What If? (feature): Difference between revisions

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{{Real world}}
{{Real world}}
{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story
|image            = What if? DWM 255.jpg
|image            = Network VHS.jpg
|special          = [[DWM 255]] feature
|special          = [[DWM 255]] feature
|doctor            = Eighth Doctor (What If?){{!}}Eighth Doctor
|main characters  = [[Dave Owen (in-universe)|Dave Owen]]
|doctor            = Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks){{!}}Eighth Doctor
|companions        = [[Kate Tollinger|Kate]]
|companions        = [[Kate Tollinger|Kate]]
|featuring        = [[Seventh Doctor]], [[Ace]], [[Sam Collinger|Sam]]
|featuring        = [[Seventh Doctor]], [[Ace]], [[Sam Collinger|Sam]]
|enemy            = [[Dalek]]s, [[Metatraxi]]
|setting          = [[Earth]], [[Gallifrey]]
|setting          = [[Dalek ship]], [[Earth]], [[Gallifrey]]
|writer            = [[Dave Owen]]
|writer            = [[Dave Owen]]
|artist            = [[Phil Bevan]]
|artist            = [[Phil Bevan]]
Line 15: Line 15:
|publisher        = Marvel Comics UK
|publisher        = Marvel Comics UK
|format            = 3 page feature and illustrations
|format            = 3 page feature and illustrations
|series            = Richard Griffiths Doctor
|prev              = The Last of the Daleks (illustration){{!}}The Last of the Daleks
}}{{ImageLink|What If? feature}}
}}{{ImageLink|What If? feature}}
'''''What If?''''' was a piece of fiction with a collection of accompanying images published in ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]''. It explicitly depicted a "[[what if?]]", almost unbound situation, showing what a potential world with a different [[Eighth Doctor (What If?)|Eighth Doctor]] was like.
'''''What If?''''' was a piece of fiction with a collection of accompanying images published in ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]''. It explicitly depicted a "[[what if?]]", almost unbound situation, showing what a potential world with a different [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|Eighth Doctor]] was like.


It also showed the set up to the Eighth Doctor’s tenure by depicting the final days of the [[Seventh Doctor]]. This feature uses a blend of planned content for the future of Doctor Who and completely made up stuff to create a meta-fictional world.  
It also showed the set up to the Eighth Doctor’s tenure by depicting the final days of the [[Seventh Doctor]]. This feature uses a blend of planned content for the future of Doctor Who and completely made up stuff to create a meta-fictional world. The title “what if” confirms the idea this is set in a world different to our own.
 
The title “what if” confirms the idea this is set in a world different to our own. The main illustration doesn’t depict a scene from a planned unproduced story, but instead shows a view into new story named '''''The Last of the Daleks'''''.


While some illustrations were completely in-universe the feature itself was completely meta-fictional. In the same vain as ''[[The Thief of Sherwood (short story)|The Thief of Sherwood]]''. The world this takes place is very similar to that of ''[[Deadline (audio story)|Deadline]]''.
While some illustrations were completely in-universe the feature itself was completely meta-fictional. In the same vain as ''[[The Thief of Sherwood (short story)|The Thief of Sherwood]]''. The world this takes place is very similar to that of ''[[Deadline (audio story)|Deadline]]''.
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== Plot ==
== Plot ==
=== Illustration ===
The feature is proceeded by non meta-fictional illustration ''[[The Last of the Daleks (illustration)|The Last of the Daleks]]''.
==== ''The Last of the Daleks'' ====
The [[Eighth Doctor (What If?)|Eighth Doctor]] and companion Kate are surrounded by Daleks. The Eighth Doctor stands proud and protective of his friend while hope is lost. Daleks on [[Hoverbout|hoverbouts]] appear at the edge of the ship.


