Doctor Who: Season 39 (2003)

Introduction

Season 39 of Doctor Who, would be billed in the UK as an event, with all alive previous Doctor's returning throughout the season. But, in the US, the season was planned from a marketing outlook.

By the time of 2003, HBO's team was able to remaster all 1960s Doctor Who stories and were released via DVD boxsets (with some changes to streamline it for American audiences). And they were about to move onto the Jon Pertwee. And after Pertwee, they would on all of the alive Doctor's. And with this, HBO wondered if the 40th anniversary could dig in deep to Doctor Who's past and have almost every single feature more than one Doctor. With the total of serials being nine. And apart from the opening and closing serials. Each serial would be a multi-Doctor serial. With Serial Two featuring the Fourth Doctor, Serial Three featuring the Fifth Doctor, Serial Four featuring the Sixth Doctor, Serial Five featuring the Seventh Doctor, Serial Six featuring the Eighth Doctor, Serial Seven featuring the Ninth Doctor and Serial Eight featuring the Tenth Doctor. With Serials One and Nine having just the Eleventh Doctor as the TARDIS team.

Because of this, brand new title sequences were made for the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Doctor's. While each title sequence had the same theme from their era. It would be re-designed with the Doctor's faces removed, actor names added in and kept the logo from the era, but done with some touch-ups. These were made, not just for the season, but to also be used when the remastering would go around to those Doctor's era's.

This would be the last season for Jed Mercurio, with him departing the season. And it was announced that Russell T Davies would take over as the franchise's executive producer, starting with the 40th anniversary special. With the entire franchise undergoing a complete change following the 40th in 2004.

While each serial (bar the bookends) having their own story. For the first time since the Ninth Doctor era, there would be a loose story-arc throughout the season. Which plays an important parts in the bookends.

With that, let's dive into the season.

Serial One (Ep. 1): THE LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE

Written by Jed Mercurio
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 19 April 2003

The episode begins with the TARDIS landing in a white void, the Doctor steps out and angrily says that he has arrived and he separated him from Taylor, it better be important. A throne then appears with a man, in all white, (played by Richard Wilson) says, "Hello Doctor. You have been summoned." The Doctor calls him as the White Guardian.

The Doctor asks why he is needed again. The White Guardian smirks and tells him that the universe is facing a grave threat. One not seen since the beginning of reality. The Doctor asks how bad it is, and then another throne appears. This time a complete black one. And another man (played by Roger Lloyd-Pack). The Doctor, shocked, and asks why he is there. The man, who we learn is the Black Guardian explains to the Doctor that an entity even higher than themselves are returning. One simply known as, "The God of Life". The Doctor is worried and is horrified if the Guardians are worried about what is going to happen.

Throughout the episode, we get exposition dump about the unknown "God of Life". And how they were banished by the Guardians as the God of Life ruled the universe with complete control. With no free will given to anyone. And saying that the God of Life, before being locked away into the unknown, gave power to certain races throughout the universe. The Time Lords, Kaleds, Mondasians, etc, etc.

The Guardians say that to prevent the God of Life returning. The Doctor must go through his timeline, making sure that certain events happen with certain incarnations. With the Guardians constructing a device the Doctor can use to plug into his console to take him where he needs to go.

The episode ends with the Doctor re-entering the TARDIS, plugging the device in and seeing the TARDIS take off without the Doctor controlling it.

Serial Two (Ep. 2): WAR OF THE RUTANS

Written by René Echevarria
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 26 April 2003

This episode begins with the TARDIS materializing in a bunker. Where The Doctor is nervous about what is about to happen. As soon as he steps out of the TARDIS, another one appears. The Doctor with a weary smile walks up to it. The door opens and the Eleventh Doctor is greeted by the Fourth Doctor as well as Leela and K-9.

The episode pays homage to both the Phillip Hinchcliffe and Graham Williams era. With it being set on a bloody battle between the Rutans and the Sontarans. With the war being told from the Rutan perspective as they battle against a ruthless set of Sontarans. With the Rutans being completely decimated at the end of the episode. And the Fourth Doctor almost is killed by a Sontaran. But, the Eleventh Doctor is able to prevent it. After which, the Eleventh Doctor feels a sigh of relief. Feeling that the thing he was meant to do has been done.

At the episode, the two Doctor's depart as the Fourth Doctor, Leela and K-9 leave in their TARDIS. And the Fourth Doctor says he has to see some friends of his, with it being shown to the audience that he has been secretly approached by a race known as the Vardans.

For the Eleventh Doctor, he goes back into his TARDIS and simply pulls the dematerialization lever, as the TARDIS pilots itself to it's next destination.

Serial Three (Ep. 3): THE ALIEN FLU

Written by Chris Chibnall
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 3 May 2003

This episode begins with the TARDIS landing in Kansas in the year 1918. The Eleventh Doctor steps out and soon after that, another TARDIS lands right next to him. With the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa stepping outside of their TARDIS. The Fifth Doctor questions the Eleventh Doctor's presence. But, the Eleventh Doctor brushes it off. Saying simply, "The Guardians". With the Fifth Doctor understanding.

The two Doctor's realize that they arrived at the beginning of the Spanish Flu Pandemic. Right before it starts spreading. And the two Doctor's and Nyssa investigate what it is that the Eleventh Doctor needs to do.

It is revealed that the Spanish Flu Pandemic was caused by none other than the Tereleptil's (first introduced in the Fifth Doctor serial, The Visitation). And the two Doctor's and Nyssa realize that the Tereleptil's are using it to destroy the Earth. And the trio have to find a way to stop them.

However, this means infecting the human beings with the actual disease. Which haunts both Doctor's and Nyssa as they realize that they are responsible for the deaths of several millions in the late 1910s and early 1920s.

The episode ends with both TARDIS' leaving. With the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa mention about doing some repairs. Ones that the Doctor had intended to do over a hundred years ago. (Hinting that this takes place right before The Arc of Infinity.)

The Eleventh Doctor sits in his TARDIS alone as the TARDIS is piloting itself through space and time.

Serial Four (Ep. 4-5): THE HEART OF THE TIME LORDS

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by James Hawes
Air Dates: 10-17 May 2003

This would be a hyped-up two part serial. With fans excited to see Colin Baker back as the Sixth Doctor and hoping to do justice to his character. And, announced ahead of time, Bonnie Langford was announced to be returning in the role of Melanie Bush. This confused fans as people were expecting Nicola Bryant to return as Peri Brown. But, Davies, Mercurio and everyone else was kept hush-hush about what the story was about. With fans going into it almost completely blind.

The Eleventh Doctor's TARDIS lands on an alien planet. He explores by himself for a little bit before another TARDIS lands and the Sixth Doctor and Mel exit the box. The Eleventh Doctor greets them and explains who he is, which Mel does not believe. But, the Sixth Doctor is understanding and asks why he is there. The Eleventh Doctor tells the truth, he does not know.

The trio explore for a little while longer. Before they approach a town square as everyone looks up to a massive screen. In which a woman appears on the screen. With us focusing on the Doctor's reactions to who it is. With both of them shocked and worried. Mel asks who the woman is. The Eleventh Doctor quietly says, the Rani. As we cut back to the screen and see the Rani (who is played once again by Kate O'Mara). The two Doctor's look at each other with unease. As they learn they are on Miasimia Goria, the Rani's own planet.

Throughout the first part of the serial we see the Sixth and Eleventh Doctor's trying to find out what the Rani's plan is. Meanwhile, Mel integrates herself into the society of Miasimia Goria. Where she learns that the Rani is seen as a wise and benevolent leader. Adding more layers to the character of the Rani and showing that she is more than an amoral scientist.

Part One of the serial ends with the Doctor's and Mel finding out the Rani's plan. She intends to use one of the sun's around Miasimia Goria to change it into a completely brand new Eye of Harmony giving the Miasimia Gorian's a full access to time travel and making them into a new race of Time Lords. Which causes the Doctor's concern. As they realize that if a second Eye of Harmony is made... the universe will be destroyed.

The second part has the trio taking on the Rani and attempting to start her from destroying the universe. Which makes it extremely harder as the people of Miasimia Goria would put their lives on the line for the Rani. With her not even needing to manipulate people to do it. They care about her that much.

In the end, the Rani is able to construct her Eye of Harmony, and ends up sacrificing her incarnation to do so. With her throwing regeneration energy into to help build it up. With this, we do not see a new incarnation of the Rani as that was decided by Echevarria and Davies to give the Rani a clean slate for anyone to pick up the role later on down the line.

The Doctor's realize that they need to take the new Eye of Harmony into another universe. The Sixth Doctor makes the decision to take it. Despite the Eleventh Doctor's objections. With the Sixth Doctor ending up pushing the Eleventh Doctor back into his own TARDIS. And as soon as Eleven is back in his TARDIS. It dematerializes. And the rest just focuses on the Sixth Doctor and Mel.

The Sixth Doctor and Mel attach the new Eye of Harmony to his TARDIS and they are successful in removing it from the universe and putting it in a universe where an Eye of Harmony does not exist. However, the Eye radiates dangerous time energy. And while it is just mild in terms of damage to humans. It is fatalistic towards Time Lords. Mel is rendered unconscious as soon as the TARDIS leaves the other universe.

The Doctor sits down in his TARDIS as he is starting to ail. And ends up collapsing, with a golden energy around his hands. He gives a speech with a smile about the wonders of the universe. How he wished he could have done several things differently. Mentioning to check up on Peri once he and Mel had stopped the Valeyard. But, he is proud as to what he has done. Despite his prickly demeanor. He has always tried to do the right thing.

He says this as the TARDIS returns to the main universe and starts getting shot at. The Doctor looks up towards the scanner and asks, "Lakertya, they are supposed to be friendly!". The Doctor smiles and then realizes that the Rani is of course gonna retaliate. He smiles and looks at Mel. He says, "Mel. I have a message for you. Never be cruel, never be cowardly. Do... well." The regeneration energy then engulfs his entire body as the TARDIS then crashes on an alien planet. With an upscale remaster of the beginning of Time and the Rani. The Rani enters the TARDIS and orders the Tetrap to take the Doctor. We then see the Doctor's entire body morphing in it's golden energy. And we then see the Seventh Doctor as the episode ends.

This serial would be a personal favorite of the fans and critics. Especially with Russell T Davies giving the Sixth Doctor the proper send-off that he deserves. With Colin Baker claiming it as one of his favorite moments working on the programme throughout the years.

Serial Five (Ep. 6-7): MAZE OF THE DEAD

Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by James Strong
Air Dates: 24-31 May 2003

For a first in the season, we do not begin with the Eleventh Doctor, but in fact, the previous incarnation of the serial. With the Seventh Doctor and Ace going through an alien museum in the future. They eventually come across an alien black box. One that the Eleventh Doctor is examining. The Eleventh Doctor turns around and attempts to greet the Seventh Doctor. But, the Seventh Doctor says, "I know who you are. Now, question is... Why? Who sent you here the Time Lords?" The Eleventh Doctor just simply responds with, "The Guardians." The Seventh Doctor then introduces Ace to the Eleventh Doctor. The Seventh Doctor asks what the black box is meant for. The Eleventh Doctor smiles and says, "A call for help from a friend." The Eleventh Doctor takes Ace's bat and breaks the glass holding the black box. The trio run back to the Seventh Doctor's TARDIS. This is intercutted with someone breaking through the security of the ship.

We see that this person is none other than Phoenix Miller, who wrote some coordinates on the black box. And uses an airlock to escape towards the TARDIS. She lands in the Seventh Doctor's console room. And tells them to follow the ship she was.

After the chase is completed and the ship crashes on a planet. The Eleventh Doctor asks Phoenix why she needs his help again. Phoenix is confused, but realizes that he is from her future. She just smiles and asks him, "What have you heard... of the Weeping Angels?", Which causes shock and horror from both the Seventh and Eleventh Doctor's.

The rest of the serial plays out as a reverse base under siege as The Eleventh & Seventh Doctor's, Ace and Phoenix attempt to penetrate the ship and destroy the Weeping Angels, which they are successful after draining the ship's time drive and venting the Weeping Angels into the Time Vortex which disintegrates them.

At the end of the serial, the Eleventh Doctor and Phoenix talk. Phoenix flirts with him a bit. He says that they will see each other again. During Earth's Second World War. Phoenix then teleports away. And the Seventh Doctor and Ace take the Eleventh Doctor back to his TARDIS at the museum. And the two of them then talk before the ship then starts to shut down. Where the Doctor mentions that something is coming from another universe. (Showing that this leads into the events of Battlefield.)

The Eleventh Doctor goes back into his TARDIS. But as soon as the doors shut, the TARDIS takes off, violently. The Eleventh Doctor is shocked. Wondering... where he is going next.

Serial Six (Ep. 8): THE GOD OF GAMES

Written by Krista Vernoff
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 7 June 2003

This episode begins with the TARDIS landing in a 60s toyshop. Where a man (played by Don Warrington) greets. Him. He smiles and says, "Welcome back Doctor. It's an honor to have you back." A second TARDIS lands in the shop. And the Eighth Doctor and Kate Tollings exit the box. The man smiles and says, "Two Doctors? My, my, my... This will be a treat." The Eighth Doctor looks over to the Eleventh Doctor and steps forward. He begins to speak, "Only an entity of enormous proportion can pull TWO TARDIS' out of the Time Vortex. The Guardians?" Before the Eleventh Doctor speaks up and says that he is not neither one of them. The Eleventh Doctor asks if he is the God of Life. The man laughs, saying, "I am not a deranged maniac." The two Doctor's look around their environment. And the two of them look at each other. And they say, in-unison, "The Toymaker." The Toymaker laughs. And says, "You three are now trapped her. Time for a game, old friends?" And then it cuts to the opening credits.

The episode then continues as Kate asks who the Toymaker is and why there is another Doctor there. The Doctor's explain both of them to her (and the audience when it comes to the Toymaker). The Toymaker forces the two Doctor's to play games... against each other. Which the Doctor's would constantly disqualify each other to help and try and escape. But, the Toymaker gets more and more angry. And threatens Kate's life.

In the end, the Doctor's are able to thwart the Toymaker and stop him and destroy his realm again. And are able to escape in their TARDIS'. With a scene in the Eighth Doctor's TARDIS leading into the events of Victorian Machinery.

Serial Seven (Ep. 9-10): THE FATHERS OF TIME

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Dates: 14-21 June 2003

This serial begins with the Eleventh Doctor's TARDIS in-flight. And eventually lands. The Eleventh Doctor exits his box. And sees two people right in front of him. He sees the Ninth Doctor and Reiven. The Eleventh Doctor greets them with a gleeful smile. The Ninth Doctor says that they were pulled out of time. The Eleventh Doctor, once again, simply says, "The Guardians." Something that both the Ninth Doctor and Reiven understand.

The three of the wonder around for a minute. All three of them having a feeling of familiarity. And we then see them going to a city square where they see similar style of infrastructure. They were on Gallifrey, eons and eons in the past.

The serial would show Rassilon (played by Pip Torrens) trying to consolidate his power as a new opposition political chapter is rising. We meet the opposition leader, Rexus (played by Timothy Dalton), full name being Rexusfellix, who is the founder of the Patrex Chapter. And is growing up to oppose the Prydonian Chapter and Rassilon's more fascist policies that are starting to rise up.

The two Doctor's and Reiven realize that they need to insert themselves into events and make sure that Rexus becomes Lord President and ousts Rassilon from power and causes his downfall in Time Lord society.

The three of them also meet Omega (played by Donald Sumpter) who uses his own tech to help fight against Rassilon and help Rexus. We also see Omega creating the Eye of Harmony.

In the end, with the trio's help, enough people are able to forced Rassilon out of power and causes him to die on his 13th life and seal his body inside his tomb in the Death Zone, which is revealed to be a planet that surrounds Gallifrey.

At the end, we show that the Ninth Doctor and Reiven go into the events of Midnight.

Serial Eight (Ep. 11-12): ONE SMALL STEP

Written by Mark Gatiss
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 27 June-5 July 2003

This serial begins with a TARDIS materializing on a hillside. And exits out the Tenth Doctor and Christina Farrell. The two of the walk for sometime while we see the Eleventh Doctor watching from a distance. He pulls out a device from his pockets saying that he has met too many of his past incarnations. If he ends up meeting this last one. It could open a crack in the fabric of reality. And letting the God of Life out.

