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{{real world}} | {{real world}} | ||
{{ImageLinkTV}} | {{ImageLinkTV}} | ||
{{Infobox Story | {{Infobox Story SMW | ||
|novelisation = Doctor Who and the Deadly Assassin | |novelisation = Doctor Who and the Deadly Assassin | ||
|image = PRD.jpg | |image = PRD.jpg | ||
|series = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]] | |series = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]] | ||
|season number = Season 14 | |season number = Season 14 (Doctor Who 1963) | ||
|season serial number = 3 | |season serial number = 3 | ||
|story number = 88 | |story number = 88 | ||
|doctor = Fourth Doctor | |doctor = Fourth Doctor | ||
|featuring = | |featuring = Spandrell | ||
|enemy = [[Decayed Master | |enemy = The [[Decayed Master]] | ||
|setting = [[Gallifrey]], [[APC Net]] | |setting = [[Gallifrey]], [[APC Net]] | ||
|writer = | |writer = Robert Holmes | ||
|director = [[David Maloney]] | |director = [[David Maloney]] | ||
|producer = [[Philip Hinchcliffe]] | |producer = [[Philip Hinchcliffe]] | ||
|epcount = 4 | |epcount = 4 | ||
|broadcast date = | |broadcast date = 30 October - 20 November 1976 | ||
|network = | |network = BBC1 | ||
|format = 4x25-minute episodes | |format = 4x25-minute episodes | ||
|serial production code = [[List of production codes|4P]] | |serial production code = [[List of production codes|4P]] | ||
|prev = The Hand of Fear (TV story) | |prev = The Hand of Fear (TV story) | ||
|next = The Face of Evil (TV story) | |next = The Face of Evil (TV story) | ||
|clip = Premonition of death - Doctor Who - The Deadly Assassin - BBC}}{{you may|The Deadly Assassin (reference book)|n1=the reference book of the same name}} | |clip = Premonition of death - Doctor Who - The Deadly Assassin - BBC|thwr=1 | ||
|featuring2=Engin|featuring3=Borusa (The Deadly Assassin){{!}}Borusa|featuring4=Pandad IV{{!}}Pandad IV | |||
'''''The Deadly Assassin''''' was the third serial of [[season 14]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was the only televised story in the original run of ''Doctor Who'' to feature the Doctor without a [[companion]]. Tom Baker had told [[Philip Hinchcliffe]] he could hold the show on his own. With this story already in place, it was seen as a pilot for such companion-less stories. However, it was deemed that a companion was a necessary feature of the show. | }}{{you may|The Deadly Assassin (reference book)|n1=the reference book of the same name}} | ||
'''''The Deadly Assassin''''' was the third serial of [[Season 14 (Doctor Who 1963)|season 14]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was the only televised story in the original run of ''Doctor Who'' to feature the Doctor without a [[companion]]. Tom Baker had told [[Philip Hinchcliffe]] he could hold the show on his own. With this story already in place, it was seen as a pilot for such companion-less stories. However, it was deemed that a companion was a necessary feature of the show. | |||
This serial saw the return of the Doctor's nemesis, [[Decayed Master|the Master]], but in a heavily decayed state played by [[Peter Pratt]]. [[Roger Delgado]] had died in an automobile accident three years earlier, requiring a new actor to take his place. Afterwards, the Master became subject to a change in appearance and other changes as needed when an actor replaced the role, much like the Doctor, although, from an in-universe perspective, which change of actors should be considered a change of "incarnation" is far less clear-cut. | This serial saw the return of the Doctor's nemesis, [[Decayed Master|the Master]], but in a heavily decayed state played by [[Peter Pratt]]. [[Roger Delgado]] had died in an automobile accident three years earlier, requiring a new actor to take his place. Afterwards, the Master became subject to a change in appearance and other changes as needed when an actor replaced the role, much like the Doctor, although, from an in-universe perspective, which change of actors should be considered a change of "incarnation" is far less clear-cut. | ||
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Narratively, this serial introduced several aspects and notable figures of [[Time Lord]] society which were used, or referenced again, including [[the Matrix]], Time Lord Chapters, Time Lord headdresses and robes, [[Borusa]] and of course [[Rassilon]]. It also introduced the restriction of a Time Lord to a finite limit of twelve [[regeneration]]s, allowing a maximum of thirteen [[incarnation]]s, after which a Time Lord would suffer permanent death. | Narratively, this serial introduced several aspects and notable figures of [[Time Lord]] society which were used, or referenced again, including [[the Matrix]], Time Lord Chapters, Time Lord headdresses and robes, [[Borusa]] and of course [[Rassilon]]. It also introduced the restriction of a Time Lord to a finite limit of twelve [[regeneration]]s, allowing a maximum of thirteen [[incarnation]]s, after which a Time Lord would suffer permanent death. | ||
