What If? (feature): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story
|image            = Richard Griffifths Doctor.jpg
|image            =
<gallery>
What if? DWM 255.jpg|A
Doctor Who Magazine Issue 165.jpg|B
</gallery>
|special          = [[DWM 255]] feature
|special          = [[DWM 255]] feature
|doctor            = Eighth Doctor (What If?){{!}}Eighth Doctor
|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
|setting          = [[Dalek ship]], [[Earth]], [[Gallifrey]]
|setting          = [[Dalek ship]]
|writer            = [[Dave Owen]]
|writer            = [[Dave Owen]]
|artist            = [[Phil Bevan]]
|artist            = [[Phil Bevan]]
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|format            = 3 page feature and illustrations
|format            = 3 page feature and illustrations
}}{{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 vein as ''[[The Thief of Sherwood (short story)|The Thief of Sherwood]]''.


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]]''.
The main illustration doesn't depict a scene from a planned unproduced story, but instead shows a view into new story. The Griffiths Doctor would go onto feature in another illustration in [[DWM 265]].


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.
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 ==
== Synopsis ==
Having survived ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'', Doctor Who’s fortunes took an upward turn in the early nineties. Here [[Dave Owen (in-universe)|Dave Owen]] refreshes our memories of those great days…
Having survived ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'', Doctor Who's fortunes took an upward turn in the early nineties. Here [[Dave Owen (in-universe)|Dave Owen]] refreshes our memories of those great days…


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
=== Illustration ===
=== The Last of the Daleks ===
==== ''The Last of the Daleks'' ====
The [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|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]]s appear at the edge of the ship.
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]]s.


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.


[[Season 27 (in-universe)|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.
[[Season 27 (in-universe)|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 (in-universe)|Ben Aaronovitch]]’s three part ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]'' became the norm with more stories being action based space operas in the [[Douglas Adams (in-universe)|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.
[[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|Ben Aaronovitch]]'s three part ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]'' became the norm with more stories being action based space operas in the [[Douglas Adams (in-universe)|Douglas Adams]] mould. This story's pre-title sequence got the series' fourth decade off to a memorable start. Featuring [[space pirate]]s, 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 (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 [[Metatraxi]], 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.


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


''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]'' continued directly into ''[[Crime of the Century (in-universe)|Crime of the Century]]'' and was the second story by [[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|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 (in-universe)|Alan Wareing]] who made it look like the series ''[[Edge of Darkness]]''. Crime of the Century was as significant as ''[[Spearhead from Space (in-universe)|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.
''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]'' continued directly into ''[[Crime of the Century (in-universe)|Crime of the Century]]'' and was the second Season 27 story by [[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|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 (in-universe)|Alan Wareing]] who made it look like the series ''[[Edge of Darkness]]''. Crime of the Century was as significant as ''[[Spearhead from Space (in-universe)|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 (in-universe)|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 Academy|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.
Since ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'', ''Doctor Who'' had become more realistic taking inspiration from ''[[The Bill]]'', ''[[Casualty]]'' and ''[[London's Burning]]''. Sam and Kate Tollinger were 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 Academy|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 (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.


- from ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]''.
- from ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]''.


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Script extract ====
==== Script extract ====
''to be added''
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.
 
- 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]].
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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.


=== Feature ===
=== Feature ===
[[Ken Trew (in-universe)|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.
[[Ken Trew (in-universe)|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 (in-universe)|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 (in-universe)|Ed Young]] penned ''[[Night Thoughts (in-universe)|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 (in-universe)|Andrew Cartmel]] penned ''[[Animal (in-universe)|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 (What If?)|Jack]] and [[Shell (What If?)|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 (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]]s 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.
 
[[Tony Etchells (in-universe)|Tony Etchells']] story ''[[A School for Glory (in-universe)|A School for Glory]]'' deliberately contrasted the setting of ''[[Illegal Alien (in-universe)|Illegal Alien]]''. It was set during the [[World War I]] and [[Tony Robinson (in-universe)|Tony Robinson]] guest starred so the story was compared to ''[[Blackadder Goes Forth]]''. The story also criticised upper-class officers and their treatment of working class soldiers. The first two parts were a pure historical whereas part three, set in the titular school, introduced an alien feeding off death. Fans praised the scene where the Eighth Doctor impersonated a British commanding officer while wearing a monocle.
 
When the final story of [[Season 28 (in-universe)|Season 28]] aired Ian Fraser knew it could be the final ''Doctor Who'' story ever with more and more established series being outsourced to independent programme makers. Fraser asked Platt and Aaronovitch to write a story that could well be the series' last, but to leave it open ended too.
 