=== Feature ===
=== Feature ===
==== Seventh Doctor ====
==== Seventh Doctor ====
[[Dave Owen (in-universe)|Dave Owen]] tells readers how close ''[[Doctor Who (in-universe)|Doctor Who]]'' came close to cancellation and the show was lucky to continue airing until the 30th anniversary. The latest two season defined the series and without them the show may have been cancelled after ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'' with viewers left wanting more as well as audiences being deprived of the crucial story ''[[The Last of the Daleks (in-universe)|The Last of the Daleks: Part One]]'' which the [[Eighth Doctor (What If?)|Eighth Doctor]] and [[Kate Tollinger|Kate]] find themselves surrounded by [[Dalek|Daleks]].
[[Dave Owen (in-universe)|Dave Owen]] tells readers how close ''[[Doctor Who (in-universe)|Doctor Who]]'' came close to cancellation and the show was lucky to continue airing until the 30th anniversary. The latest two season defined the series and without them the show may have been cancelled after ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'' with viewers left wanting more as well as audiences being deprived of the crucial story ''[[The Last of the Daleks (in-universe)|The Last of the Daleks: Part One]]'' which the [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|Eighth Doctor]] and [[Kate Tollinger|Kate]] find themselves surrounded by [[Dalek|Daleks]].


Owen takes us back into the [[Seventh Doctor]] era of the nineties. [[Michael Checkland (in-universe)|Michael Checkland]] and [[John Birt (in-universe)|John Birt]] are business minded BBC executives who are seen as what is wrong with British broadcasting in the nineties by corporation employees and rival broadcasters. Yet it was cost politics that persuaded [[Jonathan Powell (in-universe)|Jonathan Powell]] to continue ''Doctor Who'' for one more year. Even though it was performing poorly to the likes of ''Coronation Street'' and cost lost to make, the series paid for itself with merchandise and overseas sales.
Owen takes us back into the [[Seventh Doctor]] era of the nineties. [[Michael Checkland (in-universe)|Michael Checkland]] and [[John Birt (in-universe)|John Birt]] are business minded BBC executives who are seen as what is wrong with British broadcasting in the nineties by corporation employees and rival broadcasters. Yet it was cost politics that persuaded [[Jonathan Powell (in-universe)|Jonathan Powell]] to continue ''Doctor Who'' for one more year. Even though it was performing poorly to the likes of ''Coronation Street'' and cost lost to make, the series paid for itself with merchandise and overseas sales.
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The insectoid [[Metaraxi]], made by [[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|Ben Aaronovitch]] and [[Andrew Cartmel (in-universe)|Andrew Cartmel]] for the unmade version of [[The Ultimate Adventure (in-universe)|The Ultimate Adventure]], made their debut and their military honour was mocked in a ''[[Monty Python]]'' way.
The insectoid [[Metaraxi]], made by [[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|Ben Aaronovitch]] and [[Andrew Cartmel (in-universe)|Andrew Cartmel]] for the unmade version of [[The Ultimate Adventure (in-universe)|The Ultimate Adventure]], made their debut and their military honour was mocked in a ''[[Monty Python]]'' way.


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
[[Julia Sawalha (in-universe)|Julia Sawalha]] as [[Kate Tollinger]] at her Hammersmith Park photocall.
[[Julia Sawalha (in-universe)|Julia Sawalha]] as [[Kate Tollinger]] at her Hammersmith Park photocall.


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The final story ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]'' was written by [[Robin Mukherjee (in-universe)|Robert Mukherjee]]. Despite it being basic, with numerous chases down corridors on the titular asteroid [[Alixion (asteroid)|Alixion]], it was considered the darkest story of the year. [[Bob Monkhouse (in-universe)|Bob Monkhouse]] played a villain, despite that not being his usual field, known as [[the Manager]].
The final story ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]'' was written by [[Robin Mukherjee (in-universe)|Robert Mukherjee]]. Despite it being basic, with numerous chases down corridors on the titular asteroid [[Alixion (asteroid)|Alixion]], it was considered the darkest story of the year. [[Bob Monkhouse (in-universe)|Bob Monkhouse]] played a villain, despite that not being his usual field, known as [[the Manager]].


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Script extract ====
==== Script extract ====
The space cruiser [[IC-MEL]] navigates in space. The decks of the ship can be seen. Human bridge officers were busy navigating and communicating. The final shot is of the captain’s chair used by [[Ace]] in captain’s uniform. Ace asks Mr [[Mariko (What If?)|Mariko]] to take over as she leaves to her ready room. Mariko says he will. Ace leaves through an automatic door. In the briefing room she notices [[the Doctor’s TARDIS]] and the [[Seventh Doctor]] sat playing [[chess]]. He looks up as he is expecting her. Ace tells him it isn’t going to work out.
The space cruiser [[IC-MEL]] navigates in space. The decks of the ship can be seen. Human bridge officers were busy navigating and communicating. The final shot is of the captain’s chair used by [[Ace]] in captain’s uniform. Ace asks Mr [[Mariko (What If?)|Mariko]] to take over as she leaves to her ready room. Mariko says he will. Ace leaves through an automatic door. In the briefing room she notices [[the Doctor’s TARDIS]] and the [[Seventh Doctor]] sat playing [[chess]]. He looks up as he is expecting her. Ace tells him it isn’t going to work out.
Line 64: Line 62:
- from ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]''.
- from ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]''.