Later stories revealed that there are exceptions to the rule, such as the Master, who, after exhausting his original cycle, stealing a non-Gallifreyan body ([[TV]]: ''[[The Keeper of Traken]]'') and being executed by the Daleks, ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'') was resurrected by the Time Lords to fight in the [[Last Great Time War]], gaining a new cycle in the process. ([[TV]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'', ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'', ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]''), and the Doctor, who was granted a new regeneration cycle when his [[Eleventh Doctor|final incarnation]] reached the point of death. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'') | Later stories revealed that there are exceptions to the rule, such as the Master, who, after exhausting his original cycle, stealing a non-Gallifreyan body ([[TV]]: ''[[The Keeper of Traken (TV story)|The Keeper of Traken]]'') and being executed by the Daleks, ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'') was resurrected by the Time Lords to fight in the [[Last Great Time War]], gaining a new cycle in the process. ([[TV]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'', ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'', ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]''), and the Doctor, who was granted a new regeneration cycle when his [[Eleventh Doctor|final incarnation]] reached the point of death. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'') | ||
In 2020, ''The Deadly Assassin'' became part of the ''[[Time Lord Victorious (series)|Time Lord Victorious]]'' multimedia event. | |||
== Synopsis == | == Synopsis == | ||
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== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
=== Part one === | === Part one === | ||
Having | Having dropped off former companion [[Sarah Jane Smith]] back home on [[Earth]], the [[Fourth Doctor]] heads to [[Gallifrey]] in answer to the [[Time Lord]]s' summons. On the way, he is struck by a premonition in which he seems to [[Assassination|assassinate]] the Time Lord [[Lord President|President]] from a gallery overlooking the [[Panopticon]]. | ||
[[File:DA Doctors message.jpg|left|thumb|The Doctor's message to the Time Lords.]] | [[File:DA Doctors message.jpg|left|thumb|The Doctor's message to the Time Lords.]] | ||
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The Doctor is quickly apprehended by security. The assassination has thrown Gallifrey into a constitutional crisis because the President died before he could name his successor. [[Chancellor]] [[Goth]], thought to have been the most likely successor, calls for prompt elections and opts to stand as a candidate. Goth also urges [[The Doctor's trial (The Deadly Assassin)|the Doctor's swift trial]] and execution. | The Doctor is quickly apprehended by security. The assassination has thrown Gallifrey into a constitutional crisis because the President died before he could name his successor. [[Chancellor]] [[Goth]], thought to have been the most likely successor, calls for prompt elections and opts to stand as a candidate. Goth also urges [[The Doctor's trial (The Deadly Assassin)|the Doctor's swift trial]] and execution. | ||
At the trial, Goth's prosecution moves swiftly. The Doctor, however, invokes [[Article 17]] of the Gallifreyan Constitution, naming himself as a candidate for President. Under it, he cannot be denied the right to make his claim. Goth is outraged, but [[Lord Cardinal|Cardinal]] | At the trial, Goth's prosecution moves swiftly. The Doctor, however, invokes [[Article 17]] of the Gallifreyan Constitution, naming himself as a candidate for President. Under it, he cannot be denied the right to make his claim. Goth is outraged, but [[Lord Cardinal|Cardinal]] {{Arnatt}} acknowledges that the article gives him protection. He is grudgingly given forty-eight hours to prove his innocence. | ||
The robed figure is told by his associate of the Doctor's use of the constitutional loophole. He has anticipated this. The figure is shown as a horribly disfigured and decaying husk. | The robed figure is told by his associate of the Doctor's use of the constitutional loophole. He has anticipated this. The figure is shown as a horribly disfigured and decaying husk. | ||
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The Doctor wrestles with the Master. The ground shakes around them. Before the Master can uncouple the last cable from the Eye, the Doctor pulls him away, and the Master falls through a fissure in the floor. The Doctor reconnects the cables, bringing the crisis to an end. | The Doctor wrestles with the Master. The ground shakes around them. Before the Master can uncouple the last cable from the Eye, the Doctor pulls him away, and the Master falls through a fissure in the floor. The Doctor reconnects the cables, bringing the crisis to an end. | ||