The Tenth Doctor and Christina would explore the Johnson Space Center in 1969, the day that Apollo 11 launches. However they see a man (played by special guest star Ted Danson) manipulating with somethings that are suspicious. But, no one is exposing him for this. Throughout the first part, we play off on the mystery on who he is. Until towards the end of the first part, we learn that the man is in fact a new incarnation of the Monk, whose backstory is explained to the newer American audiences that had not bought the Season 2 boxset yet.

However, the cliffhanger is not the confrontation with the Monk. The cliffhanger has the Eleventh Doctor running into the Tenth Doctor and Christina. With the Eleventh Doctor horrified. Knowing that he may have unleashed the God of Life. Which the Eleventh Doctor explains to the Tenth Doctor.

The two Doctors and Christina battle against the Monk, who is trying to prevent the launch of Apollo 11, which will ripple throughout the timeline benefiting the human race. In the end, the Monk is defeated. And the Tenth Doctor tries to help fly his TARDIS alongside the Eleventh Doctor's. But, ends up heading towards the event's of Scream of the Shalka.

The Eleventh Doctor shuts his TARDIS' doors. And his ship takes off. As he worries about whether or not he has unleashed the ultimate terror on the universe.

Serial Nine (Ep. 13): THE DARKNESS OF THE UNIVERSE

Written by Jed Mercurio
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 12 July 2003

The finale begins with the Doctor waiting patiently in his TARDIS as it is in-flight, not speaking a single word. The TARDIS eventually lands and the Doctor exits his box to be in a void of beige and gray. He looks over to one side and sees the Guardians shackled up. He runs over to try and free them. But, when his hands touches the shackles, his hands burn. A woman than appears from behind the Doctor. She says, "You are the famous Doctor then..." The Doctor turns around to face the woman (played by special guest star Kate Winslet). The Doctor shocked and horrified. He says that he has failed. The woman laughs and says he has not. As she is the God of Life. Clue is in the title about which side she is on. The Doctor puzzled as the episode's titles are then played.

After the opening credits, the God of Life goes on a long monologue about how she brings life and power to the universe, or at least before she was banished by her fellow gods. The White Guardian, the Black Guardian, the Toymaker, the Eternals, the Beast... as well as several other beings that she propped up throughout the creation of the universe. Rassilon, Omega, the Other, Sutekh, the War Lords and Fenric. A coalition of entities with minds of their own. She gave them power... and they all betrayed her. The Doctor asks why, why if she is so good that they allied together to overthrow her. The God of Life says, "They just couldn't handle one true God in control of everything." The Doctor says that they have a point. One person, no matter how pure their intentions are should have that power.

The God of Life then frowns, looks at the Doctor and raises one of her hands, pointing her pointer finger at the Doctor. She says, "Then Doctor... You no longer have a purpose. I was going to ask you to rule alongside me. To dampen the power of the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Sontarans, Rutans, Weeping Angels, every single evil creature in the universe... poof. Gone. You could have had that." The Doctor interrupts her and says, "If you would have offered. I would have said no. As... that isn't who I am. Let me properly introduce myself to you." The God of Life is curious... and then lowers her hand. And she says, "Show me." The Doctor then takes her inside his TARDIS. And he dematerializes.

The TARDIS lands on a street on Earth. The Doctor and the God of Life walk out together. They stop in the middle of a busy street. The Doctor says that they are on the planet Earth, in the Sol cluster. They are on apart of the Earth known as England and they are in a town called London. It's the 23rd of November, 2003. And... this is why he travels. There are so many people here. And they need protecting from time to time. And not just on Earth, but on many of the planets in the known and unknown universe. To the God of Life, they may seem like... puny, worthless creatures. But to the Doctor. They are the greatest life-forms in the universe. He does what he does for them. Are they perfect? No. As the Doctor lists some previous atrocities the human race committed, as well as some fictional ones that reference classic serials. But, no matter what, this remains in the end. The God of Life asks to be taken back to her part of reality. The Doctor obliges.

The TARDIS then lands back in the Guardians dimensions. The God of Life steps out and with a snap of her fingers, removes the Guardians shackles. The Doctor steps out and says, "You may be the one that brings life. But they help balance out the good and the bad. I used to think that is what it was. The universe was good and bad... But it is so much, it is good, bad... and gray. We can't always make the right decision. But we can try our best to try and make it."

The Doctor walks up to the Guardians. He says, "She can be helpful... She is one of you. She just... needed the perspective that you both have." The Guardians are understanding, and accept the God of Life back into the fold. The Doctor smiles before the God of Life thanks him for showing her what she needed to be shown. The Doctor, without saying another word, walks into his TARDIS as it dematerializes.

The Doctor walks around his console. As flashes from moments from An Unearthly Child, Tomb of the Cybermen, The Three Doctors, Pyramids of Mars, Earthshock, Attack of the Cybermen, The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, Revival of War, The Consequences of Time and Crimes of the Sontarans are played. The Doctor smiles and says, "Where now old girl?"

All of a sudden, the room turns a dark red. With the cloister bells ringing. The Doctor is worried. Before, all of a sudden. A woman (played by Michelle Collins) is teleported into the TARDIS. The woman, with a smile, says, "Hello old friend. To make a VERY long story short. The universe is about to end and we need your help." The Doctor, shocked, utters one word, "Romana?". Romana walks up to the console and says, "Come on... we got work to do!" Hard cut to the Doctor's confused face as the closing credits begin playing with a title card saying, "The Doctor and Romana will return this November in The One Doctor."

Season Conclusion

So that was Season 39 of Doctor Who. This season would go down as a massive fan favorite. With the fan service of the previous Doctors, Companions and Villains returning as well as dumping most of the Whoniverse's back log of lore onto the American audiences. Which, for the most part, they accepted.

As, announced at the beginning of the post. It would be announced that Russell T Davies would be taking over Jed Mercurio's position of executive producer of the franchise. But, that does not start with Season 40, but with the 40th anniversary TV Movie. Co-Produced with HBO Films department.

Come Back Next Time for the Fortieth Anniversary Special, "The One Doctor"

Gallifrey: Series 4 (2002-03)

Introduction

Series 4 of Gallifrey. Was seen as the end for the first... era of Gallifrey. It was the last season on all of the actors contracts. With each of them deciding not to renew them. As well as this, Paul Abbott was announced to be departing the franchise with Series 4 and a serial in the upcoming 40th anniversary season, which was to feature a bunch lore relating to Gallifrey.

Barely any changes to the cast or crew was made. However, Russell T Davies was added as an executive producer overseeing the series as a transition from the end of this era of the show and the beginning of the second.

Episode One: TWO YEARS ON

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 29 December 2002

The episode begins with a montage of all of the main characters. Domina, Azmana, Volres and Turner ruling Gallifrey. But, Domina is starting to become unhinged and wanting to wage war on the entire universe, which Gallifrey does not have the power to. Romana, Reiven and Cartrey are leading a divided opposition. Roiyden and Penny are off world on Peladon, where the headquarters of the Space Security Service. Roiyden and Penny have remained together and adopted a Time Lord baby girl that have named "Elyzabeth".

The episode sets up the arcs of the series. Where Domina starts acting unstable and making threats towards Earth and the Galactic Federation, Roiyden, despite having the home life he wanted, is depressed because he is not on Gallifrey and is missing the planet, Penny went back to the Space Security Service working now with the counter-intelligence division and is considering signing up for front lines training if Gallifrey declares war. Which is something that Roiyden is heavily against as he wants his wife to stay safe. And finally, Romana feeling bored just being an opposition leader and not being in the seat of power.

Episode Two: TRAINING

Written by Krista Vernoff
Directed by Brian Grant
Air Date: 5 January 2003

This episode shifts the focus to Roiyden and Penny as well as the Space Security Service. Roiyden is starting to feel symptoms of depression due to being away from Gallifrey. Penny starts front-line training for the Space Security Service. Which Roiyden objects as he doesn't want to lose her, and that they have a family now. They need to hold down a life.

While the majority of the focus is on Roiyden and Penny with Penny's training. We do see some scenes on Gallifrey with Domina having a phone call with other planet's leaders and she starts to unravel any goodwill she had. And Romana, having dinner with Cartrey wandering about what to do going forward as rumors about Domina start to leak.

Episode Three: SHADOW

Written by Chris Chibnall
Directed by Brian Grant
Air Date: 12 January 2003

This episode shifts focus on the trio of Romana, Reiven and Cartrey. The three of them are running the first actual shadow cabinet since before Romana took office in 4512. Which is seen as inept and unable to fully oppose Domina's government.

We also dive deep into Romana's romantic relationship with Cartrey. We learn that, when it comes to a serious proper relationship, she is awful at romances. And that she is freezing Cartrey out as she does not feel full again.

Episode Four: THE TIDES SHALL CHANGE, PART ONE

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 19 January 2003

The mid-season two part serial, written by series writer Simon Ashdown, begins with Domina storming into the Panopticon, raving mad. And announces she is officially declaring war on the Galactic Federation, starting with Earth. With both sides of the Panopticon erupting with shock, horror and anger.

Several missiles are fired from off-world military bases towards targets in the Earth system, with several of them hitting Earth itself. This causes mass panic within the Galactic Federation. And scrambles several military services to deploy to frontline soldiers. This includes Penny, who is forced to leave Roiyden and their baby alone on Peladon.

Some of the government Prydonian Cardinals walk across the floor of the Panopticon to join Romana's opposition. With several of them attempting a motion of no confidence against Domina's government, which fails by one vote.

Throughout the episode, Domina threatens Azmana, Volres and Turner. Each in their own way. And Domina, goes a bit too far, and ends up killing Volres' family as a message towards him. But, Azmana, after the no confidence vote fails. She withdraws the Cerulean Chapter's support of the government and then flees Gallifrey to Peladon and seeks asylum.

The episode ends with a broadcast of a news network on Peladon saying that several Space Security Service squadrons were ambushed and seems that all members are dead, including Penny.

Episode Five: THE TIDES SHALL CHANGE, PART TWO

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 26 January 2003

The majority of this episode is split into an A-Plot and a B-Plot, so I'll cover them separately.

The B-Plot has several Galactic Federation officials secretly going to Gallifrey to have clandestine meetings with Romana, Reiven and Cartrey about starting up a government once Domina inevitably falls from grace after her outbursts and the war will bring her down. Cartrey is unsure about blindly agreeing to the Galactic Federation deals. But, Romana agrees to them. Angering Cartrey.

The main A-Plot focuses on Roiyden and Azmana, who are two of only three Time Lords on Peladon, the third being Roiyden's baby. Roiyden is in grief about Penny seemingly dead. Roiyden is upset and finds... comfort from Azmana. Who is in political exile. And we dive deep into Azmana's time working for Domina. She says that she felt, under Romana, she was undervalued. And not seen as a serious person for the government. And Domina, despite who she is, made her felt wanted. All of the emotion ends up with Roiyden and Azmana sleeping together.

The episode ends with Roiyden getting a call from a neutral world, where we see Penny is in fact alive and well.

Episode Six: GUILT

Written by Danny Brocklehurst
Directed by Brian Grant
Air Date: 2 February 2003

This episode picks up not long after the previous one and focus almost entirely on Roiyden as he sits with the guilt on sleeping with Azmana. Penny returns home, with just a few cuts and bruises. And does not notice how... different Roiyden is. With him being passive about everything. She confesses that she was angry at Domina and Azmana with what they did. And that when she re-upped her commission in the Space Security Service was to fight and take back Gallifrey. As, it was something she genuinely wanted to fight for. But, when she was shot down. She realized that, it was not Gallifrey or democracy that she wanted to fight for. It was for Roiyden and their baby. And she, wants them to start over. Throughout the episode we see Roiyden trying to move on from making such a stupid mistake. But, it eventually boils to the surface and he admits to Penny that, when he thought she was dead. He slept with someone else. Penny, is forgiving, understanding that he was probably coming from a place of grief. And then Roiyden steps in and admits that it was with Azmana. Which sours Penny's attitude towards it.

Throughout the episode, we get bits and pieces of Gallifrey. Volres growing discontent with Gallifrey, Romana continuing negotiations with the Galactic Federation. And the episode ending with Cartrey going to Domina with a recording of one of Romana's talks. Asking if she'll accept his new found loyalty. Domina smirks. But, they are interrupted with an explosion. The Galactic Federation has invaded Gallifrey.

Episode Seven: THE BATTLE FOR GALLIFREY, PART ONE

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by David Yates
Air Date: 9 February 2003

The two part finale begins with the Galactic Federation invading Gallifrey with the episode being split over two plots, both equal and are intercutted between each other. So, I'll cover them separately.

The first plot has all of the main hero characters meeting up on Peladon, which continues the fallout of the arcs from the previous episode. With Romana learning about Cartrey's betrayal and Romana and Reiven finding out about Roiyden's situation. Which is getting worse as Penny hands him divorce papers.

The second plot is the Galactic Federation's invasion of Gallifrey. Which is viewed from the perspective of Domina, Volres, Turner and Cartrey. As they are in a war bunker. Which, at the end of the episode is sieged by Galactic Federation troops. And Cartrey is killed.

Episode Eight: THE BATTLE FOR GALLIFREY, PART TWO

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by David Yates
Air Date: 16 February 2003

The second part of the two part finale begins with Domina, Volres and Turner all being arrested. And transferred to Galactic Federation custody. Romana, Roiyden, Azmana and Reiven all sign agreements with the Galactic Federation about forming a new government on Gallifrey after a few months of occupation.

Romana and Azmana have a hearts to hearts about her role. Romana apologizes about looking past her, and promises that she'll be important in the new government. And Azmana is also forgiven by Reiven.

The Roiyden and Penny arc is brought to ahead. Roiyden apologizes for what he did. Penny interrupts him. Saying that she knows he is gonna give a speech about how sorry he is. And if it was ANYONE else but Azmana. She would have forgiven him. She would have forgiven his indiscretion. She makes him sign over full custody of Elyzabeth to her. Which Roiyden agrees. And she kicks him out of their house. Which she leaves and decides to go back to Earth.

Domina and Volres are able to escape Galactic Federation custody. And go back to the President's office on Gallifrey. Volres writes on a piece of paper. He puts it on an envelope. And he then grabs Domina and throws himself and her over the balcony in the Presidential Office. And falling thousands and thousands of feet down to the grown. They are examined and it Volres' ribs were shattered and destroyed both of his hearts, killing him instantly. Domina's body is killed. But, she crawls away into a door on a Gallifrey building. And the door eventually dematerializes.

Romana and co. make it back to Gallifrey a few months later and Romana finds the letter that Volres wrote and found out that he wrote it for her. He asks her to go back to her reformist roots. Where she got herself first elected. She is a good President and a good person, but just got lost along the way. Romana, takes a lighter and burns the letter. She then sits behind her desk and smiles. Roiyden enters, holding a piece of paper. He says that he and Penny are fully divorced now. Romana smiles and says that she is the past... He needs to look to the future. As soon, he'll be behind the desk.

Azmana and Reiven walk in and the four of them have a drink and walk out onto the balcony. The four of them smile. Romana says that a new tomorrow has risen for Gallifrey. And they'll still be there for the planet. No matter what. The have a toast. We get a montage of the four of them with their faces. As the camera zooms out of the balcony and pans out into the sky. And with that, we fade to black and episode and the series ends.

Season Conclusion

And that concludes the fourth series of Gallifrey. An end of an era for the show. And was seen as the end of the first era of the show. With it being announced that the fifth series would have a brand new cast and crew. But, this was just one of three major projects released in 2003.

Come Back Next Time for Doctor Who: Season Thirty-Nine

Doctor Who: Season 38 (2002)

Introduction

Season 38 of Doctor Who, the standards of the BBC was just another season. But, for HBO, it was a make it or break season. As it was the first season with a brand new Doctor.

Behind the scenes, Jed Mercurio stayed on as the show's executive producer with Russell T Davies and Hugh Warren stepping in as the new script editor and producer respectively. With most of the writers being ones that wrote for either the previous season or for Gallifrey.

In front of the camera, Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Anthony Head was casted in the role of the Eleventh Doctor. Head was casted as a way to bring in a newer and younger audience in the US, which the show was lacking. Jo Joyner remained as companion Taylor Howard. But, it was announced just before the season began that she would be leaving the show at the end of the season.

With Davies now as script editor. He and Mercurio agreed that most episodes of the season should take place on Earth, with a couple of exceptions. Such as an episode on a spaceship, one on an alien planet and one, for a low budget episode, taking place entirely on the TARDIS. The writers for those episodes along with the rest were chosen by Davies to let each writer explore their strength as writers.

Serial One (Ep. 1-3): THE ANCESTORS OF HUMANITY

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 30 March-13 April 2002

The opening serial begins with an eight minute long cold open, to get American audiences accustomed to the fact that there is now a new Doctor. With the entire cold open taking place in the TARDIS console room and only featuring the Doctor and Taylor. With Taylor still being skeptical, but ends up trusting the Doctor. With the cold open ending with the Doctor picking up a transmission from 21st century Earth. And with that, we cut to the opening credits, which is the same from the Lincoln era. Apart from the logo, which is a lighter color.

The TARDIS lands in upstate New York, where UNIT has a convoy at. We see Brigadier Bambera. To which Taylor is introduced to for the first time. With the Doctor in the first part of the serial, suffering from post-regeneration trauma. And with the help of Bambera. It's able to be calmed. And towards the end of the first part, the Doctor escapes the UNIT convoy, heads into town, goes into a clothes story and chooses his outfit.

While the first part focuses solely on the Doctor, we see UNIT soldiers disappear and fall underground. And part one ends with the Doctor encountering someone in the woods, and we see that it is a Silurian.

The Doctor is taken by a group of Silurian's, Taylor and Bambera try to find him. The Doctor meanwhile is taken to the Silurian's underground base where we learn that a group of Silurian's and Sea Devils waken up from hibernation chambers. With both races wanting to take back the Earth and send the human race into hibernation.

The serial becomes a Earth invasion serial as the Silurian's and Sea Devils using tactics that the Silurian's used in Doctor Who and the Silurian's to invade the Earth. Using a virus that attacks Americans in the New England area of the Earth.

In the end, the Doctor, Taylor and UNIT are able to stop the virus and the Silurian's and Sea Devils are forced into hibernation. The serial ends with the Doctor and Taylor back to where they were before the regeneration. And they go back into the TARDIS for further adventures.

Serial Two (Ep. 4): THE ANCIENT TIME MACHINE

Written by René Echevarria
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 20 April 2002

The episode begins with the TARDIS landing on Earth in the year 7891. The two of them walk through a futuristic deiseal punk city. They enter a building where a man, Dr. Johan Pertre, stands on a stage where he is talking about innovation. He pulls back a curtain and shows a capsule. He says, "The human race, now has time travel! One that has been hiding in the core of the Earth since the beginning of time!" The Doctor, shocked says, "What!?", and then cuts to the opening credits.

After the opening credits, the Doctor tells Taylor that the human race never discovered time travel. And that the design has never been used for any time machine, ever. The Doctor and Taylor then volunteer themselves to go into the machine and travel with Dr. Pertre and see where he takes them.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Pertre takes them to several times in Earth's history. All being completely wrong. Which the Doctor ends up deducing that Dr. Pertre is a scam artist and faked having a time machine and is trying to take money off people. And that the inside of the Time Machine being a lift in the building which has several different times and places on different floors of the building.

At the end of the episode, Dr. Pertre, is exposed and is arrested for fraud, and his accomplices also arrested for fraud and conspiracy. The Doctor and Taylor work with government officials about educating the Earth about real history. And for not spreading false information.

At the time of the episode's broadcast, it was seen as a weaker episode. But in 2016, the episode went under a re-examination and was seen in a better light.

Serial Three (Ep. 5-6): THE EMPTY CHILD

Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by James Hawes
Air Dates: 27 April-4 May 2002

The episode begins with a cold open of the Doctor piloting the TARDIS with the cloister bells ringing and telling Taylor that the ship they are chasing is in distress and thirty seconds away from London. We then cut to the title sequence.

After the title sequence, we slowly learn that the Doctor and Taylor have landed in London during the Blitz in 1941.

For the first part of the two part story has the Doctor and Taylor separated as they both are being haunted by a child in a gas mask. With the Doctor meeting what seems to be the child's older sister.

For Taylor she, trying to help the child at first, climbs up a rope that is revealed to be a balloon. And Taylor floats away and begins to fall onto London being bombed. But, she is saved by some sort of alien ship.

Taylor is teleported into the alien ship is greeted by a woman (played by Jennifer Morrison), who smiles and introduces herself as, "Captain Phoenix Miller, USMC attached to the RAF." Taylor is shocked and falls unconscious. She eventually wakes up and Phoenix introduces herself to her and flirts with her. After banter back and forth. The two of them agree to find the Doctor.

The first part ends at the hospital where the child was taken care after a bomb, which is actually an alien ship, and we see that the child had infected all of the hospital. With the Doctor meeting Phoenix, who she also flirts with. And Part One ends on the cliffhanger as the Gas Mask Zombies corner the Doctor, Taylor and Phoenix.

Part Two begins with Phoenix being touched by one of the Gas Mask Zombies and the Doctor is able to temporarily defeat them. However, Phoenix is not infected with the scars that appear on the zombies instantly disappear from her skin. With Phoenix explaining that, due to a Temporal Anomaly, she has been cursed with immortality. No matter what, she cannot die. With us also getting her backstory as an ex-Time Agent.

The horror element continues throughout the second part as the Doctor deduces all of the mysteries relating to Gas Mask Zombies. And, for the very first time, is able to save the day without a single person dying.

At the end of the episode, Phoenix prepares to leave in her ship. But, the Doctor offers her a chance to travel with them in the TARDIS. Phoenix is honored. Especially as since she knows who the Doctor is. But, she declines saying that the Doctor is, "Not my style." She laughs and whispers something in the Doctor's ear. Taylor asks what she said. The Doctor says, "She'd say that we would meet again... at the Byzantium." And with that, the episode ends.

