I'm starting to realize that the Bristol Boys are the writers on call, as this is their third script in so many seasons. All three of those have been solid but not exceptional stories, and that pattern seems to hold up here. The Three Doctors generally holds up well, but it's more interesting for the fact of its existence than for any of its story beats. After several long years where Doctor Who remained somewhat indifferent to its history, we finally get a story that acknowledges the show's mythology in a way beyond merely bringing back an established monster. It warms the heart seeing William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton back for a guest appearance, even if the former is in a somewhat diminished capacity. This story feels properly celebratory, which is very refreshing.
Omega is the other big highlight of this. He's a fascinating villain, and the design of that mask is so striking. It's interesting that there's a parallel to be drawn between him and the Third Doctor in particular, both of them being Time Lords who've rendered great services for their people but who have been cast aside and even punished for their trouble. The difference, of course, is that it drove Omega mad, while the Doctor has gone on doing his best to help people. Still, the script treats him in a fairly sympathetic way, for all his megalomania, and he is ultimately a tragic figure. I enjoyed the touch that the Doctor says he grew up with stories of Omega and looked up to him. Never meet your heroes!
On another note, we get to see Benton and the Brig travel somewhere in the TARDIS for the first time, so now I guess they formally get to enter my companion list. They're both pretty good in this story, though the Brigadier's stubborn refusal to believe that the TARDIS has traveled anywhere is a bit bemusing. In terms of less successful side characters, Tyler and Ollis don't add much to the story, but the former is amusing enough, and the second breaks ground by being a rural civilian with a gun who doesn't get disintegrated by monsters. Progress!
It's hard to pinpoint, but Troughton's Second Doctor feels markedly different, even though it's just four years since he left the part at this point. Most likely it comes from the transition from leading man to side character, making his usual plans and capers less central to the script. Still, I was positively delighted by his recorder gizmo and its role in defeating Omega.
The Three Doctors is an ambitious story, presenting a cosmic threat on a level we have not yet seen, one that even the Time Lords are powerless to stop. Although it's not perfect, I found it in many ways quite brilliant, and was left smiling. Seeing the Doctor's exile formally end is just a nice cherry on top. And speaking of that, Carnival of Monsters is next.
(Modified from the original posted at Gallifrey Base on 6 April 2021.)
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