Borusa is appalled at the damage; half the capital city lies in ruins and countless lives are lost. Even so, he accepts Engin's claim that the Doctor's actions prevented further catastrophe. Recalling their old relationship as teacher and student, Borusa gives the Doctor a grade of 9 out of 10. Spandrell and Engin accompany the Doctor back to the museum, and say their farewells; the Doctor then departs in the TARDIS. Spandrell and Engin then discover that the Master has survived and escaped in his own [[the Master's TARDIS|TARDIS]], disguised as a [[grandfather clock]]. Spandrell expresses confidence that the Doctor and the Master [[The Keeper of Traken|will cross paths again]], and has a feeling the universe is not big enough for the two of them. Before the Master's TARDIS dematerialises, the face of the grandfather clock is replaced by that of the Master, with the sound of his laughter heard over the TARDIS dematerialisation sound... | Borusa is appalled at the damage; half the capital city lies in ruins and countless lives are lost. Even so, he accepts Engin's claim that the Doctor's actions prevented further catastrophe. Recalling their old relationship as teacher and student, Borusa gives the Doctor a grade of 9 out of 10. Spandrell and Engin accompany the Doctor back to the museum, and say their farewells; the Doctor then departs in the TARDIS. Spandrell and Engin then discover that the Master has survived and escaped in his own [[the Master's TARDIS|TARDIS]], disguised as a [[grandfather clock]]. Spandrell expresses confidence that the Doctor and the Master [[The Keeper of Traken (TV story)|will cross paths again]], and has a feeling the universe is not big enough for the two of them. Before the Master's TARDIS dematerialises, the face of the grandfather clock is replaced by that of the Master, with the sound of his laughter heard over the TARDIS dematerialisation sound... | ||
== Cast == | == Cast == | ||
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* [[Goth|Chancellor Goth]] - [[Bernard Horsfall]] | * [[Goth|Chancellor Goth]] - [[Bernard Horsfall]] | ||
* [[Spandrell|Castellan Spandrell]] - [[George Pravda]] | * [[Spandrell|Castellan Spandrell]] - [[George Pravda]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Cardinal]] {{Arnatt}} - [[Angus MacKay]] | ||
* [[Decayed Master|The Master]] - [[Peter Pratt]] | * [[Decayed Master|The Master]] - [[Peter Pratt]] | ||
* [[Runcible|Commentator Runcible]] - [[Hugh Walters]] | * [[Runcible|Commentator Runcible]] - [[Hugh Walters]] | ||
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* [[Solis]] - [[Peter Mayock]] | * [[Solis]] - [[Peter Mayock]] | ||
* Voice - [[Helen Blatch]] | * Voice - [[Helen Blatch]] | ||
=== Uncredited cast === | |||
* Public Register Video cameraman - [[Brian Nolan]] | |||
== Crew == | == Crew == | ||
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=== Uncredited crew === | === Uncredited crew === | ||
* [[Assistant Floor Manager]] - [[Linda Graeme]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Assistant Floor Manager]] - [[Linda Graeme]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Booking assistant|Booking | * [[Booking assistant|Booking Assistants]] - [[Carol Atterbury]], [[John Holland]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Contracts assistant|Contracts Assistant]] - [[Nansi Davies]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Contracts assistant|Contracts Assistant]] - [[Nansi Davies]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Costume assistant|Costume Assistant]] - [[Brian Hoyle]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Costume assistant|Costume Assistant]] - [[Brian Hoyle]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
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* [[Director's assistant|Director's Assistant]] - [[Joan Elliott]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Director's assistant|Director's Assistant]] - [[Joan Elliott]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Electronic Effects]] - [[A. J. Mitchell]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Electronic Effects]] - [[A. J. Mitchell]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Facilities assistant|Facilities | * [[Facilities assistant|Facilities Assistants]] - [[Jennie Betts]], [[Carol Vigurs]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Film operative|Film | * [[Film operative|Film Operatives]] - [[Albert Crush]], [[Bob Johnson]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Film sound assistant|Film Sound Assistant]] - [[Terry Elms]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Film sound assistant|Film Sound Assistant]] - [[Terry Elms]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Floor assistant|Floor Assistant]] - [[Philip Livingstone]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Floor assistant|Floor Assistant]] - [[Philip Livingstone]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
