather than brawn, especially important for a show watched by children. When given a script with a bazooka, he refused to use it, giving Ace the fun of blowing things up. In revenge, the writer gave him a very long speech to talk a Dalek to death.
Big Finish Favorites [4:37]
One of the speakers favorite story from his time with Big Finish is "sh," which he credits with getting the ball rolling. He also enjoyed working with Sheridan Smith and Ruth Bradley in "Dark Eyes." He particularly liked the two Steven Moffat episodes, "The Doctor Dances" and "The Empty Child," feeling that Moffat wrote well for his Doctor.
Difficulty in Choosing Favorites [5:54]
One of the speakers finds it hard to pick favorites because each episode was so different, with varied locations, guest casts, and settings. He mentions episodes set in Pompeii, on the moon, 5 billion years in the future, and in Victorian Scotland. Leaving the show was sad because he knew he would never have an experience quite like it again.
Tomb of the Cybermen [6:59]
One of the speakers doesn't have a favorite either, but mentions "Tomb of the Cybermen" as a funny and scary episode, particularly highlighting the Cybermen's brilliance in that story.
Classic Doctor Who Stories [7:31]
One of the speakers shares that one of the most fun episodes for him is the last episode of "Frontier in Space". He also mentions "Ark in Space" as a fabulous story where Tom Baker takes hold of the part. He also mentions "The 10th Planet" with the original Cybermen and "The Web Planet".
The Woman Who Fell to Earth [8:57]
One of the speakers says that she doesn't like to pick favorite episodes, but she would say her first episode, "The Woman Who Fell to Earth" because it gave her the best entrance ever into any character. She loved the transition of finding the doctor, finding who she wanted to be, finding the chemistry with the other actors, the hero speech, creating the costume and look.
Christmas 2023 [10:01]
One of the speakers jokingly says that Christmas 2023 is his favorite episode.