Doctor Who: Season 30 (1993)

Introduction

The thirtieth season of Doctor Who, airing in 1993. Would be the second season for David McCallum as the Doctor, the second and final season for Neil Pearson as Marcus Fawns, the first full season for Lisa Bowerman as Bernice Summerfield, the third season for Ian Fraser as producer, the second season for Ben Aaronovitch as script editor and finally, the second season produced by World Productions and Tony Garnett as an executive producer.

Ever since almost being cancelled in 1989, Doctor Who had bounced back to be very popular in the general public eye. With the thirtieth anniversary coming. New BBC1 controller Alan Yentob had ordered a new season of a reduced run of 16x25 minute episodes with five serials. With on the 20th of November 1993, a special ninety minute television special would air on BBC1 to act as the anniversary of the show.

Apart from a new and more Who friendly controller of BBC1. And a new mandate from said controller to, "Make Doctor Who more like Star Trek". Not many changes would be made from Season 29 to Season 30.

So, with that. Let's dive into the season.

Serial One (Ep. 1-4): LEGACY

Written by Gary Russell
Directed by Alan Dossor
Air Dates: 31 July-21 August 1993

This serial would be massively Star Trek in tone and writing of the serial. With the TARDIS landing on Peladon in the middle of a meeting of the Galactic Federation. The Doctor, Marcus and Bernice trying to chase down a criminal mastermind. With them hiding out on Peladon.

This serial would feature several returning races. With the most notable ones being the Ice Warriors, who try to sentence the Doctor to death for theft that has occurred in the planet's citadel.

It turns out that a Federation Representative by the name of "Nic Reese" was killed by the criminal mastermind and disguised as him to steal a relic known as, the Diadem. Which was a mind parasite that took the form of a tiara on Peladon.

In the end, the Doctor along with his companions are able to save the day.

Serial Two (Ep. 5-7): GETTYSBURG

Written by Rona Munro
Directed by Peter Smith
Air Dates: 28 August-11 September 1993

This serial would be a pseudo-historical that takes place during the American civil war. With the TARDIS landing at the Battle of Gettysburg. The TARDIS lands there as it has picked up some, interesting readings.

Most of the readings surround a Confederate general, who is played by sitcom actor, Rik Mayall. Who, at the end of part one, is revealed to be a new incarnation of the Meddling Monk.

The Monk is there at the Battle of Gettysburg. To try and stop a Union victory in the war. As the Monk had came to the conclusion that if the Confederates were to win, there would be an uprising within a new union and put a more progressive America on the map. With non-white men allowed to be in positions of power a lot sooner and women would be allowed to vote and stand in elections a lot sooner as well.

This episode would hammer in the message from the show's classic serial The Aztecs on, "You can't re-write history, not one line." Where, despite the fact that the Doctor, Marcus and Bernice want to help the Monk. They also have to keep the timeline in check. With this, the Doctor and co. regrettably stop the Monk and then pre-program his TARDIS to take him away from Gallifrey.

This serial would be a popular and favorite of the season as well as the McCallum era. With audiences giving massive amounts of praise to Rik Mayall's portrayal of the Monk.

Serial Three (Ep. 8-9): GOTH OPERA

Written by Paul Cornell
Directed by Robert Bierman
Air Dates: 18 September-25 September 1993

Like the two previous serials, this serial would feature the return of the Great Vampires, last seen in the Season 18 serial State of Decay.

In this serial, the Doctor takes Marcus and Bernice to Manchester in the year 1993 for a holiday. But, that soon begins to unravel. As they get attacked by several vampires. One of which ends up biting Bernice and turning her into a vampire herself.

With this, the Doctor does some investigation. And he finds out that an old friend of his, Ruath, is actually trying to resurrect a Great Vampire named Yarven. Ruath then gets the idea to use the Doctor's blood. Which also, in return starts to turn the Doctor into a Vampire as well. This revealed along with the fact that Ruath had turned themselves into a vampire.

The Doctor throughout the second part of the serial, tries to come up with a cure to it. And manages to build a machine that freezes time. One that Ruath wanted to use to freeze time at night and allow the Vampires to roam freely.

The Doctor is able to destroy the machine, and accidentally kill all of the Vampires at the same time. The Doctor at the end, takes Ruath to Gallifrey to be tried for their crimes. And the Doctor heads back to Manchester 1993 to spend his holiday with his companions.

Serial Four (Ep. 10-11): ICEBERG

Written by David Banks
Directed by Robert Bierman
Air Dates: 2 October-9 October 1993

This serial would take place in the far-future of 2006. And feature the return of the Cybermen.

This serial would take place a cruise-ship, heading towards Antarctica. And be mainly told through the eyes of one of the passengers on the ship. The passenger being Ruby Duvall. Who is a Sarah-Jane Smith like character, being a feisty reporter.

This serial would show a new side to the Cybermen (despite keeping the big and bulky Earthshock designs). With the Cybermen invading Earth and converting the humans. But this time, out of compassion. To make sure that the Human race does not have to go through what they went through. As the Earth is on the course that Mondas was on.

With this serial's environmental message and new take on the Cybermen. This would be another popular one of McCallum's era.

Serial Five (Ep. 12-16): BLOOD HEAT

Written by Jim Mortimore
Directed by Richard Standeven
Air Dates: 16 October-13 November 1993

The finale of the season, excluding the 30th anniversary special, would have the TARDIS land on an Earth in a parallel universe. And this story would be the last for Neil Pearson as Marcus Fawns. As he would not go onto appear in the 30th anniversary special.

In this universe, after some initial investigation is revealed to be a universe where the Doctor failed to create a cure for the Silurian plague in Doctor Who and the Silurian's. As such, the Silurian's and Sea Devils are now roaming the Earth. While the rest of humanity as been trying and failing to fight a guerilla style campaign. Against the two races. But, nothing has worked.