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Script extract ====
==== Script extract ====
In the [[Celestial Intervention Agency]] briefing room Ace awaits becoming a [[Time Lord]]. She tells the Seventh Doctor she sometimes quite likes him. The Doctor is amused by the “sometimes” remark, but admits it’s a start. He then tells her to keep up with her homework, referring to her as Dorothy, and to send him a letter from time to time.
In the [[Celestial Intervention Agency]] briefing room Ace awaits becoming a [[Time Lord]]. She tells the Seventh Doctor she sometimes quite likes him. The Doctor is amused by the “sometimes” remark, but admits it’s a start. He then tells her to keep up with her homework, referring to her as Dorothy, and to send him a letter from time to time.
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- extract from ''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]''.
- extract from ''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]''.


=== Feature ===
=== Image ===
==== Eighth Doctor ====
==== Eighth Doctor ====
''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]'' was the final story to feature [[Sylvester McCoy (in-universe)|Sylvester McCoy]] as the [[Seventh Doctor]]. [[John Nathan-Turner (in-universe)|John Nathan-Turner]] and [[Andrew Cartmel (in-universe)|Andrew Cartmel]] departed the series to make adaptations of [[Derek Tanguye]] novels. John Nathan-Turner's final action as showrunner was to cast [[Richard Griffiths (in-universe)|Richard Griffiths]] as the [[Eighth Doctor (What if?)|Eighth Doctor]] who he'd wanted for the role for a decade. The Head of Series and Serials confirmed that there would be no hiatus so Cartmel and Mukherjee added a regeneration to ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]''. The writing team created an idea that the [[Seventh Doctor]] would regenerate due to losing his mind while in a straight jacket and gagged. It proved moving.
''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]'' was the final story to feature [[Sylvester McCoy (in-universe)|Sylvester McCoy]] as the [[Seventh Doctor]]. [[John Nathan-Turner (in-universe)|John Nathan-Turner]] and [[Andrew Cartmel (in-universe)|Andrew Cartmel]] departed the series to make adaptations of [[Derek Tanguye]] novels. John Nathan-Turner's final action as showrunner was to cast [[Richard Griffiths (in-universe)|Richard Griffiths]] as the [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|Eighth Doctor]] who he'd wanted for the role for a decade. The Head of Series and Serials confirmed that there would be no hiatus so Cartmel and Mukherjee added a regeneration to ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]''. The writing team created an idea that the [[Seventh Doctor]] would regenerate due to losing his mind while in a straight jacket and gagged. It proved moving.
[[File:What if title sequence.jpg|right|thumb|The Eighth Doctor titles.]]
[[File:What if title sequence.jpg|right|thumb|The Eighth Doctor titles.]]
Andrew Cartmel hadn't found a successor to himself so Aaronovitch temporarily stood in as acting script editor. Nathan Turner wished his successor success. On 3 December 1990 past production manager [[Ian Fraser (in-universe)|Ian Fraser]] took over as the tenth and final producer. The series was a success and the BBC wanted the show to return to its Saturday slot, but wouldn't be able to do so until January 1992. There was no ''Doctor Who'' broadcast in 1992. So interest didn't fade in the gap year Fraser asked Aaronovitch to pen a Dalek serial introducing the new Doctor. [[Season 28 (in-universe)|Season 28]] consisted of six stories and twenty episodes the show being granted more episodes due to the popularity of [[Season 27 (in-universe)|Season 27]].
Andrew Cartmel hadn't found a successor to himself so Aaronovitch temporarily stood in as acting script editor. Nathan Turner wished his successor success. On 3 December 1990 past production manager [[Ian Fraser (in-universe)|Ian Fraser]] took over as the tenth and final producer. The series was a success and the BBC wanted the show to return to its Saturday slot, but wouldn't be able to do so until January 1992. There was no ''Doctor Who'' broadcast in 1992. So interest didn't fade in the gap year Fraser asked Aaronovitch to pen a Dalek serial introducing the new Doctor. [[Season 28 (in-universe)|Season 28]] consisted of six stories and twenty episodes the show being granted more episodes due to the popularity of [[Season 27 (in-universe)|Season 27]].
Line 82: Line 80:
Fraser having worked under Nathan-Turner felt little need to modify the series. Musicians submitted versions of the theme tune using the Seventh Doctor titles as a visual cue. Fraser hired [[Mark Ayres (in-universe)|Mark Ayres]] to compose the theme and [[CAL Video (in-universe)|CAL]] to design the title sequence at fraction of the price. The Eighth Doctor and new logo were added to the titles.
Fraser having worked under Nathan-Turner felt little need to modify the series. Musicians submitted versions of the theme tune using the Seventh Doctor titles as a visual cue. Fraser hired [[Mark Ayres (in-universe)|Mark Ayres]] to compose the theme and [[CAL Video (in-universe)|CAL]] to design the title sequence at fraction of the price. The Eighth Doctor and new logo were added to the titles.


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Title sequence ====
==== Title sequence ====
The titles first used in 1987 now depict the Eighth Doctor. Also depicted in the title sequence is the new logo.
The titles first used in 1987 now depict the Eighth Doctor. Also depicted in the title sequence is the new logo.
Line 95: Line 93:
Visual effects man [[Mike Tucker (in-universe)|Mike Tucker]] and co-writer [[Robert Perry (in-universe)|Robert Perry]] wrote ''[[Illegal Alien (in-universe)|Illegal Alien]]'' set in wartime [[London]] of ration books and air raid warnings. Tucker wrote new design flying [[Cybermat|Cybermats]] in his story and then had to realise them on screen. [[Tracey Wilson (in-universe)|Tracey Wilson]] did a [[Vera Lynn]] impression in the story to accompany the [[Keff McCulloch (in-universe)|Keff McCulloch]] soundtrack.
Visual effects man [[Mike Tucker (in-universe)|Mike Tucker]] and co-writer [[Robert Perry (in-universe)|Robert Perry]] wrote ''[[Illegal Alien (in-universe)|Illegal Alien]]'' set in wartime [[London]] of ration books and air raid warnings. Tucker wrote new design flying [[Cybermat|Cybermats]] in his story and then had to realise them on screen. [[Tracey Wilson (in-universe)|Tracey Wilson]] did a [[Vera Lynn]] impression in the story to accompany the [[Keff McCulloch (in-universe)|Keff McCulloch]] soundtrack.


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Magazine ====
==== Magazine ====
[[File:Doctor Who Magazine Issue 165.jpg|thumb|right|Richard Griffiths is the Eighth Doctor]]
[[File:Doctor Who Magazine Issue 165.jpg|thumb|right|Richard Griffiths is the Eighth Doctor]]
The Eighth Doctor graces the cover of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]''.
The Eighth Doctor graces the cover of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]''.


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Schedule ====
==== Schedule ====
A magazine preview ahead of broadcast of ''[[The Last of the Daleks (in-universe)|The Last of the Daleks]]'' listed the cast.
A magazine preview ahead of broadcast of ''[[The Last of the Daleks (in-universe)|The Last of the Daleks]]'' listed the cast.
Line 107: Line 105:
** [[Marsha Fitzalan (in-universe)|Marsha Fitzalan]] - [[Coffey]]
** [[Marsha Fitzalan (in-universe)|Marsha Fitzalan]] - [[Coffey]]
** [[Margi Clarke (in-universe)|Margi Clarke]] - [[Stroud (What If?)|What If?]]
** [[Margi Clarke (in-universe)|Margi Clarke]] - [[Stroud (What If?)|What If?]]
** [[Richard Griffiths (in-universe)|Richard Griffiths]] - [[Eighth Doctor (What If?)|The Doctor]]
** [[Richard Griffiths (in-universe)|Richard Griffiths]] - [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|The Doctor]]
** [[Julia Sawalha (in-universe)|Julia Sawalha]] - [[Kate Tollinger|Kate]]
** [[Julia Sawalha (in-universe)|Julia Sawalha]] - [[Kate Tollinger|Kate]]
** [[Patrick Robinson (in-universe)|Patrick Robinson]] - [[The Chief]]
** [[Patrick Robinson (in-universe)|Patrick Robinson]] - [[The Chief]]
** [[Roy Skelton (in-universe)|Roy Skelton]] - Dalek voice
** [[Roy Skelton (in-universe)|Roy Skelton]] - Dalek voice


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== The Other Eighth Doctor ====
==== The Other Eighth Doctor ====
An in character shot depicting Richard Griffiths as the Doctor.
An in character shot depicting Richard Griffiths as the Doctor.