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* [[Grip]]s - [[Stan Swetman]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Grip]]s - [[Stan Swetman]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Location chef|Location Chef]] - [[Brian Casey]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Location chef|Location Chef]] - [[Brian Casey]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Make-up assistant|Make-Up | * [[Make-up assistant|Make-Up Assistants]] - [[Hadsera Coouadia]], [[Judith Dalton]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Script Editor]] - [[Robert Holmes]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Script Editor]] - [[Robert Holmes]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Senior cameraman|Senior Cameraman]] - [[Peter Granger]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Senior cameraman|Senior Cameraman]] - [[Peter Granger]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Technical manager|Technical Manager]] - [[Peter Valentine]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * [[Technical manager|Technical Manager]] - [[Peter Valentine]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* [[Visual effects assistant|Visual Effects | * [[Visual effects assistant|Visual Effects Assistants]] - [[Dave Bezkorowajny]], [[Steven Drewett]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
== | == Worldbuilding == | ||
=== Books === | === Books === | ||
* ''[[The Book of the Old Time]]'' is mentioned. | * ''[[The Book of the Old Time]]'' is mentioned. | ||
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==== Gallifreyan culture ==== | ==== Gallifreyan culture ==== | ||
* The Doctor arrives on [[Presidential Resignation Day]]. | * The Doctor arrives on [[Presidential Resignation Day]]. | ||
* [[The Doctor's trial (The | * [[The Doctor's trial (The Deadly Assassin)|The Doctor's trial]] is dated [[309906]]. | ||
* [[Runcible]] appears to use the term "face-lift" as slang for "[[regeneration]]". | * [[Runcible]] appears to use the term "face-lift" as slang for "[[regeneration]]". | ||
* Accused of the assassination of the Lord President, the Doctor faces the possibility of being sentenced to death in a [[vaporisation]] chamber. | * Accused of the assassination of the Lord President, the Doctor faces the possibility of being sentenced to death in a [[vaporisation]] chamber. | ||
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=== Individual Gallifreyans === | === Individual Gallifreyans === | ||
* | * {{Arnatt}} has recently become a [[Lord Cardinal|Cardinal]]. | ||
* Borusa was a teacher to the First Doctor at the Time Lord Academy. In that age, according to the Doctor, he had stated that truth can be found only in [[mathematics]]. | * Borusa was a teacher to the First Doctor at the Time Lord Academy. In that age, according to the Doctor, he had stated that truth can be found only in [[mathematics]]. | ||
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== Story notes == | == Story notes == | ||
* The story had a working title of ''The Dangerous Assassin''. | * The story had a working title of ''The Dangerous Assassin''. | ||
* The title is generally considered a [[tautology]] — an assassin is, by definition, deadly. This redundancy was parodied in the spoof ''[[The Curse of Fatal Death]]''. However, [[Robert Holmes]] denied that the title was tautological, saying, "There are plenty of incompetent assassins." ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | * The title is generally considered a [[tautology]] — an assassin is, by definition, deadly. This redundancy was parodied in the spoof ''[[The Curse of Fatal Death (TV story)|The Curse of Fatal Death]]''. However, [[Robert Holmes]] denied that the title was tautological, saying, "There are plenty of incompetent assassins." ([[INFO]]: ''The Deadly Assassin'') | ||
* This is the first TV story to feature the Doctor without a companion and the only one during the 1963-89 original series. The [[Doctor Who (TV story)|1996 telefilm]] and revival series featured the Doctor on occasion collaborating with "one-off" companions (such as [[Donna Noble]] in ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'') and in ''[[Midnight (TV story)|Midnight]]'', the Doctor has an adventure by himself, away from his companion. All that said, ''The Deadly Assassin'' remains unique as the only televised ''Doctor Who'' adventure to date in which the Doctor appears but there is no companion or companion-surrogate at all. The episode ''[[Heaven Sent (TV story)|Heaven Sent]] ''also features an entire story with only the Doctor and no companions, but the actress [[Jenna Coleman]] appears in the episode as part of the Doctor's mind