A Bluffer’s Guide to Doctor Who: The Time Meddler
Doctor Who is never the same again.
Describe The Time Meddler in six words:
Viking plot overtaken by alien visitor
This is the one… that reveals the Doctor is not alone
Episodes: 78–81 out of 862
First broadcast: 3 July — 24 July, 1965
What happens?
Any behind the scenes gossip? / Why was this made?:
Boy, is there gossip!
Dennis Spooner wrote this story while he was story editor, a practice very much discouraged by the BBC (and the reason why Spooner does not receive that credit here. Instead, his successor, Donald Tosh would be credited as story editor).
The Doctor Who production office had many spinning plates in the air meaning that Spooner had to write the story. Firstly, there was no regular contributor they could use: Lambert and Spooner were moving on. William Russell and Jacqueline Hill, who played Ian and Barbara respectfully, who left in the previous story were something of a question mark. While Russell was determined to leave, Hill hadn’t yet committed to either leaving or staying. Maureen O’Brien (Vicki) hadn’t committed either. The production team were also desperate for a new companion. Peter Purves was given a contract to play Steven Taylor during the recording of the last story, only weeks before the character was to appear.
Hartnell had committed to staying by signing a new contract (Good on him!) but had arranged an extra holiday during the recording of this story (Damn the man!). He also didn’t like new producer, John Wiles, who was trailing Lambert. With all the changes, Hartnell threw temper tantrums to intimidate him. Wiles clearly looked at this new contract that Hartnell had signed and began making plans.
Oh, one more thing: Douglas Camfield returned to direct, having previously directed The Crusade. He felt the serial needed drumbeat music so decided to not use regular composer Dudley Simpson’s scores. Simpson took this personally, the two had a spat, and never worked together on Doctor Who: Camfield wouldn’t use Simpson’s music and Simpson wouldn’t provide him any music in the first place.
Observations / Things to Say:
Brilliant how the TARDIS is sold to Steven: first as a miracle (bigger on the inside, a time machine) then instantly undermined (can’t control where we go, can’t disguise the ship)
Fan legend: you think this is an ordinary historical until the Ep 1 cliff-hanger. Not true. It’s not just that the Monk’s curious about the TARDIS, it’s that he smiles as if to confirm his own conclusions, clearly recognises what the TARDIS is.
The Monk’s presence escalates things: Stops it from being “Doctor Who and the Saxons”.
Poor Monk: The lack of Doctor in Ep 2 makes it seem like it’s the Monk’s adventure and his plans get ruined/interrupted.
The Doctor: Nice to see him interacting with the locals although nowadays his charming of Edith would be seen, not off-screen between edits. The moment that he snaps at her would undergo a change as well. The record warbling piques his interest so he goes off to investigate. Definitely the hero now.
Watching an 11th century monk cook the Doctor a fry-up breakfast is hilarious.
Direction and sets are brilliant: Establishing shot of the beach and the countryside: levels in the set, plants moving outside (interior), moving backdrops of clouds, depth of field making the backdrops look real, half-built structures indicating villagers have lives. Camfield a find.
Instantly set-ups Vicki and Steven as a double-act: prone to teasing each other, Vicki the experienced traveller but Steven cunning enough to catch-up.
The Doctor isn’t alone. Genuinely mind-blowing after The Chase confirming the TARDIS was the Doctor’s invention. But the development is palatable as the twist has been teased by following the Monk around: it makes sense AND extends the story (in the way other “twists” in the series really don’t and won’t).
Between You and Me
The first ‘pseudo-historical’. At the moment it’s an outlier but soon that will change. A fascinating effort even if it does come with the typical padding and 60’s slowness.
Recommended / Further Reading: