65) THE THREE DOCTORS

​For the first time in the show’s history Doctor Who does an anniversary special bringing back some old faces, and introducing some fresh new ones for good measure. Another (you guessed it) over ambitious script combines some strange but imaginative direction, and decent levels of writing with odd analogies and bizarre metaphors, to keep viewers in the loop when the narrative becomes a confuddled mess of intergalactic proportions. The scripts contain some humour which is overdone, but the subtle humour is spot-on. The duo of Bob Baker/Dave Martin have finally mastered suspense: there’s very little, but the small moments lead to big reveals, which in turn grabs the viewer’s attention. There are some creative scenes which provide a series of intriguing iconography moments, and the sets are downright psychedelic providing some fun moments when the two Doctors have to get everyone out of trouble, but the mastermind behind the trouble, well that another’s story.
   The Gell Guards look horrible; but their creator Omega suffers from something else too - he’s weak. His constant ramblings, rages, and temper tantrums make him more akin to a cartoonish comic-book arch-rival theatrical-antagonist who can’t help but monologue about how unfair his situation is. Whilst everyone makes fun of the childish attitude of The Second Doctor, they should be exposing Omega for what he really is, an overgrown child who just wants his own way. He’s too easily ‘disposed’ of, but the resolution is clever and is continually interwoven throughout the narrative, without giving too much away. 
   As an anniverary special, its fine, but a bit of an anti-climax. It’s a decent attempt on many levels, and the burden of being trapped in an endless cycle of earthbound adventures is finally lifted. It’s a major relief for The Doctor, and almost rewards the viewers after three long years without much action in space. It’s great to see William Hartnell again.***