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Network ====
==== Network ====
The VHS cover of ''Network'' starring Richard Griffiths as the Doctor and [[Kate O'Mara]] as [[the Rani]].
The VHS cover of ''Network'' starring Richard Griffiths as the Doctor and [[Kate O'Mara]] as [[the Rani]].


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== New Companion Kate ====
==== New Companion Kate ====
An in character shot [[Julia Sawalha]] as Kate sitting her safecracking exam.
An in character shot [[Julia Sawalha]] as Kate sitting her safecracking exam.
Line 127: Line 125:
=== In-universe ===
=== In-universe ===
==== The Doctor ====
==== The Doctor ====
* [[Eighth Doctor (What If?)|Eighth Doctor]]
* [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|Eighth Doctor]]
* [[Seventh Doctor]]
* [[Seventh Doctor]]


Line 193: Line 191:


===== Eighth Doctor =====
===== Eighth Doctor =====
* The [[Eighth Doctor (What If?)|Eighth Doctor]] wears red and pink neckwear.
* The [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|Eighth Doctor]] wears red and pink neckwear.
* The Eighth Doctor wears a question mark pocket watch.


=== Meta-fictional world ===
=== Meta-fictional world ===
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== Notes ==
== Notes ==
* The main image was illustrated by [[Phil Bevan]]. It depicted Richard Griffiths as the Doctor. Tying into the fact Griffiths was considered for the role after McCoy departed.<ref>[[DWM 255]]</ref>
* The feature depicted Richard Griffiths as the Doctor. Tying into the fact Griffiths was considered for the role after McCoy departed.<ref>[[DWM 255]]</ref>
* ''The Last of the Daleks'' and the other illustrations remain the only piece of fiction with the Richard Griffiths Doctor.
* ''The Last of the Daleks'' and ''[[WhatIf? (feature)|What If?]]'' remain the only piece of fiction with the Richard Griffiths Doctor.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
Line 224: Line 221:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:1997 illustrations]]
[[Category:1997 features]]
[[Category:1997 features]]
[[Category:Dalek features]]
[[Category:Dalek features]]
[[Category:Stories about Doctor Who]]
[[Category:Stories about Doctor Who]]
[[Category:Seventh Doctor stories]]
[[Category:Seventh Doctor stories]]

Revision as of 22:38, 16 March 2023

RealWorld.png

What If? was a piece of fiction with a collection of accompanying images published in Doctor Who Magazine. It explicitly depicted a "what if?", almost unbound situation, showing what a potential world with a different Eighth Doctor was like.

It also showed the set up to the Eighth Doctor’s tenure by depicting the final days of the Seventh Doctor. This feature uses a blend of planned content for the future of Doctor Who and completely made up stuff to create a meta-fictional world. The title “what if” confirms the idea this is set in a world different to our own.

While some illustrations were completely in-universe the feature itself was completely meta-fictional. In the same vain as The Thief of Sherwood. The world this takes place is very similar to that of Deadline.

This feature is followed by a non-fiction piece called “27 Up”. Some illustrations of “What If?” are placed on those pages. Those illustrations are covered here, but the non fiction article is not.

Synopsis

Having survived Survival, Doctor Who’s fortunes took an upward turn in the early nineties. Here Dave Owen refreshes our memories of those great days…

Plot

The feature is proceeded by non meta-fictional illustration The Last of the Daleks.

Feature

Seventh Doctor

Dave Owen tells readers how close Doctor Who came close to cancellation and the show was lucky to continue airing until the 30th anniversary. The latest two season defined the series and without them the show may have been cancelled after Survival with viewers left wanting more as well as audiences being deprived of the crucial story The Last of the Daleks: Part One which the Eighth Doctor and Kate find themselves surrounded by Daleks.

