Worst Doctor?

[lordoftime]

again new to these parts but have been a fan long enough to be confident in saying that I actually like Sylv McCoy and can tolerate Colin Baker also. Can't really say who was the worst of the lot, but my least favorite is probably William Hartnell. I gave him a real honest try but his stories just don't hold my interest.

[Fireplaceman]

The Twin Dilemma, Colin Baker's first story, was just wrong on so many levels, and the fact that it followed the excellent Caves of Androzani, and ended the season, did not at the time inspire confidence. Sadly, the scripts for the following season alienated many potential viewers with complicated continuity tie-ins and rather too much dwelling on pointless violence. It wasn't Colin's fault at all, more the script editor at the time. Sylvester McCoy at least got some good scripts (Greatest Show in the Galaxy, Ghost Light, Remembrance) which, for me, showed definite signs of improvement. But sadly, by that stage, the die was already cast by the BBC bosses and Dr Who got rested for rather a long time.

[SpaceShip]

I'm old enough to have watched them from the beginning even when they were in black and white although I have to admit I didn't watch all of SMcC - he looked much too much like a comedian for my liking so I couldn't take his shows seriously.

[Loner]

Originally Posted by SpaceShip

I have to admit I didn't watch all of SMcC - he looked much too much like a comedian for my liking so I couldn't take his shows seriously.

I couldn't agree more!
Is there anything less practical (for any of the Doctors to wear) than a hat? Lets face it, the first time you duck for cover or run from a horror it's going to fly off, and if you pause to grab it you're dead!
And how are you supposed to get anything done with your hands full of umbrella? One of the most impractical costumes the Doctor ever wore. (Tom Baker's outfit would be a close second )

[lordoftime]

Tom Baker wore a hat, especially his early appearances. So did Davison on occasion. Does that mean you dont like them either?

And I must contest the claim that Colin Baker's first season was anything but satisfactory. The continuity tie-ins were just as prevalent through Davison's time but I dont see you criticising that.

At least with by the time of McCoy they tried original stories that brought in new themes..oh yes thats right, many fans berate them for that as well...

There is nothing wrong with the episodes put out under the Baker/McCoy banners. Only those who refuse to give either a chance and the usual claims how the series lost its way after Davison left....

[Loner]

Originally Posted by lordoftime

Tom Baker wore a hat, especially his early appearances. So did Davison on occasion. Does that mean you dont like them either?

I said it isn't practical. It's not why I don't like them.
I did mention that Tom Baker's outfit was almost as bad as Sylvester McCoy's.
I mean that scarf can't be practical! (and I liked Tom Baker's version of the Doctor)

[lordoftime]

Sorry parts of that seemed to go right by me. If that hat isnt what made you not like McCoy then what did?

[Loner]

His style of acting I guess. He just came across as a critical, bumbling duffer.
I should mention I haven't seen the episodes in decades and my memory may be faulty. However they are not fond memories.

[lordoftime]

Well his episodes were made in the late 1980s so decades wouldnt count in his case, but I tend to agree. Now Colin was very good, last great hurrah perhaps of the old regime. They had some good ideas there, but they ruined his time, first by such a long gap between seasons and then going into another direction when they did come back.

[Loner]

Originally Posted by lordoftime

Well his episodes were made in the late 1980s so decades wouldnt count in his case

I haven't seen them since they were on the tv so that is almost a pair of decades. It's one of those shows that wasn't getting much support back then so I'm sure that didn't help.
I remember some of the storylines I t hought were quite clever, I just didn't like the Doctor...

[lordoftime]

They had some deep storylines around the companion Ace that lasted several episodes. Fenric, the Haunted House, chess sets, and the Nemesis statue. I did grow to like him and did at the time of my earlier posts. now I am more inclined to like the actor and perhaps the performance (depending on the story) but not what they were doing with him at that time overall.

[Loner]

Yeah, I liked Ace. She wasn't a "rocket scientist" but she was enthusiastic and optimistic. And no shrinking violet!

She was written more consistently than Sylvester McCoy's Dcotor, I thought.

[lordoftime]

Well then it is probably best for me to say I watched for her and not to see the Doctor being all dark and godlike and messing emotionally with the people he ran into. She was one of my first companion crushes.

[Loner]

Originally Posted by lordoftime

Well then it is probably best for me to say I watched for her and not to see the Doctor being all dark and godlike and messing emotionally with the people he ran into. She was one of my first companion crushes.

Aw! How sweet! I look back now and think : She never would have made it in this day and age. Not waifish enough.

And I didn't like the way the Doctor messed with people either. If I recall correctly, Ace remonstrated with him a few times on that topic.

[lordoftime]

Yes in the last few episodes they did, Ghost Light and Curse of Fenric. Even she was used without her knowledge or consent so the Doctor could tackle whatever game he was playing at.

EDIT She was hott in both stories. Got her out of her usual clothes and into some more flattering outfits!