[[Marc Platt (in-universe)|Marc Platt]] wrote ''[[Network (in-universe)|Network]]'' set in a university. It featured [[Kate O'Mara (in-universe)|Kate O'Mara]] as [[the Rani]]. The Time Lady posed as vice chancellor in the university. [[Angela Bruce (in-universe)|Angela Bruce]], from ''[[Battlefield (in-universe)|Battlefield]]'', returned as [[Winifred Bambera]] and [[Tom Georgeson (in-universe)|Tom Georgeson]] returned as [[Sam Collinger]]. Having defeated an evil computer virus the Doctor vanished from screens on 16 May 1992.
 
The fate of the series after ''[[Network (in-universe)|Network]]'' was uncertain. The BBC's statements were vague, but it was obvious they didn't want to put effort into an in house production when so many of its series were made independently. Fans instead had the [[Virgin Publishing (in-universe)|Virgin Publishing]] [[Virgin New Adventures (in-universe)|New Adventures]] books to look forward to. The range began in 1992 with [[Neil Penswick (in-universe)|Neil Penswick's]] unmade Season 28 story ''[[Hostage (in-universe)|Hostage]]'' being expanded into a novel ''[[The Pit (in-universe)|The Pit]]''. This was followed by [[David A. McIntee (in-universe)|David A. McIntee's]] ''[[Avatar (in-universe)|Avatar]]'' novel. The grim nature of the books showed the Virgin range was aimed at a more adult audience than the [[Target Books (in-universe)|Target books]].
 
Fans protested at the series' cancellation especially after the series' increased quality in the last few years. Fans should be grateful that the last regular story wasn't ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'' and instead ''Network'' which allowed the Doctor's final words to be, said to Kate, "nothing lasts forever".


=== Illustration ===
=== Image ===
==== Magazine ====
==== Magazine ====
[[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 (in-universe)|Doctor Who Magazine]]'' specifically [[DWM 166 (in-universe)|DWM 166]] which was released on 31 October 1990. The magazine announced [[Richard Griffiths (in-universe)|Richard Griffiths]] as the Doctor.
The Eighth Doctor graces the cover of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]''.
 
It had a preview of ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]'' within as well as a special video competition to win ''[[Curse of Fenric (in-universe)|Curse of Fenric]]''. [[Nicola Bryant (in-universe)|Nicola Bryant]] was also interviewed in the 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.
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** [[Colin Jeavons (in-universe)|Colin Jeavons]] - [[Deadwood (What If?)|Deadwood]]
** [[Colin Jeavons (in-universe)|Colin Jeavons]] - [[Deadwood (What If?)|Deadwood]]
** [[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?)|Stroud]]
** [[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
 
[[File:Network VHS.jpg|thumb|right|Richard Griffiths as the Doctor and Kate O'Mara as the Rani in ''Network''.]]
=== 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 magazine showcased a VHS cover of ''[[Network (in-universe)|Network]]'' which starred [[Richard Griffiths (in-universe)|Richard Griffiths]] as the Doctor and [[Kate O'Mara (in-universe)|Kate O'Mara]] as [[the Rani]]. It featured the logo that was introduced with the Eighth Doctor and was rated PG. This would be the official release of the final ever ''Doctor Who'' episode.


=== 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 Tollinger sitting her safecracking exam.
 
== DWM 265 illustration ==
[[File:DWM 265 Richard Griffiths Doctor.jpg|thumb|right|DWM 265 illustration]]
The following year, ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' would publish another illustration of the Richard Griffiths Doctor in [[DWM 265]]. It was drawn by the late [[Phil Bevan]] for DWM 255. The full image was reproduced in ''[[The Art of Phil Bevan]]'' and [[VV 5|Vworp Vworp! issue 5]].
 
It depicted the [[Eighth Doctor (The Last of the Daleks)|Eighth Doctor]] wearing the same outfit he previously had in ''The Last of the Daleks'' illustration paired with the ''What If?'' feature. This time he was seen carrying his sonic screwdriver and his TARDIS exterior was shown.


== Characters ==
== Characters ==
=== 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 124: Line 155:
==== Other individuals ====
==== Other individuals ====
* [[Sam Tollinger]]
* [[Sam Tollinger]]
* [[First Rani|The Rani]]
* [[The Manager]]
* [[The Manager]]
* [[Mariko (What If?)|Mariko]]
* [[Deadwood (What If?)|Deadwood]]
* [[Deadwood (What If?)|Deadwood]]
* [[Coffey]]
* [[Coffey]]
* [[Stroud (What If?)|Stroud]]
* [[Stroud (What If?)|Stroud]]
* [[The Chief]]
* [[The Chief]]
* [[Jack (What If?)|Jack]]
* [[Shell (What If?)|Shell]]
* [[First Rani|The Rani]]
* [[Winifred Bambera]]


==== Species ====
==== Species ====
Line 135: Line 170:
* [[Metatraxi]]
* [[Metatraxi]]
* [[Ice Warrior]]s
* [[Ice Warrior]]s
* [[Cyberman|Cybermen]]
* [[Cybermat]]s


=== Meta-fictional ===
=== Meta-fictional ===
Line 158: Line 195:
* [[Mark Ayres (in-universe)|Mark Ayres]]
* [[Mark Ayres (in-universe)|Mark Ayres]]
* [[Ken Trew (in-universe)|Ken Trew]]
* [[Ken Trew (in-universe)|Ken Trew]]
* [[Ed Young (in-universe)|Ed Young]]
* [[Mike Tucker (in-universe)|Mike Tucker]]
* [[Robert Perry (in-universe)|Robert Perry]]
* [[Tracey Wilson (in-universe)|Tracey Wilson]]
* [[Keff McCulloch (in-universe)|Keff McCulloch]]
* [[Tony Etchells (in-universe)|Tony Etchells]]
* [[Tony Robinson (in-universe)|Tony Robinson]]
* [[Nicola Bryant (in-universe)|Nicola Bryant]]
* [[Kate O'Mara (in-universe)|Kate O'Mara]]
* [[Angela Bruce (in-universe)|Angela Bruce]]
* [[Neil Penswick (in-universe)|Neil Penswick]]
* [[David A. McIntee (in-universe)|David A. McIntee]]
* [[Colin Jeavons (in-universe)|Colin Jeavons]]
* [[Marsha Fitzalan (in-universe)|Marsha Fitzalan]]
* [[Margi Clarke (in-universe)|Margi Clarke]]
* [[Patrick Robinson (in-universe)|Patrick Robinson]]
* [[Roy Skelton (in-universe)|Roy Skelton]]


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
=== The Doctor’s universe ===
=== The Doctor's universe ===
==== The Doctor ====
==== The Doctor ====
===== Seventh Doctor =====
===== Seventh Doctor =====
* The [[Seventh Doctor]] built [[Stonehenge]] to send a message.
* The [[Seventh Doctor]] built [[Stonehenge]] to send a message.
* The Seventh Doctor plays [[chess]].
* The Seventh Doctor plays [[chess]].
* In his later years events were in motion before the Doctor got there.
* This Doctor battled the [[Ice Warriors]] in sixties [[London]] with [[Ace]].
* An aged Sam Collinger requests the help of the [[Seventh Doctor]] when he gets into trouble.
* The Seventh Doctor regenerated after an adventure on the asteroid [[Alixion (asteroid)|Alixion]].
* During his final adventure he encountered [[the Manager]].
* The Seventh Doctor visits a canal towpath in the daytime where he parked his TARDIS.


===== 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.
* The Eighth Doctor wears a question mark pocket watch.
==== Ace ====
* [[Ace]] captained the space cruiser [[IC-MEL]].
* She left the Seventh Doctor to become a [[Time Lord]].
* Ace waits for the Seventh Doctor in the [[Celestial Intervention Agency]] briefing room.
* The Seventh Doctor calls Ace Dorothy.
* Ace says the Seventh Doctor sounds like her mother which he finds offensive.
* Ace suggests taking over from the Doctor after he retires.
==== Kate Tollinger ====
* [[Kate Tollinger]] was the daughter of [[Sam Tollinger]].
* She was a safecracker and lock picker.
* Her mansion house served as base for the [[Seventh Doctor]] where he met new contacts.
* Kate had experience in a Swiss school.
==== Species ====
* The Daleks use a [[hoverbout]].
* The Seventh Doctor encountered [[space pirates]] and a [[data vampire]].
* He also met the [[Metatraxi]].
* The Metatraxi has military honour.


=== Meta-fictional world ===
=== Meta-fictional world ===
==== Doctor Who ====
==== ''Doctor Who'' stories ====
* ''Doctor Who'' episodes include ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'', ''[[The Last of the Daleks (in-universe)|The Last of the Daleks]]'', ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]'', ''[[Ghost Light (in-universe)|Ghost Light]]'', ''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]'', ''[[Remembrance of the Daleks (in-universe)|Remembrance of the Daleks]]'', ''[[Crime of the Century (in-universe)|Crime of the Century]]'', ''[[Spearhead from Space (in-universe)|Spearhead from Space]]'', ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]''
* ''Doctor Who'' episodes include ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'', ''[[The Last of the Daleks (in-universe)|The Last of the Daleks]]'', ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]'', ''[[Ghost Light (in-universe)|Ghost Light]]'', ''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]'', ''[[Remembrance of the Daleks (in-universe)|Remembrance of the Daleks]]'', ''[[Crime of the Century (in-universe)|Crime of the Century]]'', ''[[Spearhead from Space (in-universe)|Spearhead from Space]]'', ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]'', ''[[Night Thoughts (in-universe)|Night Thoughts]]'', ''[[Animal (in-universe)|Animal]]'', ''[[Illegal Alien (in-universe)|Illegal Alien]]'', ''[[A School for Glory (in-universe)|A School for Glory]]'', ''[[Network (in-universe)|Network]]'', ''[[Battlefield (in-universe)|Battlefield]]'' and ''[[Curse of Fenric (in-universe)|Curse of Fenric]]''.
* An unproduced ''Doctor Who'' story was ''[[Hostage (in-universe)|Hostage]]''.
* ''Doctor Who'' had a [[Season 27 (in-universe)|Season 27]] and a [[Season 28 (in-universe)|Season 28]].
* ''Doctor Who'' stage plays include ''[[The Ultimate Adventure (in-universe)|The Ultimate Adventure]]''.
* ''Doctor Who'' stage plays include ''[[The Ultimate Adventure (in-universe)|The Ultimate Adventure]]''.
* ''Doctor Who'' novels include ''[[The Pit (in-universe)|The Pit]]'' and ''[[Avatar (in-universe)|Avatar]]''.
* [[Dave Owen (in-universe)|Dave Owen]] states ''[[Doctor Who (in-universe)|Doctor Who]]'' came close to cancellation in the nineties.
* [[Dave Owen (in-universe)|Dave Owen]] states ''[[Doctor Who (in-universe)|Doctor Who]]'' came close to cancellation in the nineties.
* [[Jonathan Powell (in-universe)|Jonathan Powell]] recommissioned ''Doctor Who''.
* ''Doctor Who'' continued past its 30th anniversary.
* ''Doctor Who'' continued past its 30th anniversary.
* ''Doctor Who'' didn't do as well in the ratings as ''[[Coronation Street (series)|Coronation Street]]''.
* Since ''[[Survival (in-universe)|Survival]]'', ''Doctor Who'' had become more realistic taking inspiration from ''[[The Bill]]'', ''[[Casualty]]'' and ''[[London's Burning]]''.
* Griffiths graced the cover of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine (in-universe)|Doctor Who Magazine]]'' specifically [[DWM 166 (in-universe)|DWM 166]] which was released on 31 October 1990.
===== ''Earth Aid'' =====
* [[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|Ben Aaronovitch]] wrote three part ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]''.
* [[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|Ben Aaronovitch]] wrote three part ''[[Earth Aid (in-universe)|Earth Aid]]''.


==== Production ====
===== ''Ice Time'' =====
* [[Marc Platt (in-universe)|Marc Platt]] wrote ''[[Ghost Light (in-universe)|Ghost Light]]'' and ''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]''.
* ''[[Ice Time (in-universe)|Ice Time]]'' saw the departure of [[Ace]] and was set in sixties [[London]]. It introduced [[Sam Tollinger]].
 
===== ''Crime of the Century'' =====
* ''[[Crime of the Century (in-universe)|Crime of the Century]]'' had drug smuggling, sieges and not enough science fiction.
* ''Crime of the Century'' was directed by [[Alan Wareing (in-universe)|Alan Wareing]] who made it look like the series ''[[Edge of Darkness]]''.
* ''Crime of the Century'' was as significant as ''[[Spearhead from Space (in-universe)|Spearhead from Space]]''.
* [[Ben Aaronovitch (in-universe)|Ben Aaronovitch]] wrote ''[[Crime of the Century (in-universe)|Crime of the Century]]''.
 
===== ''Alixion'' =====
* ''[[Alixion (in-universe)|Alixion]]'' was written by [[Robin Mukherjee (in-universe)|Robert Mukherjee]].
* It was considered basic, with numerous chases down corridors on the titular asteroid [[Alixion (asteroid)|Alixion]], but also considered the darkest story of the year.
 