Owen takes us back into the Seventh Doctor era of the nineties. Michael Checkland and John Birt are business minded BBC executives who are seen as what is wrong with British broadcasting in the nineties by corporation employees and rival broadcasters. Yet it was cost politics that persuaded Jonathan Powell to continue Doctor Who for one more year. Even though it was performing poorly to the likes of Coronation Street and cost lost to make, the series paid for itself with merchandise and overseas sales.

Season 27 captured the public’s imagination, but its roots can be found in the failures and successes of the previous two years. The production team realised the Doctor and young female companion was a winning formula, as well as the design of the sets in stories set in the past bringing out the best in the BBC and exploring the dark side of human nature is a safe option without being compared to blockbuster science-fiction films.

Ben Aaronovitch’s three part Earth Aid became the norm with more stories being action based space operas in the Douglas Adams mould. This story’s pre-title sequence got the series’ fourth decade off to a memorable start. Featuring space pirates, the theme of events being in motion before the Doctor got there (with the Doctor having built Stonehenge to send a message) and a data vampire. There were apparently too many themes to fit into three parts.

The insectoid Metaraxi, made by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel for the unmade version of The Ultimate Adventure, made their debut and their military honour was mocked in a Monty Python way.

Image

Julia Sawalha as Kate Tollinger at her Hammersmith Park photocall.

Feature

Marc Platt, who penned Ghost Light, penned Ice Time which was like Remembrance of the Daleks as it has two factions of a classic race fighting. This time the Ice Warriors. They battled in sixties London. The story introduced bearded Tom Georgeson as young Sam Tollinger who became a familiar face in Doctor Who. Ice Time saw the departure of Sophie Aldred as Ace.

Ice Time continued directly into Crime of the Century and was the second story by Ben Aaronovitch. An aged Sam Collinger requests the help of the Seventh Doctor when he gets into trouble. This story had drug smuggling, sieges and near enough no science fiction. It was directed by Alan Wareing who made it look like the series Edge of Darkness. Crime of the Century was as significant as Spearhead from Space. It introduced new companion, daughter of Sam Collinger, Kate Collinger. She was a safecracker and lock picker. Her mansion house served as base for the Seventh Doctor where he met new contacts.

Since Survival, Doctor Who had become more realistic taking inspiration from The Bill, Casualty and London’s Burning. Sam Tollinger we’re very nineties characters and reflected real people with real problems. Kate was a little less realistic because of her experience in a Swiss school, rather than Prydonian. Due to her mix of posh and crime she was called the Emma Peel of the nineties by the press. This was thought to be a harmless cliché.

The final story Alixion was written by Robert Mukherjee. Despite it being basic, with numerous chases down corridors on the titular asteroid Alixion, it was considered the darkest story of the year. Bob Monkhouse played a villain, despite that not being his usual field, known as the Manager.

Image

Script extract

The space cruiser IC-MEL navigates in space. The decks of the ship can be seen. Human bridge officers were busy navigating and communicating. The final shot is of the captain’s chair used by Ace in captain’s uniform. Ace asks Mr Mariko to take over as she leaves to her ready room. Mariko says he will. Ace leaves through an automatic door. In the briefing room she notices the Doctor’s TARDIS and the Seventh Doctor sat playing chess. He looks up as he is expecting her. Ace tells him it isn’t going to work out.

- from Earth Aid.

Image

Script extract

In the Celestial Intervention Agency briefing room Ace awaits becoming a Time Lord. She tells the Seventh Doctor she sometimes quite likes him. The Doctor is amused by the “sometimes” remark, but admits it’s a start. He then tells her to keep up with her homework, referring to her as Dorothy, and to send him a letter from time to time.

Ace says the Doctor sounds like her mother which he finds offensive. He then asks Ace if she’s sure this is what she wants. Ace assures her professor it is and states she can take over from him when he retires. The Doctor then looks thoughtful, kisses Ace on the head and walks out the briefing room door as Ace turns to face the waiting Time Lords.

The Doctor appears out of nowhere at a canal towpath in the daytime. He is slowly approaching his parked TARDIS. He then looks at his watch concerned his is late for something.

- extract from Ice Time.