The Doctor would meet with the leader of the remaining humans. Which would be this universe's version of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart. Who has been had the fight kicked out of him. In this universe's version of the Brigadier he is joined by their version of Sergeant Benton, Captain Yates and Dr. Liz Shaw.

The Doctor tries to organize a revolution on Earth. With the Brigadier being by his side. While this is going on. Marcus becomes close with Benton and Yates. With them saying that Marcus is perfect UNIT material.

Throughout the later half of the serial, the revolution happens. With the Doctor able to overthrow both the Silurian's and Sea Devils. And at the end of episode four. The Brigadier uses a biological weapon against the two races. Which leaves the Doctor in extreme anger.

The final episode of the serial sees the Doctor and company staying in the parallel universe for a few days as he tries to get the TARDIS to take off and leave the universe. This is happening alongside Marcus becoming more and more chummy with the UNIT personnel. And at the end of the episode, the Doctor is able to restart the TARDIS and is ready to take off. Once he tells Bernice and Marcus this. Marcus says that he is going to stay in the universe. The Doctor talks with Marcus. Asking him if he is sure. As, he'll never be able to return home. Marcus points out that he never had a home. But, he does now. Marcus says goodbye to the Doctor and Bernice and they enter the TARDIS as it departs.

30th Anniversary Special: THE UNRAVELING OF TIME

Written by Ben Aaronovitch
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 20 November 1993

The 30th anniversary special would be a 90 minute special celebrating 30 years of Doctor Who.

The serial begins in the TARDIS. The Eighth Doctor at the console, flicking levers and pushing buttons. Bernice enters the console room. Bernice asks if everything is alright. The Doctor says that everything is peaceful and quiet. And... he does not like that. And suggests they go on an adventure.

After the Doctor says this. The TARDIS starts violently shaking with the Cloisters ringing. The Doctor and Bernice is knocked to the floor. And while the shaking happens, the Doctor slowly pulls himself off the floor and pushes a couple of buttons. The shaking stops and Bernice gets off the floor. The cloisters still ringing. The Doctor then feels a big pain. He looks at Bernice and says, "Someone is messing with my personal history."

We then cut to UNIT H.Q. in the 1970s. And we see the Third Doctor, Dr. Liz Shaw, Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart and Sergeant John Benton. This bit setting in between The Ambassadors of Death and Inferno.

The Doctor and Liz mention the Ambassadors being returned to Mars as well as the remaining conspirators being arrested by UNIT. And that the Doctor is considering moving the console to a place with a nuclear powerplant seeing if that could help him with his predicament about being stranded on Earth.

After this, a TARDIS lands outside UNIT H.Q. and a platoon of Sontaran's exit the ship. (Just a quick side-note, originally in the scripting process. This was supposed to be the Master. However, due to Ian Richardson being unavailable with him filming To Play the King. He was not able to appear in the special and for the Third Doctor's villain. It was re-written to feature the Sontarans). The Sontaran leader, General Nekko says, "To avenge Commander Linx, We must prevent the biggest threat to the Sontaran race! We must kill the Doctor!".

We then cut to the Fourth Doctor in his Season 18 TARDIS, wearing his Season 18 outfit. He stands at the console with K-9 being next to him. The Fourth Doctor says that he is aiming to land the TARDIS in Brighton. And he hopes that Romana will enjoy it.

The TARDIS lands in a sandy looking planet. The Doctor exits the TARDIS with K-9 and he says, "This isn't Brighton." The Doctor turns around and insults the TARDIS. Calling her a stupid machine.

A different TARDIS lands next to the Doctor and K-9. And out walks none other than Sarah Jane Smith. She tells the Doctor that she had been kidnapped by someone and the next thing she knew. She was being held at gunpoint forced outside of someone else's TARDIS. The Doctor being puzzled tells Sarah that it's best that she stays with him for the time being.

The trio walk alongside the sandy planet until they come to a cliff edge and look down below and they see a group of Daleks. The Doctor says that... they are in trouble now.

We then cut to the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa standing in his console room. The Doctor tells Nyssa that he wants to start doing some repair jobs now that it is just him and Nyssa, two scientists aboard the TARDIS.

The TARDIS lands on a Earth like planet. The Doctor and Nyssa walk around for awhile. Before they are ambushed by gunfire. The Doctor and Nyssa do some some running throughout the streets of the Earth like planet.

The Doctor and Nyssa hide in some buildings and when they are hiding. We see who was shooting at them. And we see that it is the Cybermen. A Cyber Leader leading the group tells them that under his orders, they must hunt down and kill the Doctor and his companion.

We then cut to the Sixth Doctor and Peri in the Sixth Doctor's console room. The two of them are talking about their recent encounters with the Daleks. And on how the Doctor is intending to take her to Blackpool.

The TARDIS then lands on the beaches of Blackpool. With the Doctor and Peri trying to take a holiday. But, get caught up in some people dying after playing a specific video game.

When there is panic going on. The Doctor and Peri see someone looking at the chaos and laughing. And we see that it is the Rani.

We then cut to the Seventh Doctor and Ace landing in some caves and the Doctor exits the box saying that he was aiming for Earth, but was off by a couple of miles as something was knocking the TARDIS off course. Ace asks where they are and the Doctor says that he thinks they are on Mars.

The Doctor and Ace do some investigation and come across an archeological team excavating the underground cavern on Mars. With them eventually coming across an Ice Warrior hive. The Doctor and Ace tries to get them to stop from waking up the Ice Warriors. But, they fail to do so and the Ice Warriors begin waking up.

We then cut back to the Eighth Doctor's TARDIS as it finally lands on Gallifrey. The TARDIS doors open. Romana and Leela walk in and do some injections into the Doctor, which stabilizes him. The Doctor is able to stand up and the four of them exits the TARDIS. The four of them sit in Romana's office as she says that someone has been messing with time. Trying to erase the Doctor from history. And they have already managed to destroy both the First and Second Doctor's incarnations. However, for some reason. This is only effecting the Doctor's eighth incarnation.

The Doctor comes up with an attack strategy. He writes down a list of items he needs for Romana to provide him. Romana has a guard grab the items he needs. And the Doctor and Bernice load the items onto the TARDIS. He asks Romana for the known coordinates of the troubles of his Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh incarnations. Romana supplies him with the list. And the Doctor says that he needs to stop his other incarnations being wiped from history first. With this, the Doctor and Bernice depart in the TARDIS.

The Eighth Doctor's TARDIS then lands at UNIT H.Q. in the 1970s as the base is under sieged by a platoon of Sontarans and the Eighth Doctor and Bernice meet with the Third Doctor and Dr. Shaw as they are trying to find a way to fight off the Sontarans and kick them off of Earth.

The two Doctors come up with a plan to use a Gallifreyan force-field to put it around UNIT H.Q. and a special signal out that makes all Sontaran weapons unable to fire their weapons. With this, the rest of the UNIT soldiers kill the Sontarans.

The Eighth Doctor then go into the Third Doctor's TARDIS to do some repairs. And then writes down some Space/Time coordinates. He hands them to the Third Doctor and says that he'll need all of his own help to defeat whoever is behind this. The Doctor and Bernice then leave for the their next location as the Third Doctor asks Liz if she would like... an off world trip.

The Eighth Doctor's TARDIS then lands next to the Fourth Doctor's TARDIS as he they walk out. They are immediately captured by the Daleks and order the two of them to follow them to the Dalek capital.

The Doctor and Bernice are then taken to the Fourth Doctor, Sarah and K-9. The Doctors talk as the Eighth catches the fourth up on what has been happening.

The Fourth and Eighth Doctors along with the help of their companions come up with a plan. Which tricks the Daleks into letting them go and for them to self-destruct. The Doctors and companions then escape. While this is happening. The Eighth Doctor tells the Fourth Doctor where he and Sarah need to go to fight who is behind the events.

The Eighth Doctor's TARDIS lands next to the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa. And the duo quickly go inside the TARDIS thinking it's their own and before the Cybermen can kill them. But, they are shocked to the Eighth Doctor and Bernice. The Fifth Doctor quickly surmises that something is wrong with there being two of them here. The Fifth Doctor asks what regeneration the Eighth Doctor is and the Eighth Doctor catches him up on what's to come.

The Eighth Doctor lands his TARDIS next to the Fifth Doctor's TARDIS. The two Doctors do some research of the planet and they are surprised to find out that they are on Mondas. Which confuses the two Doctors as Mondas is supposed to be destroyed. The Eighth Doctor suspects that someone has been messing with time.

The two Doctors along with Nyssa formulate a plan to wipe the Cybermen off the planet. And they come to the conclusion that using both TARDIS' shields, they can knock the Cybermen off the planet. In which, they are successful in doing so. The Eighth Doctor tells the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa where to pilot the TARDIS.

Once the two TARDIS' take off. The Doctor starts talking to Bernice. Telling her that he has a few sneaking suspicions about who is behind the activities they have been dealing with.

The TARDIS then lands in front of a building in Blackpool. Where the Eighth Doctor and Bernice see the Rani dragging the Sixth Doctor and Peri into the building. The Eighth Doctor and Bernice infiltrate the building and see the Rani scheming. The Rani is trying to take over the Earth and turn it into a prison planet where she can perform her experiments on.

The Sixth Doctor and Peri are imprisoned and are basically immediately freed by the Eighth Doctor and Bernice. And the Doctor quickly catches them up on what's happening while dodging laser fire by the Rani's guards. The Two Doctors then come up with an idea on how to stop the Rani. The two of them surrender themselves to the Rani and as she begins to plug them into a massive computer. The Doctor's use their combined brain power to overflow the computer. Which causes it to explode with the four of them getting out of the building before it blows up.

The Doctors talk about what is going on. And the Eighth Doctor admits that he thought it was the Rani who was behind the attack on his lives. The Sixth Doctor points out that he has one more incarnation to save. The Eighth Doctor realizes it that. Gives the coordinates to his previous self. And he and Bernice leave in the TARDIS.

The Eighth Doctor's TARDIS lands in front of a calm and collected Seventh Doctor. While Ace is speechless. The Eighth Doctor and Bernice exit their TARDIS and see the Seventh Doctor acting normal and Ace freaking out and repeating her nickname for the Doctor.

The Seventh Doctor acts normal and asks the Eighth Doctor, "So. We have some problems with our timeline?". The Eighth Doctor taken aback says that they are. And asks "Who-". Before the Eighth Doctor could finish. The Seventh Doctor says, "The Ice Warriors."

The Eighth and Seventh Doctors as well as Bernice and Ace help the archeologists fight off the Ice Warriors and also so that the archeologists escape from the planet. After they trap the Ice Warriors in the caves of Mars, the archeologists are able to escape in their vessels. The Seventh Doctor puts Ace in the TARDIS. And then tells the Eighth Doctor that he will rendezvous on Gallifrey. He then enters his TARDIS and leaves.

The Eighth Doctor's TARDIS then lands back on Gallifrey in Romana's office. The Doctor tells her that he saved his previous incarnations. And has them on stand-by for whoever it is that is behind this devastating event.

Romana says that she has had her CIA contacts do some digging on who could be behind it and, while not a definite name. It is agreed by everyone that she asked has agreed that a Time Lord is behind it. Someone with a vendetta against the Doctor.

