Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.
This Week: Doctor Who‘s “The Five Doctors”
Tread Perilously‘s annual Doctor Who months returns with the 20th Anniversary special, “The Five Doctors.”
When the Doctor discovers his previous selves are being plucked from time, he sets the TARDIS for Gallifrey. Meanwhile, on the Time Lord homeworld, The First, Second, and Third Doctors are reunited with friends and companions to brave the Death Zone — a region of the planet host to deadly games and the Tomb of Rassilon, the greatest figure in Time Lord history. Will they discover he was a mad tyrant or will his wisdom aid the Doctors in defeating their true adversary?
Episode writer Terrence Dicks gets compared to Robert Holmes. His references to Doctor Who history throughout the story also get examined. Justin disagrees with pairing the Second Doctor and the Brigadier. He also doubts the show was a phenomenon in 1983. The pair discuss the unending ’80s revival and Tegan Jovanka’s new look for the special. The unfortunate role for Sarah Jane Smith in the episode, Susan’s almost-unacknowledged place in Doctor Who history, and the Welsh countryside also earn some chatter. Erik plants the idea of Tom Hiddleston as a younger First Doctor in Justin’s mind. Actor Richard Hurndall, who plays the First Doctor in the special, gets a review all his own. Justin evaluates Turlough, and a proposed new “Five Doctors” quickly becomes “The Six-and-a-Half Doctors.”
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