manifestation. | * This is the first TV story to feature the Doctor without a companion and the only one during the 1963-89 original series. The [[Doctor Who (TV story)|1996 telefilm]] and revival series featured the Doctor on occasion collaborating with "one-off" companions (such as [[Donna Noble]] in ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'') and in ''[[Midnight (TV story)|Midnight]]'', the Doctor has an adventure by himself, away from his companion. All that said, ''The Deadly Assassin'' remains unique as the only televised ''Doctor Who'' adventure to date in which the Doctor appears but there is no companion or companion-surrogate at all. The episode ''[[Heaven Sent (TV story)|Heaven Sent]] ''also features an entire story with only the Doctor and no companions, but the actress [[Jenna Coleman]] appears in the episode as part of the Doctor's mind manifestation. | ||
* This story features an exclusively male cast, except for the female computer voice provided by [[Helen Blatch]]. | * This story features an exclusively male cast, except for the female computer voice provided by [[Helen Blatch]]. | ||
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* This serial introduces the fact that a [[Time Lord]] has a [[regeneration]] cycle of only twelve regenerations for thirteen lives. This becomes a major plot point for the character of [[The Master]] in particular in later serials as he has reached the end of his regeneration cycle by the events of ''The Deadly Assassin''. Following his [[resurrection]] to fight in the [[Last Great Time War]] as depicted in the revived series, the Master has a new regeneration cycle as seen in ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'' and ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'' which feature the Master suffering injuries that require regeneration though only the regeneration in ''Utopia'' is seen on-screen. [[The Doctor]] himself also suffers from this limitation: though he claims to [[Clyde Langer]] in the serial ''[[Death of the Doctor (TV story)|Death of the Doctor]]'' from ''[[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]'' to have 507 regenerations, this is proven to be a lie in ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'' where the Doctor receives a new cycle at the end of his [[Eleventh Doctor|final incarnation]]. | * This serial introduces the fact that a [[Time Lord]] has a [[regeneration]] cycle of only twelve regenerations for thirteen lives. This becomes a major plot point for the character of [[The Master]] in particular in later serials as he has reached the end of his regeneration cycle by the events of ''The Deadly Assassin''. Following his [[resurrection]] to fight in the [[Last Great Time War]] as depicted in the revived series, the Master has a new regeneration cycle as seen in ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'' and ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'' which feature the Master suffering injuries that require regeneration though only the regeneration in ''Utopia'' is seen on-screen. [[The Doctor]] himself also suffers from this limitation: though he claims to [[Clyde Langer]] in the serial ''[[Death of the Doctor (TV story)|Death of the Doctor]]'' from ''[[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]'' to have 507 regenerations, this is proven to be a lie in ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'' where the Doctor receives a new cycle at the end of his [[Eleventh Doctor|final incarnation]]. | ||
* At one point, Spandrell has to read aloud a disturbing letter that the Doctor has written for him. In rehearsals, he used a note written in English and thus had not bothered to learn the lines. When it came time to shoot the scene, [[David Maloney]] and the set designer switched it for a note written in Gallifreyan without telling [[George Pravda]]. The second Spandrell opens the note, he goes visibly pale and sweat springs from his forehead, and stumbles over his words as he struggles to remember them— the appropriate shocked reaction. | * At one point, Spandrell has to read aloud a disturbing letter that the Doctor has written for him. In rehearsals, he used a note written in English and thus had not bothered to learn the lines. When it came time to shoot the scene, [[David Maloney]] and the set designer switched it for a note written in Gallifreyan without telling [[George Pravda]]. The second Spandrell opens the note, he goes visibly pale and sweat springs from his forehead, and stumbles over his words as he struggles to remember them— the appropriate shocked reaction. | ||
* There | * There is a scene where the Doctor is sitting on a chair trying to manipulate Spandrell, who begins explaining why he can't help the Doctor; and the Doctor shoots up from his chair mid-line and looms over Spandrell to intimidate him with his size — he audibly falters and his voice shakes. This was an ad-lib from [[Tom Baker]], and [[George Pravda]] was just reacting with surprise to Baker unexpectedly going off-script. | ||
