Rediscovering the Untold Brilliance of Russell T Davies' Inaugural Doctor Who Adventure

Summary

Russell T. Davies is returning for his third stint as a writer for Doctor Who, coinciding with the show's 60th anniversary.

Before becoming Showrunner, Davies penned a brief television episode in 1989 that showcased Jon Pertwee in the role of the Third Doctor.

Minisodes have evolved into a crucial aspect of Doctor Who, facilitating character growth and presenting opportunities for interactions between various Doctors from different time periods.

Russell T. Davies, known for rebooting Doctor Who in 2005, will be returning as a writer for the show's upcoming 60th anniversary. This will be his third stint in this role. Davies originally introduced the Ninth Doctor and Rose Tyler to the BBC. He left the show in 2010, with Steven Moffat and then Chris Chibnall taking over as Showrunners. However, prior to the reboot, Davies had actually written for Doctor Who in 1989. Jon Pertwee starred in a stage play called The Ultimate Adventure, and Davies was part of the writing team for a short TV episode featuring Pertwee as the Third Doctor.

Russell T. Davies' First Doctor Who Minisode

The minisode, titled The Shrink, was broadcasted on May 6th, 1989. In this episode, the Third Doctor is being interviewed by a shrink, portrayed by Andrew O'Connor (who oddly resembles David Walliams in this role). The Doctor reveals his alias, Doctor John Smith, and shares his encounters with the Cybermen, Daleks, and The Master. The shrink concludes that these tales are mere products of The Doctor's imagination. However, their discussion is abruptly interrupted when a group of Cybermen burst into the room, challenging the shrink's sanity instead.

Doctor Who Minisodes Became A Key Part Of The Show's Future

Minisodes have become an integral part of the Doctor Who reboot, serving to enhance character development and offer glimpses of everyday life for both Doctors and companions. Time Crash, regarded as one of the finest Doctor Who minisodes, takes place between the season 3 finale and the Christmas special Voyage of the Damned. This minisode portrays a collision between two TARDISes, resulting in an encounter between the Tenth Doctor and the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison). It marks the first time a classic Doctor (pre-2005) interacts with a modern-day Doctor (post-2005). Additionally, DVD bonuses have included minisode series such as "Night and the Doctor," featuring Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor.