Revitalizing the Sixth Doctor: Celebrating 39 Years of Doctor Who with Colin Baker

Article Overview

In the new Doctor Who spinoff series, Tales of the TARDIS, a redesigned TARDIS is introduced. This innovative TARDIS creates a connection between all the Doctors and their companions, giving previous actors the opportunity to reprise their beloved roles.

Colin Baker's character, the Sixth Doctor, undergoes a noteworthy change in the new series. His original costume receives a much-needed upgrade, honoring his past wardrobe choices while also representing a fresh chapter in his character's growth.

The change in the character's costume in the spinoff is a clear indication that this version of the Sixth Doctor is more balanced and self-actualized. It also addresses the fact that Baker was never fond of his original costume. Since his debut as the Sixth Doctor in Doctor Who 39 years ago, Colin Baker has long been in need of a costume upgrade. This goal has finally been achieved in the Tales of the TARDIS spinoff series. Since its inception in 1963, Doctor Who has taken viewers on thrilling adventures through time and space, gathering a devoted following of fans known as Whovians. With each regeneration, the Doctor, a Gallifreyan Time Lord, takes on a new form, resulting in a total of 17 actors portraying the titular character. Each Doctor possesses a unique personality and style, making them truly distinctive in their own ways.

The new spinoff show Tales of the TARDIS introduces a revolutionary TARDIS that connects all the Doctors and their companions. This groundbreaking concept has allowed previous actors to reprise their iconic roles as the Doctor. While most of the Doctors maintain their original costumes, the character of the Sixth Doctor, portrayed by Colin Baker, undergoes a much-needed wardrobe upgrade. Previously known for his eccentric ensemble featuring yellow striped pants and a flamboyant patchwork coat, the Sixth Doctor now dons an outfit that pays tribute to his earlier attire while symbolizing a new chapter in his character's evolution.

The Sixth Doctor's New Costume Explained

Tales of the TARDIS, episode 3, "Vengeance on Varos"

In The Tales of the TARDIS, the Sixth Doctor's new costume strikes a perfect balance between classic Doctor Who styles and contemporary regenerations. While sporting a coat with a notched lapel, defining the appearance of previous male Doctors, his choice of accessories harks back to earlier incarnations, while the tailoring of his suit reflects present-day fashion trends. Notably, the outfit pays homage to his original costume.

The attire of the Sixth Doctor in Tales of the TARDIS is a noticeable departure from his previous costume, yet it still pays homage to its predecessor. The hue of his suit resembles the pink lapel of his old jacket, albeit with a slightly reduced saturation. While his garments are not patchwork or heavily adorned, the vibrant color sets him apart from his fellow doctors who opt for more subdued attire. The plaid blush-red button-up shirt draws inspiration from the left sleeve of his former coat, and the pattern evokes the essence of his iconic ensemble. This approach cleverly incorporates elements of the original outfit without duplicating it entirely.

When removing his jacket, the Doctor's newly acquired waistcoat is revealed, showcasing its design on both the front and back. Throughout the course of Doctor Who, the Sixth Doctor's waistcoat was the only element of his attire that saw frequent changes. He alternated between various patterns, such as a warm-toned carpet bag pattern, a red checkered pattern, and diagonal lines with cool hues. However, the waistcoat featured in Tales of the TARDIS diverges from these designs at first glance. Its front is a solid maroon color, while the back incorporates elements from the red checkered waistcoat, transforming them into a plaid design.

Taking a closer look at the more subtle aspects of the Sixth Doctor's new ensemble, he adorns accessories that pay homage to both his distinct portrayal of the Doctor and his previous regenerations. The Doctor opts for an ascot, though it is only visible in select close-ups. The ascot is adorned with white and black polka dots, reminiscent of his prior polka dot ascots, which varied in color between green and red based on the season. Additionally, his pocket square incorporates shades of green, teal, red, and yellow, drawing inspiration from his ensemble in Doctor Who season 23, also known as "The Trial of a Time Lord."

Why Doctor Who Has Replaced The Sixth Doctor's Costume

His socks are adorned with the colors of his original jacket, adding a whimsical touch to his new costume. While the significance lies in the colors, the pattern also pays homage to the Fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, who was famously known for his striped scarf. This serves as a reminder that all the Doctors are interconnected. Additionally, he proudly wears a dog-shaped pin on his left lapel, reminiscent of the cat pins that his version of the Doctor always sported. One might also interpret it as a reference to K9, a companion of the fourth doctor, who made an appearance in the Doctor Who 20th anniversary special "The Five Doctors."

The Sixth Doctor's costume underwent a few changes for behind-the-scenes reasons. In a 2016 interview with Cult Box, Colin Baker expressed his dislike for the outfit, referring to it as "that awful outfit." As Baker was dismissed from Doctor Who, it is conceivable that the showrunners aimed to ensure his return was comfortable and satisfying, thus motivating them to revise his costume design.

The costume change of the Sixth Doctor in Tales of the TARDIS holds a significant meaning. Colin Baker's original attire reflects the contrasting nature of the character. Initially, the traumatic experiences the Sixth Doctor went through had a negative impact on his demeanor, making him cruel, aggressive, and emotionally distant. However, as the character progressed in Doctor Who, he underwent a transformation for the better. He became more composed, thoughtful, and likable. Given that his outfit was closely associated with his personality, it is only appropriate that he receives a new costume that aligns with his current state of mind. The change in the character's attire in the spinoff signifies that this version of the Sixth Doctor is now more balanced and self-realized.

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of Doctor Who, I am thrilled to see the revitalization of the Sixth Doctor in the new spinoff series, Tales of the TARDIS. Colin Baker's portrayal of the character was always a bit controversial, due in no small part to his eccentric costume. However, the new costume unveiled in the series strikes a perfect balance between the classic Doctor Who styles and contemporary regenerations. The nod to his original costume, with the pink lapel and plaid blush-red button-up shirt, is a nice touch that acknowledges the past while still moving the character forward.

Overall, I think the new costume is a great way to celebrate 39 years of Doctor Who with Colin Baker. It's a fresh take on the character that respects his history while also bringing him into the present. I can't wait to see what adventures the Sixth Doctor gets up to in his new threads.