* At one point, it was planned to include a humorous title card at the end of | * At one point, it was planned to include a humorous title card at the end of part four reading, “We thank the High Court of Time Lords and the Keeper of the Records, Gallifrey, for their help and co-operation”. Ultimately, however, this was removed for fear that it lampooned the production too much. | ||
* David Maloney worked closely with designer [[Roger Murray-Leach]] and costume designer [[James Acheson]] to give Gallifrey a consistent, cohesive look. Although he would eventually be replaced on the serial by [[Joan Ellacott]], Acheson contributed the Time Lords' distinctive high-collared apparel, while Murray-Leach reused a symbol he had designed for [[Revenge of the Cybermen (TV story)| | * [[David Maloney]] worked closely with designer [[Roger Murray-Leach]] and costume designer [[James Acheson]] to give Gallifrey a consistent, cohesive look. Although he would eventually be replaced on the serial by [[Joan Ellacott]], Acheson contributed the Time Lords' distinctive high-collared apparel, while Murray-Leach reused a symbol he had designed for ''[[Revenge of the Cybermen (TV story)|Revenge of the Cybermen]]'' as the Prydonian seal. Both would become enduring elements of Gallifrey's portrayal in ''Doctor Who'', with the latter subsequently coming to be known as the “[[Seal of Rassilon]]”. | ||
* [[Robert Holmes]] disliked the previous portrayal of the Time Lords as omnipotent god-like beings, so he re-invented them as corrupt beureaucrats. He questioned why such a perfect society could produce so many criminals and renegades. | |||
* [[Robert Holmes]] and [[Philip Hinchcliffe]] reintroduced the Master in a transitional state so that their successors wouldn't be saddled with a version of the character they might find unsuitable. | |||
* The shot of Goth trying to drown the Doctor was filmed at the swimming pool of the Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Merstham, Surrey, because the pond water was too dirty. | |||
* [[Peter Pratt]]'s uncomfortable mask was originally fitted with tubes which were intended to give the impression of fluid circulating around the Master's atrophied skull. However, this element was discarded when it was discovered that the effect was not visible under the studio lights. | |||
* The original cliffhanger to part two was the Doctor being attacked by the samurai. The train sequence was added when the episode overran. | |||
* Part three originally included a scene where a [[spider]] crawls up the Doctor's arm. This was scrapped when [[Bill Slater]], the Head of Serials, thought it would be too scary for children. | |||
* Filming the scene where Goth tries to drown the Doctor was challenging for [[Tom Baker]], who has a fear of water. | |||
* For a while, it was thought that episode four might introduce a new companion character. [[Robert Holmes]] had come up with the idea of the Doctor being accompanied by a [[Charles Dickens|Dickensian]] street urchin, whom he would mentor in the manner of [[My Fair Lady|Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle]]. As such, Holmes considered setting the climactic encounter between the Doctor and the Master in [[Victorian era|Victorian]] [[London]]. However, the new companion's introduction was eventually postponed until later in the season. | |||
* The scene where the Doctor is attacked by a biplane was supposed to be filmed at the Redhill Aerodrome in Redhill, [[Surrey]]. | |||
=== Influences === | === Influences === | ||
* ''The Manchurian Candidate'' | * ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Manchurian_Candidate_(1962_film) The Manchurian Candidate]'' | ||
* ''North by Northwest ''(the plane sequence) | * ''[[North by Northwest]] ''(the plane sequence) | ||
* ''Seven Samurai ''(a samurai appears in the Matrix) | * ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Samurai Seven Samurai] ''(a samurai appears in the Matrix) | ||
=== Ratings === | === Ratings === | ||
| Line 248: | Line 262: | ||
== Continuity == | == Continuity == | ||
* The Doctor | * The story begins with the [[Fourth Doctor]] returning to [[Gallifrey]] due to a summons he received; this matches the end of [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Hand of Fear (TV story)}}. | ||
