Doctor Who Cements Its Mind-Blowing 30th Anniversary Special as Canonized & Unforgettable

Article Overview

The 30th anniversary special of Doctor Who, titled "Dimensions in Time," has been officially confirmed as canon and holds a crucial position in the narrative of the Seventh Doctor and Ace. Originally broadcasted during the Children in Need telethon in 1993, this special was initially dismissed by fans but has since gained recognition as an integral component of the Doctor Who canon.

"Dimensions in Time" serves as the final televised appearance of Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor and Sophie Aldred's Ace, and it is implied to be their last joint adventure prior to Ace departing from the TARDIS.

Doctor Who has seemingly confirmed the canonicity and significance of its 30th anniversary special, "Dimensions in Time," which is considered crucial to the storyline of the Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and Ace (Sophie Aldred). The Whoniverse is introduced in the new Doctor Who spinoff show "Tales of the TARDIS," where past Doctors and companions reunite to reminisce about their past adventures. This serves as a narrative device to introduce condensed versions of classic Doctor Who serials, while also providing an official date for the separation of the Seventh Doctor and Ace.

Due to Doctor Who being left in limbo in 1989, audiences were unable to witness the conclusion of the Seventh Doctor and Ace's story. However, their journey continued through the New Adventures novels, the Doctor Who Magazine comic strip, and the audio adventures by Big Finish. This is why the Seventh Doctor amusingly mentions the existence of multiple timelines when explaining to Ace why he appears significantly older. Through Doctor Who's Memory TARDIS, the Doctor and Ace are able to reunite and delve into the reasons behind her departure, which ties into Doctor Who's controversial de facto 30th anniversary special.

Doctor Who: Dimensions In Time Is Official Canon

In 1993, Doctor Who marked its 30th anniversary under less prosperous circumstances. Unfortunately, a planned movie featuring Tom Baker as the Doctor was unexpectedly canceled due to budget disagreements. As a result, the BBC had to swiftly create a special episode involving multiple Doctors within four months. This hastily concocted episode was titled "Dimensions in Time" and served as a crossover between the popular BBC franchises of Doctor Who and the soap opera Eastenders. Shot in rudimentary 3D technology of the 1990s, it was aired during the annual BBC1 telethon for Children in Need. The episode takes a whimsical turn as the villainous Rani, played by Kate O'Mara, ensnares the Doctors and their companions within the beloved setting of Eastenders, the iconic Albert Square location.

Still stinging from the disappointment of the much-anticipated Tom Baker movie being canceled, Doctor Who fans dismissed "Dimensions in Time" as not being part of the official canon. However, it is worth noting that in Tales of the TARDIS, The Seventh Doctor suggests that "the Rani was up to her old tricks" on the eventful day when Ace departed from him. This strongly implies that "Dimensions in Time" was a frustrating distraction during the Doctor and Ace's final day together. It can be seen as a clever jest on the part of writer Pete McTighe, which actually aligns perfectly with the established canon of Doctor Who.

Dimensions In Time Was Ace's Final Adventure With the Seventh Doctor

The last appearance of Sophie Aldred and Sylvester McCoy together on televised Doctor Who was in "Dimensions in Time." After three years, the Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Paul McGann, found himself stranded in San Francisco during the millennium. Although "Dimensions in Time" may not have convinced Ace to leave the TARDIS, it makes one wonder about the challenges she endured after defeating the Rani.

The potential spinoff between an older Doctor and Ace, set up in Tales of the TARDIS, is unlikely to be portrayed on-screen, making it more suitable for their final Doctor Who adventure to take place in audio form. It is hoped that a Big Finish writer will have the courage to connect the exciting "Dimensions in Time" with a heartfelt farewell for this beloved TARDIS duo. Tales of the TARDIS is currently only available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, while Doctor Who will be streaming on Disney+ starting November 25th.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Doctor Who, I am thrilled to see the official confirmation of the canonicity of the 30th Anniversary Special, "Dimensions in Time." This mind-bending adventure, which originally aired during the Children in Need telethon in 1993, was initially dismissed by many fans. However, over the years, it has gained recognition as an integral part of the Doctor Who narrative, especially for the Seventh Doctor and Ace.

The fact that "Dimensions in Time" is now considered canon is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides closure to the Seventh Doctor and Ace's story, which was left hanging after the cancellation of the planned Tom Baker movie. Secondly, it sheds light on the events leading up to Ace's departure from the TARDIS, which has been a subject of speculation among fans for decades.

Moreover, the inclusion of "Dimensions in Time" in the Whoniverse through the new spinoff show "Tales of the TARDIS" further cements its importance. By referencing the events of the special, "Tales of the TARDIS" establishes a connection between the classic and new eras of Doctor Who, creating a cohesive and comprehensive narrative.

Overall, the canonization of "Dimensions in Time" is a welcome development that adds depth and richness to the Doctor Who universe. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the show and its ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its roots. As a fan, I am excited to see how future stories will build upon the events of this special and further explore the characters and themes introduced in this thrilling adventure.