Doctor Who Classic Colorization Introduces Exciting Changes

Last year, the BBC celebrated the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who by airing a special colorized version of “The Daleks.” While this presentation included a shortened runtime, the essence of the original serial remained largely intact, complemented by a charming teaser trailer highlighting the next 60 years of adventures through time and space. However, the recent colorized adaptation of Patrick Troughton’s iconic farewell as the Second Doctor in “The War Games” took a notably different approach, introducing significant changes that transformed the viewing experience into something remarkably fresh and engaging.

Broadcast on BBC 4 in the UK earlier this week, this special colorized rendition of Doctor Who‘s final black-and-white serial compresses an expansive four-hour saga into a concise 90-minute format. This adaptation cleverly addressed lingering questions from devoted Who fans, effectively creating a fascinating checklist of references and acknowledgments that have now become integral to the show’s ever-evolving mythology. Let’s explore three of the most impactful changes made in this new presentation.

Exploring the Connection Between the War Chief and the Master

One of the most intriguing theories explored in the colorized version of “The War Games” is the explicit connection between a key antagonist, the War Chief, and the Master. This adaptation enhances the narrative by incorporating Murray Gold’s contemporary composition, “Master Vainglorious,” throughout the War Chief’s scenes, which adds depth to the character’s portrayal. Notably, during the climax, when the War Chief meets his end at the hands of the Time Lords, viewers are treated to the iconic sound of Doctor Who‘s regeneration effects, reinforcing the theory that the War Chief is an early incarnation of the Master.

While the original serial established the War Chief as a renegade Time Lord, various spin-off materials have long debated his identity as a precursor to the Master. The writers of “The War Games,” Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke, suggested in their novelizations that both the Doctor and the Master were unique figures among Time Lords who managed to escape Gallifrey with their own TARDIS. However, other narratives, including the Virgin New Adventures series and Big Finish audio dramas, have portrayed the War Chief and the Master as separate entities, with the War Chief surviving his ordeal and undergoing further regenerations.

The Doctor’s Trial and the Faces of Regeneration

A particularly noteworthy alteration occurs during the climactic trial of the Doctor by the Time Lords. In this adaptation, there is a collaborative acknowledgment between the Doctor and the Time Lords regarding the multitude of cosmic threats worthy of confrontation, a sentiment amplified by additional clips from various Doctor Who stories. Despite this newfound understanding, the Time Lords ultimately decide to punish the Doctor with exile on Earth and a forced regeneration, presenting him with a selection of potential new faces. Interestingly, these offered faces are not arbitrary; they include several future incarnations of the Doctor, specifically the Twelfth (rejected for being “too old”), Tenth (“too skinny”), Thirteenth (“too young”), and Eleventh (dismissed with “that won’t do at all!”).

This addition is particularly amusing, as there was no prior speculation connecting these faces to the Doctor beyond this moment. The series has previously hinted at multiple incarnations of the Doctor, from the enigmatic faces seen in “The Brains of Morbius” to the modern introductions of characters like John Hurt’s “War Doctor” and Jo Martin’s “Fugitive Doctor.” It adds an entertaining layer of irony that the Doctor, despite ultimately becoming those very incarnations later on, shows little interest in selecting any of the faces presented to him at this moment.

Redefining the Second Doctor’s Regeneration and UNIT Dating Issues

The climax of “The War Games” colorization introduces an innovative sequence featuring rotoscoped footage of both Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee, capturing the pivotal moment of the Second Doctor’s regeneration. Following a surreal sequence showcasing the Doctor’s face morphing in a shadowy void, the scene transitions to the TARDIS, where the Doctor sits, reflecting on his lost companions. As he prepares for his transformation, a glow of regenerative energy envelops him, marking the transition into his next incarnation. This creative approach aligns the portrayal of regeneration with the more modern depictions seen in contemporary Doctor Who, enriching the viewer’s experience.

Additionally, this new scene contains a delightful nod to the ongoing fan debate known as the “UNIT Dating Controversy.” As the newly regenerated Doctor checks the TARDIS readings to determine his landing location, the displays amusingly flicker between the years 1970 and 1980. This playful touch references the confusion surrounding the timeline of the Third Doctor’s adventures, particularly as they relate to his ally, Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart. This character’s timeline has caused considerable debate among fans, especially regarding the years surrounding his promotion to Brigadier and his eventual retirement from UNIT, which are set in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Acknowledging this controversy adds an extra layer of charm to the adaptation, even as the TARDIS seems to humorously express its own bewilderment.

Implications of These Changes for the Future of Doctor Who

With the adaptations of both “The Daleks” and “The War Games,” viewers are reminded that these colorizations are just one way to experience these classic serials. Fans can still access the original versions of both stories through physical media and streaming platforms, ensuring that those who prefer the unaltered narratives can enjoy them as they were initially presented.

Although many of the alterations and “retcons” may seem minor in the grand scheme of Doctor Who, the evolution of these colorizations from “The Daleks” to “The War Games” indicates a significant shift beyond mere cosmetic enhancements and edits. Each new adaptation not only seeks to create connections across Doctor Who‘s expansive and often contradictory continuity but also raises questions about what future stories might be reimagined and what new elements may be introduced. As always with Doctor Who, the passage of time will reveal what lies ahead.

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