A man's voice then interrupts them saying, "I believe I could give you a few answers to what I did. Doctor, Lady President."

The Doctor turns around and we see the Monk (like earlier in the season, played by Rik Mayall). The Doctor says that he was wrong. He didn't think someone as dumb as the Monk was behind it. The Monk takes some offense to what the Doctor says. As it was his master plan.

The Doctor and the Monk have words. And the Monk says that he wanted to try and tamper the Doctor's timeline so that he can turn all of his victories into defeats so that the Monk can meddle with time as much as he wants to. The Doctor says that it is the ridiculous plan. As it's not just him. But the Chancellery Guard and the CIA would eventually get him and put a stop to his plans.

The Monk laughs at that claim. And then runs out of the building into the streets of Gallifrey in which he is cornered by the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Doctor's. They are later joined by the Eighth Doctor. The Monk then opens his TARDIS and several monsters are let out of his TARDIS. Including the Voord (from The Keys of Marinus), the Macra (from The Macra Terror), the Ograns (from Day of the Daleks and Frontier in Space), the Wirrn (from The Ark in Space), the Terileptils (from The Visitation), the Vervoids (from Terror of the Vervoids), the Tetraps (from Time and the Rani) and the Verdak (from Victorian Machinery). The Doctors and companions fight off the monsters while the Monk slips away with the Eighth Doctor pursuing him.

The Doctor and the Monk end up in the outsider's village. As the two of them have a mental battle, which is intercutted by the previous Doctors and companions dealing with the monsters. And right when it seems that the Monk was about to kill the Doctor. His previous incarnations come in and help the Eighth Doctor overpower the Monk. As the Monk collapses to the ground. Leela is joined by CIA officers to arrest the Monk, who is taken to a Gallifreyan prison.

The Eighth Doctor then one-by-one says goodbye to each of his predecessors, full of easter-eggs related to each Doctor's era. After everyone says goodbye and heads back into their timestreams. The Doctor and Bernice head back to the city and into the building with Romana's office. The Doctor talks to Bernice about Time Lords and their culture. And on how, it has seemingly changed with his friends being in charge of the planet.

They enter Romana's office. And Romana jokes about the last time this had happened on a major scale, Gallifrey was in an unstable place where the Time Lord hierarchy was rife with corruption. And that the Chancellor at the time thought the right person to take on the role as President.

The Doctor stops her and says that he still has no intention of wanting to become Lord President of Gallifrey. Romana laughs and says that she has no intention of forcing that onto Gallifrey nor the Doctor. But, if she ever needs his advice or help on any matters. The Doctor immediately cuts in and says that he would be more than willing to help out a friend. Romana smiles and says that she will try and keep him out of anything unless completely needed. The Doctor and Bernice then enter the TARDIS and the ship dematerializes.

The Doctor pilots the ship away from Gallifrey and he talks to Bernice about his life in the TARDIS. This morphs into a scene taken from An Unearthly Child where the First Doctor and Susan explain to Ian and Barbara about themselves and the TARDIS. With it cutting back to the Eighth Doctor and Bernice. Saying that so much time has changed, yet it feels like nothing has changed at all. The Doctor smiles and then goes to the TARDIS console. He looks at Bernice and says,. "Any requests madam?" Bernice smiles and says, "Somewhere fun." The Doctor pulls a lever as we cut to the end credits.

Season Conclusion

So that was the 30th season of Doctor Who. The season overall received high critical praise and huge appreciation from audiences. With the anniversary special itself getting a big boosts in the ratings for the BBC.

However, behind the scenes times were a-changing. As, a month before the 30th anniversary special aired. David McCallum publicly announced he'd be standing down as the Doctor and the end of the following season.

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

Doctor Who: Season 29 (1992-93)

Introduction

Season 29 would have been seen as the beginning of a new era for the show. The biggest new beginning since Season 18 in 1980. With this being Ben Aaronovitch's first season as Script Editor as well as Ian Fraser's second season as producer. But now. He had his own Doctor to work with.

The Eighth Doctor would be seen as a Doctor who harkened back to the First Doctor, but updated for the 1990s, with Eight coming off as a mentor to all of his companions, giving them life advice while going on technobabble's.

But, due to the casting of an older man. It was noted that in the season, they'd need to introduce a younger male companion to do all of the running down corridors and physical scenes. With this, a serial towards the beginning of the season would introduce said male companion.

On the topic of companions. Lysette Anthony had decided to leave at the end of the season. And with this being known ahead of time. Brand new script editor, Ben Aaronovitch had decided to create and introduce the companion towards the end of the season and have them travel with Kelly and the Male Companion before Kelly can leave.

This would be one of many changes for the season.

Next up, with the show improving in the ratings, Ian Fraser and Michael Wareing got Jonathan Powell to agree to up Doctor Who's episode and serial count. With the episode being bumped up from 14x25 minute episodes to 20x25 minute episodes with six serials being in the season. With the season opening with a four part serial and concluding with a five part serial, and the middle of the season having three, three part serials and one two part serial.

Also with this season. The show would no longer be produced in-house by the BBC. Due to a new law passed by the Conservative government at the time. Several shows had to now be produced by independent production companies. And Jonathan Powell (still being upset that the show resurging in popularity) had decided to pawn Doctor Who off to an independent company.

With this, World Productions took over production of the show. It's owner and founder, Tony Garnett became an executive producer on the show. The first since 1980, when Barry Letts was brought in to oversee John-Nathan Turner's first season as producer. While Garnett and his company would take over. Both producer Ian Fraser and script editor Ben Aaronovitch would maintain their position and handle the day to day production of the show with Garnett just overseeing the production of the show.

Serial One (Ep. 1-4): REVIVAL OF WAR

Written by Ben Aaronovitch
Directed by Charles McDougall
Air Dates: 5 September-26 September 1992

The opening serial of the season, would be a UNIT serial and feature the return of Angela Bruce as Brigadier Winifred Bambera. With UNIT in London, overseeing a peace summit to help end the Cold War.

The first episode of the serial, bar a couple scenes on Earth of the peace summit being assembled, would take place only on the TARDIS. As the Doctor is suffering from post traumatic regeneration trauma. As he acts like his previous incarnations intimidating the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Doctors. He also switches outfits from his previous incarnation's outfit to his own outfit. Which was made up of a black pin-stripe jacket and trousers, pink dress shirt, red bow-tie making a more sharper looking Doctor since his Third incarnation.

At the beginning of the second episode. The TARDIS lands at the summit with him and Kate being briefed by Brigadier Bambera about it. And also notes that the new Foreign Secretary has been acting sketchy as of lately. Thinking that he may be attempting to defect to the other side.

The Doctor and Kelly meet the Foreign Secretary, James Ramset, and the Doctor feels that something is off about him. And it is revealed in the cliffhanger of episode two. That "James Ramset" is actually a new incarnation of the Master, played by House of Cards actor Ian Richardson.

The Master's plan in the serial is he is wanting to stop the peace summit from happening and cause a nuclear Armageddon on Earth, just to spite the Doctor for leaving him on the dying Cheetah world.

The Doctor, Kelly and UNIT expose the Master for what he was attempting to do. And he is arrested by UNIT for trying to cause global domination, which the Master easily escapes from. And the peace summit goes forward. Making the Doctor realize on who he really is.

Serial Two (Ep. 5-7): VICTORIAN MACHINERY

Written by Colin Brake
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 3 October-17 October 1992

The second serial of the season would be a gateway serial for a younger male companion to be introduced to the show. With a younger male companion being the consequence to having an older Doctor.

This new companion, Marcus Fawns, played by Neil Pearson would be a factory worker in Victorian England. This makes Marcus the first companion since Jamie McCrimmon to be a companion from history.

In this serial, a humanoid-robotic race known as the "Verdak" is using Victorian factories to help build new equipment to make warships. The Verdak are using Victorian factories as their home planet was blown up in a war with a rival race that was more robotic than humanoid-robotic.

The Doctor and Kelly along with Marcus' help are able to stop the Verdak. Which causes their factories to implode. At the end of the serial. The Doctor asks Marcus to come and join him and Kelly in the TARDIS and show him a new, brighter future.

Serial Three (Ep. 8-9): INSIDE THE POLICE BOX

Written by Marc Platt
Directed by Alan Dossor
Air Dates: 24 October-31 October 1992

This two part serial would take place entirely in the TARDIS. This was done to be a budget saving serial to put more money towards the finale serial of the season, which was being set-up as one of the biggest Doctor Who serials ever.

In this serial, the TARDIS starts going haywire and falls out of space and time. And is just in a white, desolate void. With no real explanation to how or why the TARDIS has gotten there. The Doctor, Kelly and Marcus try and repair the TARDIS but no matter what they try. It doesn't work.

In the end, it is revealed that the TARDIS was brought to the void by an omnipresent voice who wants to study new life forms inside their void and in the end, the Doctor simply is let go. And is not given an opportunity to stop it. As, he didn't even know how to fight what or who it was that brought them their or returned them to the universe.

Serial Four (Ep. 10-12): A SCHOOL FOR GLORY

Written by Tony Etchells
Directed by Alan Dossor
Air Dates: 7 November-21 November 1992

This serial would be the show's first pure historical since Season 19's Black Orchid or Season 4's The Highlanders. With this serial taking place in the British trenches of World War 1. And be a return to form of the early Hartnell historicals about teaching the audience about an event in history.

This serial would show the brutal and mature nature of the first world war. With this serial being heavily critical about it and it's classist approach within the British army. Something that the Doctor himself is extremely against.

This serial would have mixed reactions overall with some feeling that it was too brutal and brutish for a Doctor Who serial.

Serial Five (Ep. 13-15): LOVE AND WAR

Written by Paul Cornell
Directed by Roy Battersby
Air Dates: 28 November-12 December 1992

This serial would be the penultimate of the season. And introduce a brand new companion, Bernice Summerfield. Played by actress Lisa Bowerman. Who previously played Karra in the Seventh Doctor serial Survival.

In this serial, the TARDIS takes the Doctor, Kelly and Marcus to the planet, Heaven in the year 2570. Where the trio comes across an archelogy group led by Bernice.

Throughout the serial. Kelly falls for a man named Jan, who is apart of a group known as "Travellers". Which are an anarchist neo-pagan group. However, the Doctor is opposed to the relationship and is one of the serial's big mysteries as to why the Doctor does not like Kelly being romantically linked with Jan.

It turns out that an alien race known as the Hoothi a race that has been using corpses on the planet Heaven. And they are infecting people that is alive and in a plot twist in the final part. It is revealed that Jan has been infected. And, the Doctor convinces him to sacrifice himself to stop the Hoothi. In which, he agrees to stop them to help Kelly.

Kelly at the end of the serial feels betrayed by what the Doctor had done. And when the Doctor is offering Bernice the opportunity to join the TARDIS. However, Kelly demands the Doctor that the next place they stop. She is getting off... permanently.

Serial Six (Ep. 16-20): WAR OF THE DALEKS

Written by John Peel
Directed by Jenny Killick
Air Dates: 19 December 1992-16 January 1993

The finale of the season would be a big-action packed Dalek serial. With this arc being the finale to the Dalek Civil War arc that began all the way back in 1984 with Resurrection of the Daleks. And this serial would also feature the return of Davros with Terry Malloy.

