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{{Infobox Object
{{Infobox Object
|image = [[Image:Laser_Screwdriver.jpg|250px|The Master and his laser screwdriver.]]
|image       = The Doctor Falls Master Kill it.jpg
|object name = Laser screwdriver
|type       = Multi-functional [[laser]] weapon
|type = Multi-functional [[laser]] weapon/tool
|origin     =  
|origin = [[The Master]]
|first      = The Sound of Drums (TV story)
|appearances = [[DW]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'' / ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]''
|appearances = {{appears}}
}}
}}
A '''laser screwdriver''' was a [[laser]] device used by [[the Master]], comparable but distinct to [[the Doctor]]'s [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver|sonic screwdriver]]. They were larger, bulkier and generally used as a lethal laser weapon instead of a multi-functioning tool. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'', ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'')


{{quote|Laser screwdriver. Who'd have sonic?|[[The Master]]}}
== Appearance and technology ==
The '''laser screwdriver''' was a device used by [[The Master]].
Unlike [[the Doctor]]'s [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver|sonic screwdriver]] which used [[soundwave]]-based [[technology]], ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded|page=115}}, {{cs|How to be a Time Lord (novel)|namedep=Awesomely awesome gadgets|page=136}}, etc.) the Master's laser screwdriver instead used [[laser beam]]s. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded|page=115}}, {{cs|Time Lord Technology (feature)|page=57}}) These lethal laser beams could produce enough force to send a human flying several feet. However, its effectiveness dwindled when used against the Doctor, after he was protected by a [[psychic field]] generated by the [[Archangel Network]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'' / ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'')


==Overview==
Laser screwdrivers had [[isomorphic controls]] so that only the Master could operate them. ([[TV]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'', [[PROSE]]: {{cs|Time Lord Technology (feature)|page=57}})
The laser screwdriver was larger and bulkier than [[Tenth Doctor|the Doctor]]'s [[sonic screwdriver]] and generally used as a weapon. It incorporated various technologies, namely a miniaturized system based on the age-regression technology developed by Professor [[Richard Lazarus]].


:''Though he did not say so directly, it seems that the Master had funded Lazarus' research.''
The version used by {{Jacobi}} had settings of Stun, Kill, Obliterate and [[Tissue compression]]. ([[AUDIO]]: {{cs|The Adventure of the Deceased Doctor (audio story)}})


The laser screwdriver had "[[isomorphic controls]]" so only The Master could operate its functions as revealed when the Doctor attempted to shoot him with it ([[DW]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]'').
By the time he used the alias "[[Harry Saxon]]", [[Saxon Master|the Master]] incorporated [[hypersonic sound wave manipulation technology]] developed by [[Lazarus Laboratories]], ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Time Lord Technology (feature)|page=57}}) which was capable of artificially ageing a target. The [[Saxon Master]] used the function to age the Doctor using a sample of his genetic code taken from his severed hand, turning him into an aged creature. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'' / ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'')


When a large trigger on the grip was pressed, the emitter would extend with a fierce click, and the triple-section tip would slide into place. Another button-push would release a highly lethal beam of bright yellow laser energy with a piercing whine, the force of which was enough to send a human being flying several feet. A single hit to the chest proved lethal to Captain [[Jack Harkness]]. A large dial integrated into the bottom of the handgrip, textured similarly to the "cracked porcelain" look of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver would activate another series of control settings.
A laser screwdriver that the Master eventually used whilst onboard a [[Colony ship (World Enough and Time)|Mondasian colony ship]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'') following the Doctor's acquisition of his previous screwdriver, ([[GAME]]: ''[[TARDIS (video game)|TARDIS]]'') was capable of killing [[CyberMondan|Mondasian Cybermen]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'') and [[CyberNeomorph|CyberNeomorphs]], ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Alit in Underland (short story)|Alit in Underland]]'') as well as radically evolved [[Weapons-grade Cyberman|"weapons grade" Cybermen]] when used in conjunction with the [[Twelfth Doctor]]'s [[sonic screwdriver]], [[Missy]]'s [[sonic umbrella]], and a Mondasian Cyberman's [[cyber-gun]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'') A lower setting used to [[Fire|burn]] small incisions could disable a [[Patient (World Enough and Time)|patient]]. This laser screwdriver could also burn through [[Deadlock seal|deadlock seals]], generate an [[Electricity|electrical pulse]] powerful enough to kill CyberNeomorphs when fired at a damp [[metal]] surface, function as a [[torch]], ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Alit in Underland (short story)|Alit in Underland]]'') and call the [[Inertia lift|inertia lifts]] of the colony ship. At its maximum setting, this laser screwdriver was capable of severely injuring a [[Time Lord]] beyond the point of [[regeneration]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'')