==== Cast ====
* [[Sophie Alfred (in-universe)|Sophie Aldred]] played [[Ace]].
* [[Tom Georgeson (in-universe)|Tom Georgeson]] played [[Sam Tollinger]].
* [[Julia Sawalha (in-universe)|Julia Sawalha]] played [[Kate Tollinger]]
* [[Bob Monkhouse (in-universe)|Bob Monkhouse]] played a villain, despite that not being his usual field, known as [[the Manager]].
 
==== Other ====
* Sam and Kate Tollinger were very nineties characters and reflected real people with real problems.
* [[Prydonian]] was mentioned.
* [[Douglas Adams (in-universe)|Douglas Adams]] had written for the series.
* The [[Metatraxi]] were 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]]''.
 
==== Other ====
* [[Michael Checkland (in-universe)|Michael Checkland]] and [[John Birt (in-universe)|John Birt]] are BBC executives.
* [[Michael Checkland (in-universe)|Michael Checkland]] and [[John Birt (in-universe)|John Birt]] are BBC executives.
* [[Jonathan Powell (in-universe)|Jonathan Powell]] recommissioned ''Doctor Who''.
* The [[Metatraxi]] were very ''[[Monty Python]]''.
* Doctor Who didn't do as well in the ratings as ''[[Coronation Street (series)|Coronation Street]]''.
* [[Emma Peel]] is mentioned.


== 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 main illustration was illustrated by [[Phil Bevan]].
* ''The Last of the Daleks'' and the other illustrations remain the only piece of fiction with the Richard Griffiths Doctor.
* 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 (illustration)|The Last of the Daleks]]'', ''[[WhatIf? (feature)|What If?]]'' and ''[[Untitled (DWM 265 illustration)|Untitled]]'' remain the only pieces of fiction with the Richard Griffiths Doctor.
* In the non-fiction sections of [[DWM 255]] writer [[Steven Moffat]] said he approved of the casting of [[Julia Sawalha]] as a companion. She'd later appear as companion [[Emma (The Curse of Fatal Death)|Emma]] in Moffat story ''[[The Curse of Fatal Death (TV story)|The Curse of Fatal Death]]''.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
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{{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 features]]
[[Category:Illustrations printed in Doctor Who Magazine]]
[[Category:Non-DWU features]]

Latest revision as of 21:43, 24 March 2024

This subject is not a valid source for writing our in-universe articles, and may only be referenced in behind the scenes sections or other invalid-tagged articles.

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 vein as The Thief of Sherwood.

The main illustration doesn't depict a scene from a planned unproduced story, but instead shows a view into new story. The Griffiths Doctor would go onto feature in another illustration in DWM 265.

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[[edit] | [edit source]]

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[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Last of the Daleks[[edit] | [edit source]]

The 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 hoverbouts appear at the edge of the ship.

Feature[[edit] | [edit source]]

Seventh Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

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 Metatraxi, 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[[edit] | [edit source]]

Julia Sawalha as Kate Tollinger at her Hammersmith Park photocall.

Feature[[edit] | [edit source]]

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 Season 27 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 and Kate Tollinger were 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[[edit] | [edit source]]

Script extract[[edit] | [edit source]]

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[[edit] | [edit source]]

Script extract[[edit] | [edit source]]

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.

- from Ice Time.

Image[[edit] | [edit source]]

Eighth Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

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[[edit] | [edit source]]

Title sequence[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

Feature[[edit] | [edit source]]

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.

Tony Etchells' story A School for Glory deliberately contrasted the setting of Illegal Alien. It was set during the World War I and Tony Robinson guest starred so the story was compared to Blackadder Goes Forth. The story also criticised upper-class officers and their treatment of working class soldiers. The first two parts were a pure historical whereas part three, set in the titular school, introduced an alien feeding off death. Fans praised the scene where the Eighth Doctor impersonated a British commanding officer while wearing a monocle.

When the final story of Season 28 aired Ian Fraser knew it could be the final Doctor Who story ever with more and more established series being outsourced to independent programme makers. Fraser asked Platt and Aaronovitch to write a story that could well be the series' last, but to leave it open ended too.

Marc Platt wrote Network set in a university. It featured Kate O'Mara as the Rani. The Time Lady posed as vice chancellor in the university. Angela Bruce, from Battlefield, returned as Winifred Bambera and Tom Georgeson returned as Sam Collinger. Having defeated an evil computer virus the Doctor vanished from screens on 16 May 1992.

The fate of the series after Network was uncertain. The BBC's statements were vague, but it was obvious they didn't want to put effort into an in house production when so many of its series were made independently. Fans instead had the Virgin Publishing New Adventures books to look forward to. The range began in 1992 with Neil Penswick's unmade Season 28 story Hostage being expanded into a novel The Pit. This was followed by David A. McIntee's Avatar novel. The grim nature of the books showed the Virgin range was aimed at a more adult audience than the Target books.

Fans protested at the series' cancellation especially after the series' increased quality in the last few years. Fans should be grateful that the last regular story wasn't Survival and instead Network which allowed the Doctor's final words to be, said to Kate, "nothing lasts forever".

Image[[edit] | [edit source]]

Magazine[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Eighth Doctor graces the cover of Doctor Who Magazine specifically DWM 166 which was released on 31 October 1990. The magazine announced Richard Griffiths as the Doctor.

It had a preview of Alixion within as well as a special video competition to win Curse of Fenric. Nicola Bryant was also interviewed in the magazine.

Image[[edit] | [edit source]]

Schedule[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

Richard Griffiths as the Doctor and Kate O'Mara as the Rani in Network.

Image[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Other Eighth Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

An in character shot depicting Richard Griffiths as the Doctor.

Image[[edit] | [edit source]]

Network[[edit] | [edit source]]

The magazine showcased a VHS cover of Network which starred Richard Griffiths as the Doctor and Kate O'Mara as the Rani. It featured the logo that was introduced with the Eighth Doctor and was rated PG. This would be the official release of the final ever Doctor Who episode.

Image[[edit] | [edit source]]

New Companion Kate[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

DWM 265 illustration[[edit] | [edit source]]

DWM 265 illustration

The following year, Doctor Who Magazine would publish another illustration of the Richard Griffiths Doctor in DWM 265. It was drawn by the late Phil Bevan for DWM 255. The full image was reproduced in The Art of Phil Bevan and Vworp Vworp! issue 5.

It depicted the Eighth Doctor wearing the same outfit he previously had in The Last of the Daleks illustration paired with the What If? feature. This time he was seen carrying his sonic screwdriver and his TARDIS exterior was shown.

Characters[[edit] | [edit source]]

In-universe[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

Companions[[edit] | [edit source]]

Other individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]

Species[[edit] | [edit source]]

Meta-fictional[[edit] | [edit source]]

Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Doctor's universe[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

Seventh Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]
  • The Seventh Doctor built Stonehenge to send a message.
  • The Seventh Doctor plays chess.
  • In his later years events were in motion before the Doctor got there.
  • This Doctor battled the Ice Warriors in sixties London with Ace.
  • An aged Sam Collinger requests the help of the Seventh Doctor when he gets into trouble.
  • The Seventh Doctor regenerated after an adventure on the asteroid Alixion.
  • During his final adventure he encountered the Manager.
  • The Seventh Doctor visits a canal towpath in the daytime where he parked his TARDIS.
Eighth Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]
  • The Eighth Doctor wears red and pink neckwear.
  • The Eighth Doctor wears a question mark pocket watch.

Ace[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Ace captained the space cruiser IC-MEL.
  • She left the Seventh Doctor to become a Time Lord.
  • Ace waits for the Seventh Doctor in the Celestial Intervention Agency briefing room.
  • The Seventh Doctor calls Ace Dorothy.
  • Ace says the Seventh Doctor sounds like her mother which he finds offensive.
  • Ace suggests taking over from the Doctor after he retires.

Kate Tollinger[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Kate Tollinger was the daughter of Sam Tollinger.
  • She was a safecracker and lock picker.
  • Her mansion house served as base for the Seventh Doctor where he met new contacts.
  • Kate had experience in a Swiss school.

Species[[edit] | [edit source]]

Meta-fictional world[[edit] | [edit source]]

Doctor Who stories[[edit] | [edit source]]

Earth Aid[[edit] | [edit source]]
Ice Time[[edit] | [edit source]]
Crime of the Century[[edit] | [edit source]]
Alixion[[edit] | [edit source]]
  • Alixion was written by Robert Mukherjee.
  • It was considered basic, with numerous chases down corridors on the titular asteroid Alixion, but also considered the darkest story of the year.

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Other[[edit] | [edit source]]

Other[[edit] | [edit source]]

Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

to be added

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ DWM 255
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