The finale would have the TARDIS landing on Skaro showing that the Doctor had failed in destroying the planet in Remembrance of the Daleks. With the Doctor, Kelly, Marcus and Bernice coming across a Thal tribe which had remained on the planet. The Doctor, Marcus and Bernice help form an attack plan against the Daleks while Kelly on the side takes care of ailing Thals who have been hurt, but not killed by the Daleks.

Throughout the fourth and fifth parts of the serial, the Doctor leads the Thals into battle against the Daleks as they attack the Dalek capital. With the Thals being able to overwhelm Daleks with brute force and some Dalek stupidity.

At the end of the fifth part. All of the Daleks are destroyed and Davros is taken into custody by the Thals. With the Thal leader being killed in the attack on the capital. The Thals look for a new leader and they all turn to Kelly due to how much love and care she has shown them.

Despite repairing her friendship with the Doctor. Kelly still decides to leave the TARDIS so that she can help the Thals rebuild a proper society on Skaro. With this, she talks with the Doctor in the TARDIS. As she says her goodbyes. And the Doctor gives a speech on how much she had changed. Even mentioning that the first time they met, she pulled a gun on him. But, still says goodbye in the end. Even though he didn't want to.

The serial ends with the Doctor, Bernice and Marcus in the TARDIS as they leave Skaro behind.

Season Conclusion

The season would go down well with the fandom, general audience's and critics. With particular praise going to the bookend serials.

However, this season was just the warm-up act as for something special with the 30th anniversary of the show.

Come Back Next Time for Doctor Who: Season Thirty

Doctor Who: Season 28 (1991)

Introduction

The twenty-eighth season of Doctor Who, would have completed the transition that began in the previous season.

John-Nathan Turner had vacated his post as producer after eleven years in the job and production manager Ian Fraser takes over as producer. With Fraser working with script editor Andrew Cartmel to produce serials that could be done feasibly with Doctor Who's low budget, but knowing that once Johnathan Powell would be gone. Doctor Who would be in a much better position within the BBC.

Andrew Cartmel had decided to depart as script editor at the end of the season along with the show's lead, Sylvester McCoy, after playing the Doctor for a total of five seasons. Making him one of the longer serving Doctor's. Both of them had planned to depart at the end of the previous season. But, did not for two reason. The first being that the BBC wanted to break in new producer Ian Fraser. The second was to complete what was dubbed behind the scenes as "The Cartmel Master Plan". To re-inject mystery into the character of the Doctor and the mythology of the show.

While McCoy and Cartmel would be departing at the end of the season. Companion actress Lysette Anthony playing Kelly Turner did confirm in a interview with DWM that she was staying on for the twenty-ninth season.

Serial One (Ep. 1-3): NIGHTSHADE

Written by Mark Gatiss
Directed by Nicholas Mallet
Air Dates: 4 September-18 September 1991

This serial would begin with the Doctor and Kelly landing in the English village of Crook Marsham in the year of 1968 during Christmas time. With the Doctor acting... somewhat withdrawn and melancholic. The Doctor and Kelly investigate the local area as people have being murdered.

During the investigation, the Doctor and Kelly run into a retired actor, Edmund Trevithick, who was famous for playing Professor Nightshade in a television show, known as Nightshade. The actor dons his Nightshade persona to help the Doctor and Kelly during the adventure which ends up with him dying in the process trying to fight the main villain.

The villain of the serial being known as only "The Sentience" which fed on human energy to survive and was laid beneath the village of Crook Marsham. And had the ability to create images from strong memories.

At the end of the serial, the Doctor and Kelly are able to stop the Sentience and the Doctor starts feeling more chipper and happier.

Serial Two (Ep. 4-6): NETWORK

Written by Ben Aaronovitch
Directed by Alan Wareing
Air Dates: 25 September-9 October 1991

This serial would take place on a Earth college in the year 2175. With the Doctor being offered a special degree by the college's chancellor. However, the Doctor noticing... odd things at the university which is known as "CAGE" (College of Advanced Galactic Education). At the CAGE, technology is being created far earlier than they are actually made.

All of this is being a plan by the Rani to lure in the Doctor to the university and trap and kill him once and for all after her two previous failed attempts to kill him. As well as behind the scenes, Cartmel wanted a serial in the season to feature the Rani as the main threat due to her being the main threat in McCoy's first season as the Doctor.

In the end, the Doctor and Kelly are able to expose the Rani's plot to the authorities and they promptly arrest her as the Doctor and Kelly board the TARDIS with the technology that the Rani had created.

Serial Three (Ep. 7-10): AVATAR

Written by David A. McIntee
Directed by Nicholas Mallet
Air Dates: 16 October-6 November 1991

This serial would take place in the city of Lancashire, England. While originally the writer David A. McIntee wanted this serial to take place in the New England area of the United States. But, Andrew Cartmel supervising the scripts for the serial. Told him to move it to a more British setting.

The serial deals with a race of body-snatching aliens called the, "Fergonians", which takes the look of corpses that were basically gods to the Silurian race and know, they are trying to conquer the universe, beginning with Earth. And in the end of the serial, the Doctor and Kelly are able to remove the Fergonians from their corpses and remove them from the dimension.

While this serial received a more mixed reactions compared to the other serials in the season. Fans and critics did note that the serial did fall in line with the style of McCoy's Doctor and McCoy did receive praise for his performance in the serial. As well as that, McCoy did say it was a personal high of his era.

Serial Four (Ep. 11-14): LUNGBARROW

Written by Marc Platt
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 13 November-4 December 1991

This serial would be the final serial for Sylvester McCoy's tenure of the Doctor. While this serial was originally planned for the previous season. Cartmel felt that the serial did not fit within the story of the previous season, as well as taking place on Gallifrey which the serial Ice Time took place on in the final part.