* | * Reviewing the Doctor's history, the [[Time Lord]]s find records of his [[exile to Earth]] by the [[Malfeasance Tribunal]], as occurred in [[TV]]: {{cite source|The War Games (TV story)}}, and also of his sentence eventually being lifted, as occurred in [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Three Doctors (TV story)}}. The latter decision is revealed to have been taken at the intercession of the [[Celestial Intervention Agency]]. [[Chancellor]] [[Goth]] is played by [[Bernard Horsfall]], who also played the [[First Time Lord (The War Games)|leader of the Tribunal]] in ''The War Games''; although there is no evidence in-dialogue within ''The Deadly Assassin'' itself that he is playing the same character (and indeed, other sources suggested otherwise), [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|Future Imperfect (short story)}} and [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|The Legacy of Gallifrey (short story)}} would later suggest that Goth was indeed the First Time Lord from the trial. | ||
* The [[Decayed Master]] returns to using the [[Tissue Compression Eliminator]], once used by the [[The Master (Terror of the Autons)|"UNIT era" Master]] in [[TV]]: {{cite source|Terror of the Autons (TV story)}}, and the Doctor recognises the weapon's effects. Tissue compression would become one of the Master's default M.O.s in his [[Tremas Master|next incarnation]]. | |||
* This story introduces the [[Eye of Harmony]], the singularity from the heart of a [[black hole]] which an ancient [[Founders of Gallifrey|Gallifreyan founder]] brought back to [[Gallifrey]]. Its narrative of events echoes, but does not quite match, the history of [[Omega]]'s experiments as given in [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Three Doctors (TV story)}}, and gives [[Rassilon]] as the name of the Founder. Later sources would solidify the idea that Omega and Rassilon were contemporaries who worked together on the experiment. The creation of the Eye and [[disappearance of Omega]] would be depicted or referenced in many later stories including [[COMIC]]: {{cite source|Star Death (comic story)}}, [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|The Legacy of Gallifrey (short story)}}, [[COMIC]]: {{cite source|The Final Chapter (comic story)}} and [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|The Book of the War (novel)}}. | |||
* The Doctor recalls that Time Lords are telepathic; [[Susan Foreman]] was depicted with psychic abilities as early as [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Edge of Destruction (TV story)}} and [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Sensorites (TV story)}}, and the idea had also recently been referenced in [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Brain of Morbius (TV story)}}, where the Doctor instinctively recognises [[Morbius]]'s mental presence even before they physically meet. | |||
* | * This story introduces the idea that Time Lords have finite [[regeneration cycle]]s adding up to only twelve [[regeneration]]s. Acquiring more regenerations would remain a key part of the Master's motivation in eras to come, starting with his next televised appearance in [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Keeper of Traken (TV story)}} and as late as [[TV]]: {{cite source|Doctor Who (TV story)}}. The regeneration limit would also become a major plot point for [[the Doctor]] themself in [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Time of the Doctor (TV story)}}. | ||
* The Doctor | * A great number of stories went on to address the circumstances which reduced the Master to his [[Decayed Master|decayed]] form, including [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|Legacy of the Daleks (novel)}} and [[AUDIO]]: {{cite source|The Two Masters (audio story)}}, both of which also attempt to address how and why Goth found him on the planet [[Tersurus]]. | ||
* The planet Tersurus, only mentioned here, would also serve as the setting of the notorious comedic special [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Curse of Fatal Death (TV story)}}. | |||
* | * The Master escapes Gallifrey in [[Goth's TARDIS|a TARDIS disguised as a grandfather clock]]; he is still using it when he next appears on television in [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Keeper of Traken (TV story)}}, in addition to [[Melkur (The Keeper of Traken)|another, more advanced TARDIS]]. [[AUDIO]]: {{cite source|Dominion (audio story)}} would later clarify that this clock-TARDIS was Goth's own TARDIS, easily stolen by the Master with Goth now dead. | ||
* Goth's brother [[Rath]] appears in [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|Blood Harvest (novel)}}. | |||
* | * [[Coordinator]] [[Engin]] reappeared in [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|The Eight Doctors (novel)}}, [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|Dalek Combat Training Manual (reference book)}}, [[COMIC]]: {{cite source|Sky Jacks (comic story)}} and [[WC]]: {{cite source|Incoming Transmission (webcast)}}. | ||
* [[Borusa]] reappeared a number of times, starting with [[TV]]: {{cite source|The Invasion of Time (TV story)}}, being revealed to have taken on the Presidency after the Doctor ran off. | |||
* [[ | * One of the entries in the [[Masterplan Journal]] given in [[PROSE]]: {{cite source|The Secret Diary of the Master (short story)}} was set in the lead-up to this story, while the Master and Goth were formulating their evil plan. | ||
== Home video and audio releases == | == Home video and audio releases == | ||
=== DVD releases === | === DVD releases === | ||
The DVD was released on 11 May 2009 in the UK. | |||
Special Features | ==== Special Features ==== | ||
* Commentary by [[Tom Baker]], [[Bernard Horsfall]] and [[Philip Hinchcliffe]] | * Commentary by [[Tom Baker]] ([[Fourth Doctor|The Doctor]]), [[Bernard Horsfall]] ([[Goth]]) and [[Philip Hinchcliffe]] (Producer) | ||
* [[The Matrix Revisited]] — Cast, crew and critics look back at the making of this story, featuring director [[David Maloney]], designer Roger Murray-Leach and the founder of the National Viewers and Listeners Association, Mary Whitehouse | * ''[[The Matrix Revisited (documentary)|The Matrix Revisited]]'' — Cast, crew and critics look back at the making of this story, featuring director [[David Maloney]], designer [[Roger Murray-Leach]] and the founder of the National Viewers and Listeners Association, [[Mary Whitehouse]] | ||
* [[The Gallifreyan Candidate]] — A look at Richard Condon's novel ''The Manchurian Candidate'', a major influence on the plot of ''The Deadly Assassin'' | * ''[[The Gallifreyan Candidate (documentary)|The Gallifreyan Candidate]]'' — A look at Richard Condon's novel ''The Manchurian Candidate'', a major influence on the plot of ''The Deadly Assassin'' | ||
* [[The Frighten Factor]] — What exactly is Doctor Who's | * ''[[The Frighten Factor (documentary)|The Frighten Factor]]'' — What exactly is ''[[Doctor Who]]''{{'}}s 'Frighten Factor'? A diverse panel of experts try to answer the question. | ||
* Radio Times Billings — Listings for this story presented in a PDF file [DVD-ROM – PC/Mac] | * ''[[Radio Times]]'' Billings — Listings for this story presented in a PDF file [DVD-ROM – PC/Mac] | ||
* Photo Gallery | * Photo Gallery | ||
* Coming Soon Trailer | * Coming Soon Trailer - ''[[Delta and the Bannermen (TV story)|Delta and the Bannermen]]'' | ||
* Production Information Subtitles | * Production Information Subtitles | ||
* Easter Egg | * [[Easter Egg]]: Original BBC teaser for the serial. To access this hidden feature, press left at Photo Gallery on the Special Features menu to reveal a hidden ''Doctor Who'' logo. | ||
Editing for the DVD release was completed by the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]]. | |||
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true"> | <gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true"> | ||
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=== Blu-ray releases === | === Blu-ray releases === | ||
* It was included as part of the ''Time Lord Victorious: Road to the Dark Times'' Blu-ray on [[9 November (releases)|9 November]] [[2020 (releases)|2020]]. | * It was included as part of the ''Time Lord Victorious: Road to the Dark Times'' Blu-ray on [[9 November (releases)|9 November]] [[2020 (releases)|2020]]. | ||
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=== Digital releases === | === Digital releases === | ||
* The story is available for streaming in the US through | * The story is available for streaming in Canada and the US through BritBox or Amazon Instant Video in the UK. | ||
* It is available on the ''Best of Tom Baker ''bundle on iTunes, alongside ''[[Genesis of the Daleks (TV story)|Genesis of the Daleks]], [[The Hand of Fear (TV story)|The Hand of Fear]] ''and ''[[The Talons of Weng-Chiang (TV story)|The Talons of Weng-Chiang]]''. | * It is available on the ''Best of Tom Baker ''bundle on iTunes, alongside ''[[Genesis of the Daleks (TV story)|Genesis of the Daleks]], [[The Hand of Fear (TV story)|The Hand of Fear]] ''and ''[[The Talons of Weng-Chiang (TV story)|The Talons of Weng-Chiang]]''. | ||
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* {{locguide|deadlyassassin|The Deadly Assassin}} | * {{locguide|deadlyassassin|The Deadly Assassin}} | ||
{{DWTV}} | {{DWTV}} | ||
{{Master stories}} | {{Decayed Master stories}} | ||
{{TLV}} | {{TLV}} | ||
{{TitleSort}} | {{TitleSort}} | ||
[[Category:Doctor Who (1963) television stories]] | [[Category:Doctor Who (1963) television stories]] | ||
[[Category:Television stories set on Gallifrey]] | [[Category:Television stories set on Gallifrey]] | ||
[[Category:1976 television stories]] | [[Category:1976 television stories]] | ||
[[Category:The Master television stories]] | [[Category:The Master television stories]] | ||
[[Category:Decayed Master stories]] | |||
[[Category:Time Lord television stories]] | [[Category:Time Lord television stories]] | ||
[[Category:Season 14 stories]] | [[Category:Season 14 stories]] | ||
[[Category:Stories set in the Rassilon Era]] | [[Category:Stories set in the Rassilon Era]] | ||
[[Category:Four part serials]] | [[Category:Four part serials]] | ||
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