The Master used this to activate the Laser Screwdriver's aging technology, copied and improved upon from Doctor Lazarus' previous attempts. Using a sample of the Doctor's genetic code, taken from his severed hand, the Master was able to forcibly advance the Doctor's age by approximately 700 years, leaving his foe nearly crippled and helpless with age and later still further to turn him into an aged creature. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'' / ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]'')
Parts of the design of the Master's laser screwdriver resembled the [[frequency and intensity dial]]s on the [[Fourteenth Doctor]]'s [[Fourteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver|sonic screwdriver]]. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Super Sonic (feature)|page=36-37}})


==Behind the Scenes==
== History ==
*Conceptual art released on the BBC website, as well as conversations with the cast and crew, reveal that the Laser Screwdriver was intended to be larger and more intimidating than the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver, meant to be "shown off." This, as well as its lethal and dangerous settings, fit in line with the Master's portrayal as an antithesis of the Doctor.
While disguised as [[the Medic]], the [[Tremas Master]] attempted to trick the [[Twelfth Doctor]], who had briefly lost his memory, into giving away all his [[regeneration]]s to the Master by having him go through his past to recall his adventures, following which, the Master stored the regenerations inside a laser screwdriver. The plot was foiled when the Doctor distracted the Master while [[Kate Stewart]] stole the screwdriver, throwing it to the Doctor, who dropped it, breaking it in half. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Lost in Time (video game)|Lost in Time]]'')


*A toy replica of the device was released, similar to the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver. It does not feature a pen or any removable parts, save for the battery compartment. A single press of the trigger extends the spring-loaded tip and activates the laser sound effect, along with three bright yellow LED's. Holding the trigger for about one second activates the aging sound effect. The triple-ended tip does not extend further, as it does on the show. While slightly smaller than the on-screen prop, it does feature the crack-textured setting adjustment dial, with an integrated ratchet joint for further sound effects.
[[File:JacobiLaserScrewdriver.jpg|thumb|left|The War Master's laser screwdriver as used during the Last Great Time War. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Rage of the Time Lords (audio anthology)|Rage of the Time Lords]]'')]]
The [[War Master]] designed the laser screwdriver ([[TV]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'', [[PROSE]]: {{cs|Super Sonic (feature)|page=37}}) during the [[Last Great Time War]], using it as a functional sidearm. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Heavenly Paradigm (audio story)|The Heavenly Paradigm]]'', ''[[The Devil You Know (audio story)|The Devil You Know]]'')


*Fans of the original series noted that the Laser Screwdriver was a departure from the Master's other favored weapon, the [[Tissue Compression Eliminator]]. When questioned about this, the current series' cast and crew commented that the Master may have simply preferred to use something different for the element of surprise.
When three incarnations of the Master killed [[the Eleven]], {{Roberts|n=the "Bruce" incarnation}} used a laser screwdriver. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Day of the Master (audio story)|Day of the Master]]'')


*Russell T Davies has stated that he had considered having the Master say to the Doctor "My screwdriver's bigger than yours" but thought better of it. {{fact}}
The laser screwdriver was upgraded with [[hypersonic sound wave manipulation technology]] developed by [[Lazarus Laboratories]]. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Time Lord Technology (feature)|page=57}})


*Also to note is if the Laser Screwdriver is anything like the Sonic Screwdriver than it probably has far more functions than seen in the finale. One of these could be the TCE ability.
The [[Saxon Master]] first unveiled the device to the Doctor aboard the ''[[Valiant (aircraft carrier)|Valiant]]'', when he used it to stop [[Jack Harkness]] from intervening with the [[The Year That Never Was|Toclafane invasion]] and age the Tenth Doctor. He compared it to [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver]], stating, "Laser screwdriver. Who'd have sonic?" ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'') He later used the screwdriver to shoot and kill [[Thomas Milligan (The Year That Never Was)|Thomas Milligan]]. He later attempted to kill the Doctor with it but was unable to penetrate the psychic field he had formed, the weapon sooner being forced from his hand when he turned it on Martha and her family.
[[Category:Laser devices|Screwdriver]]
 
[[Category:The Master's items]]
After the Master's defeat, ([[TV]]: ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]'') the device was later seen in [[the Doctor's TARDIS]]. [[Amy Pond]] attached it to the console to power the ship's tractor beam and pull the [[Eleventh Doctor]] out of a riptide in spacetime. ([[GAME]]: ''[[TARDIS (video game)|TARDIS]]'') It remained in the console after that. ([[GAME]]: ''[[The Gunpowder Plot (video game)|The Gunpowder Plot]]'')
 
The Master later acquired a modified version of his previous one which he used on the [[Mondasian]] [[colony ship (World Enough and Time)|colony ship]]. He attempted to harm the Twelfth Doctor with it but it was wrestled from his grip in their struggle. He later used it to destroy numerous Mondasian Cybermen as they tried to capture him for conversion. He used it again in combination with Bill's cybernetic blaster to disable an improved model during the [[Battle of Floor 0507|battle]]. After [[Missy]] stabbed him in the back and left him to regenerate in the elevator, the Master (refusing to allow his future self to help the Doctor) blasted her in the back with his laser screwdriver. The Master told Missy that she could not [[regeneration|regenerate]] as he gave her the full strike on maximum power, leaving her to die as he departed. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'')
 
Evidently, the Master abandoned the weapon upon regenerating into Missy, replacing it with [[Missy's device|her multi-purpose device]] capable of vaporising targets and interfacing with technology ([[TV]]: ''[[Dark Water (TV story)|Dark Water]]'') and her [[sonic umbrella]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'')
 
== Behind the scenes ==
Conceptual art released on the BBC website<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071227142654/http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/gallery/concept_2007/51.shtml Series Three concept Artwork Gallery] (archive)</ref> as well as conversations with the cast and crew reveal that the laser screwdriver was intended to be larger and more intimidating than [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver]], meant to be "shown off". This, as well as its lethal and dangerous settings, fit in line with the Master's portrayal as an antithesis of the Doctor. It was also meant to look like something the Master constructed on Earth, out of local materials.
 
A toy replica of the device was released, similar to the Doctor's sonic screwdriver. It does not feature a pen or any removable parts, save for the battery compartment. A single press of the trigger extends the spring-loaded tip and activates the laser sound effect, along with three bright yellow LEDs. Holding the trigger for about one second activates the ageing sound effect. The triple-ended tip does not extend further, as it does on the show. While slightly smaller than the on-screen prop, it does feature the crack-textured setting adjustment dial, with an integrated ratchet joint for further sound effects. A later revision to the design left out the ratchet in favour of a more accurate appearance.
 
Fans of the original series noted that the laser screwdriver was a departure from the Master's other favoured weapon, the [[Tissue Compression Eliminator]]. When questioned about this, the current series' cast and crew commented that the Master may have simply preferred to use something different for the element of surprise.
 
The War Master's screwdriver, as seen on the cover of ''[[Rage of the Time Lords (audio anthology)|Rage of the Time Lords]]'', is visibly made of at least parts of [[Character Options]]'s [[sonic screwdriver]]s building sets, including two from the "Trans-Temporal Sonic Screwdriver". The head is also very similar to a fanmade screwdriver.<ref>[https://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-An-Attiny85-Sonic-Screwdriver/ DIY Sonic Screwdriver]</ref>
 
== Footnotes ==
{{reflist}}
 
[[Category:Laser devices]]
[[Category:The Master's devices]]
[[Category:Handheld weapons]]
[[Category:Handheld weapons]]
[[Category:Unique weapons]]
[[Category:Unique weapons]]
[[Category:Energy weapons]]
[[Category:War Master]]
[[Category:Saxon Master]]
[[Category:Power sources]]
[[Category:Heat sources]]
[[Category:The Doctor's devices]]

Latest revision as of 16:11, 27 November 2024

A laser screwdriver was a laser device used by the Master, comparable but distinct to the Doctor's sonic screwdriver. They were larger, bulkier and generally used as a lethal laser weapon instead of a multi-functioning tool. (TV: The Sound of Drums, Last of the Time Lords)

Appearance and technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

Unlike the Doctor's sonic screwdriver which used soundwave-based technology, (PROSE: The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded [+]Loading...{"page":"115","1":"The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded"}, "Awesomely awesome gadgets" [+]Part of How to be a Time Lord, Loading...{"page":"136","namedep":"Awesomely awesome gadgets","1":"How to be a Time Lord (novel)"}, etc.) the Master's laser screwdriver instead used laser beams. (PROSE: The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded [+]Loading...{"page":"115","1":"The Visual Dictionary: Updated and Expanded"}, Time Lord Technology [+]Loading...{"page":"57","1":"Time Lord Technology (feature)"}) These lethal laser beams could produce enough force to send a human flying several feet. However, its effectiveness dwindled when used against the Doctor, after he was protected by a psychic field generated by the Archangel Network. (TV: The Sound of Drums / Last of the Time Lords)

Laser screwdrivers had isomorphic controls so that only the Master could operate them. (TV: Last of the Time Lords, PROSE: Time Lord Technology [+]Loading...{"page":"57","1":"Time Lord Technology (feature)"})

The version used by the War Master had settings of Stun, Kill, Obliterate and Tissue compression. (AUDIO: The Adventure of the Deceased Doctor [+]Loading...["The Adventure of the Deceased Doctor (audio story)"])

By the time he used the alias "Harry Saxon", the Master incorporated hypersonic sound wave manipulation technology developed by Lazarus Laboratories, (PROSE: Time Lord Technology [+]Loading...{"page":"57","1":"Time Lord Technology (feature)"}) which was capable of artificially ageing a target. The Saxon Master used the function to age the Doctor using a sample of his genetic code taken from his severed hand, turning him into an aged creature. (TV: The Sound of Drums / Last of the Time Lords)

A laser screwdriver that the Master eventually used whilst onboard a Mondasian colony ship, (TV: The Doctor Falls) following the Doctor's acquisition of his previous screwdriver, (GAME: TARDIS) was capable of killing Mondasian Cybermen (TV: The Doctor Falls) and CyberNeomorphs, (PROSE: Alit in Underland) as well as radically evolved "weapons grade" Cybermen when used in conjunction with the Twelfth Doctor's sonic screwdriver, Missy's sonic umbrella, and a Mondasian Cyberman's cyber-gun. (TV: The Doctor Falls) A lower setting used to burn small incisions could disable a patient. This laser screwdriver could also burn through deadlock seals, generate an electrical pulse powerful enough to kill CyberNeomorphs when fired at a damp metal surface, function as a torch, (PROSE: Alit in Underland) and call the inertia lifts of the colony ship. At its maximum setting, this laser screwdriver was capable of severely injuring a Time Lord beyond the point of regeneration. (TV: The Doctor Falls)

Parts of the design of the Master's laser screwdriver resembled the frequency and intensity dials on the Fourteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver. (PROSE: Super Sonic [+]Loading...{"page":"36-37","1":"Super Sonic (feature)"})

History[[edit] | [edit source]]

While disguised as the Medic, the Tremas Master attempted to trick the Twelfth Doctor, who had briefly lost his memory, into giving away all his regenerations to the Master by having him go through his past to recall his adventures, following which, the Master stored the regenerations inside a laser screwdriver. The plot was foiled when the Doctor distracted the Master while Kate Stewart stole the screwdriver, throwing it to the Doctor, who dropped it, breaking it in half. (GAME: Lost in Time)