This serial would feature the return of several former characters from 70s and 80s Gallifrey serials. With Romana II, Leela, K-9 Mk I and II (with only one prop being used to save money and having a dual screen effect whenever they are on screen together). As well as Andred and Rodan, now played by new actors with Lewis Collins and Isabelle Amyes playing them respectively.

In the serial, we would see the House of Lungbarrow, which we learn is where the Doctor grew up as well as hinting that the Doctor was loomed from the DNA of one of the three founders of Gallifreyan society, the Other.

The plot for the episode being a murder mystery inside the House of Lungbarrow. Which the Doctor and Kelly try to solve throughout the episode. With it being revealed that the Doctor's cousin, Glospin being the villain of a murder that took place when the Doctor first left Gallifrey. And killed the patriarchal figure of the house to take the Doctor's inheritance of the House.

When the House of Lungbarrow, which is revealed to be sentient like the TARDIS, finds out what Glospin has done. Starts to destroy itself and while everyone else escapes the House. The Doctor and Glospin are trapped in the house and are crushed to death.

While they are pulled out of the rubble. Glospin is declared dead. However, the Doctor is pulled from the rubble and is declared to be in the state between an incarnation's death and regeneration. The Doctor's body is brought to Romana's office laying on a sofa. Kelly wonders on how they are going to bring him back to life. Romana touches the Doctor's temple and the Doctor begins to wake up.

The Doctor wakes up. Kelly sits down next to him. And asks him about the regeneration process that Romana had mentioned. The Doctor calmly explains regeneration to her and on how it can... change a Time Lord. He lays back down. As he begins to give a speech about life as he sees visions of both Mel Bush and Ace. As Kelly tries to gets the Doctor's attention as he goes off about Mel and Ace. The Doctor looks at Kelly and says, "Kelly, it's time to say goodnight." And with that, a gold glow surrounds the Doctor's face and hands. After sometime as the camera zooms closer and closer to the Doctor's face, the glow disappears. And, the Doctor stands up. Kelly say his name.

The Doctor then turns around and we see the Eighth Doctor, David McCallum.

The Doctor smiles saying, "Hello Kelly. I assume you have some questions?" Kelly is shocked and the serial ends with the Doctor smiling.

Season Conclusion

A month before the season began airing on BBC1. It was announced via a photo call and several BBC news broadcasts that David McCallum would be replacing Sylvester McCoy in the role of the Doctor. With the photo call taking place in front of BBC Television Centre in London with McCallum with Lysette Anthony being photographed in front of the TARDIS prop.

Also around this time, in an interview with DWM. Andrew Cartmel had announced that Remembrance of the Daleks, Battlefield and Network writer Ben Aaronovitch would replacing him as Script Editor.

However, that would not be those will not be the only major changes behind the scenes with Season 29. With a bigger budget, more serials and episodes and... a new production company.

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

Introduction to Series & Doctor Who: Season 27 (1990)

Introduction to Series

Hello, and to the Doctor Who: Beyond 1989 series.

This series is a series in vein to What if Doctor Who Wasn't Axed? (created by Benjamin Windibank) or Doctor Who: The Cancelled Years (created by Optical Spectre) where we take a look at what would have happened if the hit British science fiction show Doctor Who was not cancelled by the BBC.

This will be our interpretation on what could of happened. The series originally had started out on our wiki back in 2020. And, due to several behind the scenes reasons. We have decided to revamp and polish the series to make it seem more believable.

With this, we begin with the first season for the 1990s, with Season 27.

Introduction to Season

With it seemingly that Doctor Who was on the verge of cancelation, John-Nathan Turner still loved the show and felt that it could survive if there was one thing to be done, that was his departure. He then approached BBC executives to not cancel the show, instead renewing with the sole promise that he would leave the show after it’s 27th season. After several pleas from J-NT to continue the show going and with the BBC putting Doctor Who as a series show instead of a serial show after the two departments were split up. The BBC had decided to renew the show and see if the public still wanted Doctor Who on their screens.

With the greenlight in motion for a twenty-seventh season, J-NT decided to take a very much back seat approach to the season, like he did with seasons twenty-five and twenty-six and let Andrew Cartmel act as showrunner with him making the lead decisions on what should and should not happen.

While J-NT worked with the BBC higher-ups to figure out who will succeed him as Producer of Doctor Who. Cartmel sat down and planned out the season. With several things of being to note. First off that both of the show's leads Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor) and Sophie Aldred's (Ace) contracts were up. With Aldred's contract up at the halfway part of the season and McCoy's being up at the end of the season. Cartmel had decided to wrap up Ace's story with her final serial being the second in the season. With a new companion being introduced in the third serial in the season.

Serial One (Ep. 1-3): NIGHT THOUGHTS

Written by Edward Young
Directed by Alan Wareing
Air Dates: 5 September-19 September 1990

Starting out the season would be a three part horror serial. With the Doctor and Ace investigating a mansion on an island off the coast of Scotland. The Doctor and Ace investigate the mansion which is revealed to be doing experiments on a little girl who is obsessed with a sentient childhood plush toy known only as "Happy the Rabbit".

The Doctor and Ace fight off the one behind several experiments happening at the mansion. A former British Army anesthetist who fought in the Falklands. And at the end of the episode, the Doctor has them locked up in the mansion with the sentient rabbit and not seen on screen. But, is hinted to be killed by said rabbit.

At the end of the episode, while exiting the mansion. Ace says that she thinks the Doctor's actions were... cruel to say the least. The Doctor tells her that he had no choice with the villain this time around. He. Had. No. Choice.

Serial Two (Ep. 4-7): ICE TIME

Written by Marc Platt
Directed by Michael Kerrigan
Air Dates: 26 September-17 October 1990

This serial would act as Sophie Aldred's final regular appearance as companion Ace.

The serial would take place in 1960s London during the height of the cold war. Where the Ice Warriors are trying to invade Earth to terraform the planet into a new Mars. With them getting involved with a motorcycle gang wearing Ice Lord helmets. And, on the request of John-Nathan Turner the use of the attraction London Dungeon. And the Doctor and Ace teaming up with a man named, Sam Tollinger, A private investigator. 

However all of this would take a back seat as the main focus of the episode is Ace's departure. She throughout the episode takes charge of the situation and the Doctor working with a Time Lord known as "The Adjudicator" to see if Ace is qualified to enter the Time Lord academy as a Prydonian and eventually, one day, become a Time Lord.

However, as this is revealed in the third part. Ace had no idea that this is what the Doctor all this time had been trying to do. Which has a knockback effect in the final part. Where Ace grows to hate the Doctor at first, but overtime. Comes to understand and that he was trying to give her a good life.

The episode ends on Gallifrey with Ace in Prydonian Robes sitting with the Doctor as they say goodbye to each other. And, hoping to one time in the future. Meet again.

Serial Three (Ep. 8-10): BLOOD AND IRON

Written by Andrew Cartmel
Directed by Alan Wareing
Air Dates: 24 October-7 November 1990

This serial would be a companion introduction story. Introducing a new companion. Kelly Turner (played by Lysette Anthony). Kelly would be a new type of Doctor Who companion as she is in this serial's first part. Apart of the main villain's group of allies. With part one of the serial even ending with Kelly aiming a gun at the Doctor's head. And her story over the serial being a tale of redemption as she proves to herself and UNIT as being a good person. With the Doctor seeing the good in her, offers her a chance to travel with him.

This serial would also feature the return of UNIT who had made their re-introduction in the previous season's Battlefield. Along with UNIT, Angela Bruce returns as Bambera. As they investigate an animal rights extremist by the name of Scobie. Who was the leader of a animal rights group of students who attended Margrave University. Kelly being one of them.

Scobie ends up teaming with an alien race called the Numlocks who Scobie thinks will help him stop the human race mistreating animals. But, just take over his plan and try and take over the planet, which the Doctor along with the help of Kelly and UNIT put a stop to, kicks them off the planet and UNIT arrests Scobie for his actions.

Serial Four (Ep. 11-14): ILLEGAL ALIEN

Written by Mike Tucker
Directed by Andrew Morgan
Air Dates: 14 November-4 December 1990

The final serial of the season would have been one that was written in a specific way. During the production process of Season 27, it was unsure if the show was gonna be renewed for a 28th season as BBC executives could not find a suitable name to take over from John-Nathan Turner as producer. However, one name was found to succeed Turner. But, that did not stop Cartmel working with the serial's writer Mike Tucker to include a speech at the end of the serial to add as a possible ending if the show was not renewed. Despite it not being renewed, the speech was still kept in the final cut of the serial.

This serial would have taken place during the London Blitz. And feature the Doctor and Kelly working with a Private Investigator in a battle against the Cybermen as well as Nazi spies hidden in London trying to topple the government from the inside out. While John-Nathan Turner, Andrew Cartmel and Mike Tucker wanted this serial to introduce a new design of the Cybermen. A more slender and horrific style design. Due to the budget for the serial. This design was unable to be used and they reused the design that had been done since the 1982 serial Earthshock.

After the Cybermen are stopped and sent into the London sewers. The Doctor and Kelly talk in front of the TARDIS about what the Doctor does. The Doctor goes on a speech about why he does what he does. He loves the universe and feels that it needs to be protected from villains and he tries to do what he can from time to time. Like they did with the Cybermen. No matter what. He would be there. For the universe.

Season Conclusion

During the production of the season. John-Nathan Turner was championing production manager Ian Fraser to replace him as producer. However, the BBC were unsure if he was suitable for the role and wanted a new person to take on the producer role for the show. But, everyone they approached turned them down. In the end, the BBC decided to go with Turner's choice as Fraser to replace him as producer.

While both McCoy and Cartmel had intended to stand down at the end of the season as well. The BBC asked them both to stay on for one more season to help break in Fraser as producer. This got Cartmel happy as it meant, he was able to complete his master plan with McCoy's final season...

Come Back Next Time for Doctor Who: Season Twenty-Eight

Beyond 1989: Reborn - Start Date Revealed!!!

 SEE YOU ALL IN NOVEMBER!!!

Beyond 1989: Reborn - February 2024 Update

Hello Readers of Doctor Who: Beyond 1989, It’s the 21st of February. And here is a new update as we haven’t said anything since the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who.

So. Where are we at in terms of behind the scenes with Doctor Who: Beyond 1989? Quite good actually. As of today, we have begun the writing process of the 1999 season and are making plans for the content of Doctor Who for the 2000 season.

Now. As you people know that we here at Beyond 1989 like to plan ahead. Because, we are simply crazy. But, we do have a cut off point of when we are gonna start releasing new seasons. I can officially confirm. When we finish the 40th anniversary special. We will start rolling out the new seasons and content. We don’t know the exact amount we are gonna release and when. But, after the 40th is completed. We will start rolling out the new seasons.

I know that this is taking awhile. And I do want to apologize for making people wait as long as we have been making them. This is just to make sure that we send out good and respectful content. That’s the biggest thing we care about with Beyond 1989.Creating good content.

That is all from us as of right now. I hope you are all having a great day. Stay safe out there.

- Robert Morrison, Co-Head Writer of Doctor Who: Beyond 1989