Serial Four (Ep. 7): FORTY-FIVE

Written by Chris Chibnall
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 11 May 2002

This serial begins with the TARDIS landing on a spaceship hurdling towards a sun, with it being forty-five minutes before the ship hits the sun.

The serial plays out in real time as the Doctor and Taylor work with a crew, that is mostly killed off one by one, to propel the ship away from the sun. And has a second act twist that the sun was secretly alive the entire and was being mined.

At the end of the serial, the Doctor and Taylor are successful in saving the ship and the remaining crew.

This serial would be the weakest of the season and was criticized for it's unnecessary second act twist.

Serial Five (Ep. 8-9): THE IMPOSSIBLE PLANET

Written by Matt Jones
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 18-25 May 2002

This serial takes the TARDIS to the planet Krop Tor in the year 4221. The Doctor and Taylor arrive on a base on a planet that shouldn't exist as it is being surrounded by a black hole.

The Doctor and Taylor get caught up in a base under siege as a slave race called the Ood are highjacked by an unknown entity, which is later revealed to be none other than, "The Beast". Which is hinted to be Satan himself.

In the end, the Doctor and Taylor help the crew off the planet and is able to guide the planet with the Beast into the black hole, killing him permanently.

While this serial went down with no controversy in the UK, in the US. Several conservative leaning organizations publicly condemned the episode for it's usage of Satan. However, they were a vocal minority and the majority of audiences in both the US and the UK praised the story.

Serial Six (Ep. 10): DEATH OF THE TARDIS

Written by Krista Vernoff
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 1 June 2002

This serial would begin with the Doctor and Taylor running into the TARDIS after a normal adventure. The two of them talk for a minute before the ship grounds to a halt.

The Vortisaur's, introduced two seasons ago in Storm Warning, start attacking the TARDIS and trying to destroy it. With this, the Doctor sets the TARDIS into lockdown and have it start fighting off the Vortisaur's. However, the Doctor and Taylor must take shelter in the TARDIS library.

Throughout the rest of the episode. It plays out as a two hander character piece as the Doctor and Taylor just talk. About each other, their past and the people of their past. With the episode ending once the TARDIS has been repaired and the Vortisaur's repelled back into the Time Vortex with the Doctor working on the TARDIS' shields to make sure nothing like that happens again.

This serial would be one of the more popular ones in the serial. With fans praising Krista Vernoff's writing of the Doctor and Taylor. With her dissecting the Doctor's past, his view of his own race as well as showing what it means to the Doctor to travel with him. And also explores deeply as to why the Doctor travels with people. And how he views his fellow travelers as special people.

Serial Seven (Ep. 11-13): THE MEDICAL DISASTER

Written by Jed Mercurio
Directed by Joe Ahearne
Air Dates: 8-22 June 2002

The final serial begins with the TARDIS landing on Earth in the year 2718. The Doctor and Taylor arrive at the "Ketra Surgical Hospital" in London, which is known for curing any possible disease at the time. And, until the closer of the hospital. They never had a single death. However, the Doctor and Taylor arrive there when one of the patients die due to an uncurable disease. Which shocks the Doctor as he says the hospital is not set to close for another three hundred years.

Throughout the serial, the Doctor and Taylor meet a good chunk of the hospital staff which all are dismayed to the death as they never lost a patient before. Taylor takes charge of the investigation in to the death to figure out how they died. With it being learned at the end of part one of the serial that the patient died due to an illness that came from the 21st century. One that was thought to have been irradicated centuries ago. Which causes Taylor grief as she realizes that this disease, which had not been diagnosed in her time, was something that she had. With her thinking it was nothing but now realizing that it was something.

The rest of the serial plays out as a disaster serial as patients, and later the physicians, die one after the other. And the Doctor is worried that time will break down.

This continues until the last ten minutes of the serial. Where a massive, white light shines on the hospital. And one by one, everyone that died was resurrected and Taylor is cured of the disease. And the Doctor, goes into a mental retreat, with it seemingly like he is talking to someone. But we do not know who. After the light disappears. The Doctor comes out of his mental retreat. A single tear drops down the Doctor's face. The Doctor pulls Taylor aside and says to her that. He needs to leave, and he cannot come with her. As, because of her almost destroying the timeline. She cannot leave the time zone. That and with where he has to go, normal human beings cannot go to. The two of them cry and they say goodbye to each other. The Doctor enters his TARDIS and it dematerializes. One of the physicians asks Taylor, now that she is stuck here, if she is interested in a job.

The Doctor is in the TARDIS as it is in flight and it eventually stops, the TARDIS doors open and the white light enters the console room. The Doctor, groaning, looks towards it, and says, "Don't worry. I'm coming." The Doctor walks out of the TARDIS and into the light and the season ends.

The reason that, with it being Taylor's final serial and focusing on a group of characters that weren't just her. It was announced in 2014 that the Ketra hospital was a planned spin-off by Jed Mercurio. One that could broaden the franchise's appeal. However, both the BBC and HBO declined the spin-off idea. While this wasn't made public until long later. It did factor into Mercurio's decision to leave the franchise at the end of the 40th anniversary season.

Season Conclusion

So, that was Season 38 of Doctor Who. On the whole, the partnership of Jed Mercurio and Russell T Davies laid out some popular serials throughout the season. And general audiences and critics approved of the more Earth-based serials of the season.

As already said, it was announced that Jed Mercurio would be departing following the 40th anniversary season in 2003. And it would also be announced that the 40th anniversary SEASON would be bringing back all alive past Doctors. With most serials in the following season being multi-Doctor serials.

Come Back Next Time for Gallifrey: Series Four