The War Master's laser screwdriver as used during the Last Great Time War. (AUDIO: Rage of the Time Lords)

The War Master designed the laser screwdriver (TV: Last of the Time Lords, PROSE: Super Sonic [+]Loading...{"page":"37","1":"Super Sonic (feature)"}) during the Last Great Time War, using it as a functional sidearm. (AUDIO: The Heavenly Paradigm, The Devil You Know)

When three incarnations of the Master killed the Eleven, the "Bruce" incarnation used a laser screwdriver. (AUDIO: Day of the Master)

The laser screwdriver was upgraded with hypersonic sound wave manipulation technology developed by Lazarus Laboratories. (PROSE: Time Lord Technology [+]Loading...{"page":"57","1":"Time Lord Technology (feature)"})

The Saxon Master first unveiled the device to the Doctor aboard the Valiant, when he used it to stop Jack Harkness from intervening with the Toclafane invasion and age the Tenth Doctor. He compared it to the Doctor's sonic screwdriver, stating, "Laser screwdriver. Who'd have sonic?" (TV: The Sound of Drums) He later used the screwdriver to shoot and kill Thomas Milligan. He later attempted to kill the Doctor with it but was unable to penetrate the psychic field he had formed, the weapon sooner being forced from his hand when he turned it on Martha and her family.

After the Master's defeat, (TV: Last of the Time Lords) the device was later seen in the Doctor's TARDIS. Amy Pond attached it to the console to power the ship's tractor beam and pull the Eleventh Doctor out of a riptide in spacetime. (GAME: TARDIS) It remained in the console after that. (GAME: The Gunpowder Plot)

The Master later acquired a modified version of his previous one which he used on the Mondasian colony ship. He attempted to harm the Twelfth Doctor with it but it was wrestled from his grip in their struggle. He later used it to destroy numerous Mondasian Cybermen as they tried to capture him for conversion. He used it again in combination with Bill's cybernetic blaster to disable an improved model during the battle. After Missy stabbed him in the back and left him to regenerate in the elevator, the Master (refusing to allow his future self to help the Doctor) blasted her in the back with his laser screwdriver. The Master told Missy that she could not regenerate as he gave her the full strike on maximum power, leaving her to die as he departed. (TV: The Doctor Falls)

Evidently, the Master abandoned the weapon upon regenerating into Missy, replacing it with her multi-purpose device capable of vaporising targets and interfacing with technology (TV: Dark Water) and her sonic umbrella. (TV: The Doctor Falls)

Behind the scenes[[edit] | [edit source]]

Conceptual art released on the BBC website[1] as well as conversations with the cast and crew reveal that the laser screwdriver was intended to be larger and more intimidating than the Doctor's sonic screwdriver, meant to be "shown off". This, as well as its lethal and dangerous settings, fit in line with the Master's portrayal as an antithesis of the Doctor. It was also meant to look like something the Master constructed on Earth, out of local materials.

A toy replica of the device was released, similar to the Doctor's sonic screwdriver. It does not feature a pen or any removable parts, save for the battery compartment. A single press of the trigger extends the spring-loaded tip and activates the laser sound effect, along with three bright yellow LEDs. Holding the trigger for about one second activates the ageing sound effect. The triple-ended tip does not extend further, as it does on the show. While slightly smaller than the on-screen prop, it does feature the crack-textured setting adjustment dial, with an integrated ratchet joint for further sound effects. A later revision to the design left out the ratchet in favour of a more accurate appearance.

Fans of the original series noted that the laser screwdriver was a departure from the Master's other favoured weapon, the Tissue Compression Eliminator. When questioned about this, the current series' cast and crew commented that the Master may have simply preferred to use something different for the element of surprise.

The War Master's screwdriver, as seen on the cover of Rage of the Time Lords, is visibly made of at least parts of Character Options's sonic screwdrivers building sets, including two from the "Trans-Temporal Sonic Screwdriver". The head is also very similar to a fanmade screwdriver.[2]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ Series Three concept Artwork Gallery (archive)
  2. ↑ DIY Sonic Screwdriver
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