Doctor Who (TV Series) The Three Doctors: Episode Two (1973) User Reviews

Terrific, with a strong performance from Pat.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 28 October 2019]

Even The Timelords are in trouble, allowing three incarnations of The Doctor to work together.

It is a very good story, it's very well paced, an issue I had with a few of the previous stories. The appearance of Troughton certainly helps add a bit of humour, and a bit of craziness,he has a very strong role here. I love the scene where The Brigadier finally enters the TARDIS, the look of bewilderment on his face, also the first time we see The Doctor's love off Jelly Babies.

It's so interesting trying to work out exactly who is on the other side, in the black hole. All of that stuff surrounding the anti matter, its purpose etc, intriguing.

So far, the only thing I'm not totally sold on, are the big red blobby monsters. It's hard to see past the man in a rubber suit thing, which is made worse when they waddle along.

The cliffhanger is bonkers, lots of fun. 9/10

The Three Doctors: Episode Two

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 10 July 2021]

In the second episode it is the turn of the Brigadier to look bewildered.

He has just come face to face with the Second Doctor. Then he too steps into the Tardis for the first time.

The Third Doctor is separated, transported elsewhere. What looks like the other side of a black hole or it could be just a quarry. He was followed by Jo.

There was a lot of fun with talk of matter and antimatter. The Time Lords on Gallifrey discussing the grave situation the universe is in as the First Doctor is caught in a time eddy.

More importantly just where is the Second Doctor's recorder? It might just come in handy.

So much better than episode 1, but not amazing.

[ianweech · 8/10 · 15 March 2020]

Ok, they took a step up from the last episode, but still, they promised three doctors, this was 2 doctors and the voice of the first doctor. I enjoyed this episode, good cliffhanger, decent but not amazing.

Anniversary Waltz! Pertwee, Troughton and Hartnell interplay creates some magic.

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 12 October 2014]

Review of all 4 episodes:

This story marked the 10th anniversary of the series and it is a very good birthday party as all three actors who had played The Doctor appear and have dialogue together. The production is not perfect but it is perfectly magic! It is the interplay of the 3 versions of The Doctor which adds the real magic to this adventure.

The storyline involves a legendary Time Lord, Omega, who is trapped in a world of antimatter inside a Black Hole which he created to bring the power of time travel to the Time Lords. He has been there for a very long time and has become mad with bitterness and rage at being 'left' trapped after giving the Time Lords their powers by his ingenuity and bravery. Over the vast time he has been trapped he has developed ways to attack the known universe and the Time Lords using antimatter. The Time Lords realise The Doctor may be able to fight Omega and to increase his chances they allow his two previous incarnations to cross into their own future so that the three Doctors can combine their intellect and battle Omega. The first Doctor (Hartnell) is caught in a 'time eddy' so cannot physically join them but he is able to communicate with the 2nd and 3rd Doctors. They bicker and banter but along with Jo, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and Sgt. Benton they bravely pool their efforts to save the universe.

The production in general is very good but not necessarily really great in every respect. Limitations of technology and budget mean the effects are not very good. The blob monsters serving Omega are the worst example of the imperfections to be found and the effect of the power transporting things into Omega's world is another. However the magic touch from the three Doctors make this something special and I never judge things purely by effects. Indeed if they were to make an enhanced CGI version with everything exactly the same except for improving the effects then this would basically eliminate any real gripes I might have with this serial. I can overlook the unimpressive effects as apart from that there is so much charm and brilliance on show.

The dialogue is beautifully written by writers Bob Baker and Dave Martin and all the character interaction is great. Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee are marvelous, performing their roles to perfection whilst William Hartnell's special quality shines through in his scenes despite ill health limiting his contribution. The scripting and performance of all their scenes together is terrific and often very amusing with the fun banter working really well.

There is an epic quality to the storyline with the universe being threatened and the involvement of the Time Lords and their legendary hero turned adversary Omega. The idea is interesting and Omega is a fascinating villain. The plot works in spite of its convoluted scientific ideas. It comes across as menacing, engrossing and fun.

Nicholas Courtney adds real quality as the Brigadier with some hilarious reactions and strong involvement in the story. Benton has one of his best adventures while Jo brings her usual endearing nature. Guest characters are well played also.

A really charming and enjoyable romp with some superb work from the 3 tremendous actors who made Doctor Who's first 10 years so fantastic.

Effects aside, this is a 10/10 classic throughout.