Image

Eighth Doctor

Alixion was the final story to feature Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor. John Nathan-Turner and Andrew Cartmel departed the series to make adaptations of Derek Tanguye novels. John Nathan-Turner's final action as showrunner was to cast Richard Griffiths as the Eighth Doctor who he'd wanted for the role for a decade. The Head of Series and Serials confirmed that there would be no hiatus so Cartmel and Mukherjee added a regeneration to Alixion. The writing team created an idea that the Seventh Doctor would regenerate due to losing his mind while in a straight jacket and gagged. It proved moving.

The Eighth Doctor titles.

Andrew Cartmel hadn't found a successor to himself so Aaronovitch temporarily stood in as acting script editor. Nathan Turner wished his successor success. On 3 December 1990 past production manager Ian Fraser took over as the tenth and final producer. The series was a success and the BBC wanted the show to return to its Saturday slot, but wouldn't be able to do so until January 1992. There was no Doctor Who broadcast in 1992. So interest didn't fade in the gap year Fraser asked Aaronovitch to pen a Dalek serial introducing the new Doctor. Season 28 consisted of six stories and twenty episodes the show being granted more episodes due to the popularity of Season 27.

Fraser having worked under Nathan-Turner felt little need to modify the series. Musicians submitted versions of the theme tune using the Seventh Doctor titles as a visual cue. Fraser hired Mark Ayres to compose the theme and CAL to design the title sequence at fraction of the price. The Eighth Doctor and new logo were added to the titles.

Image

Title sequence

The titles first used in 1987 now depict the Eighth Doctor. Also depicted in the title sequence is the new logo.

Feature

Ken Trew designed the Eighth Doctor’s costume. He was given a more off-the-peg look than other incarnations with a morning suit and red silk scarf. Griffiths and Sawalha were described as "the most sartorially elegant Doctor and companion ever". The first part of The Last of the Daleks aired at 7.35pm Saturday 4 January 1992. Since the regeneration there was a timejump for the Eighth Doctor and Kate. This Eighth Doctor would often drift off into a world of his own thoughts. He'd often hum a song and claim to have assisted in the composition. This serial was compared to James Bond film Goldeneye due to it being a soft reboot.

New writer Ed Young penned Night Thoughts which was a three part story compared to Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. It was criticised by parents for usage of dream imagery and hallucinations especially when the Doctor and Kate See each other's corpses lying in the snow. Night Thoughts signposted what new Doctor Who was about showcasing explorations of morality rather than just science fiction.

Andrew Cartmel penned Animal which was set on present day Earth and marked the return of Sam Collinger. In this story Kate is convinced by old friends turned animal rights activists Jack and Shell to raid an animal testing laboratory. The episode had a "no animals were harmed in the making of this programme disclaimer which Owen deemed unnecessary. The sound effects in the laboratory were deemed too realistic for the early evening slot. The scene where the Eighth Doctor takes a psychedelic drug to communicate with the tested animals was removed due to fears it'd be too controversial.

Visual effects man Mike Tucker and co-writer Robert Perry wrote Illegal Alien set in wartime London of ration books and air raid warnings. Tucker wrote new design flying Cybermats in his story and then had to realise them on screen. Tracey Wilson did a Vera Lynn impression in the story to accompany the Keff McCulloch soundtrack.

Image

Magazine

Richard Griffiths is the Eighth Doctor

The Eighth Doctor graces the cover of Doctor Who Magazine.

Image

Schedule

A magazine preview ahead of broadcast of The Last of the Daleks listed the cast.

Image

The Other Eighth Doctor

An in character shot depicting Richard Griffiths as the Doctor.

Image

Network

The VHS cover of Network starring Richard Griffiths as the Doctor and Kate O'Mara as the Rani.

Image

New Companion Kate

An in character shot Julia Sawalha as Kate sitting her safecracking exam.

Characters

In-universe

The Doctor

Companions

Other individuals

Species

Meta-fictional

References

The Doctor’s universe

The Doctor

Seventh Doctor
Eighth Doctor

Meta-fictional world

Doctor Who

Production

Notes

  • The feature depicted Richard Griffiths as the Doctor. Tying into the fact Griffiths was considered for the role after McCoy departed.[1]
  • The Last of the Daleks and What If? remain the only piece of fiction with the Richard Griffiths Doctor.

Continuity

External links

to be added

Footnotes

  1. ↑ DWM 255
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