As any hardcore Whovian knows, the final TV episode of the original run ofDoctor Whoends with a surprising plot hole. Thecurrent era of Doctor Whohas been going strong since its 2005 revival. However, the original run ofDoctor Whoserials and storylines ran from 1963 until an ending in 1989 that left audiences with one glaring question.
“Survival Part 3” served as the original series finale, the final TV episode ofDoctor Who. There, Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor found himself in conflict with Midge, a friend ofthe Doctor’s companion Acewho had become infected with the Cheetah Virus from Cheetah World, morphing him into an antagonist. Under the guidance of the Master, the Doctor’s biggest rival, Midge challenges the Doctor to a game of chicken in which both men duel via a motorcycle collision. In the explosive aftermath,the Seventh Doctor miraculously survives, landing on a couch and a rolled mattress.
But where did this incredibly conveniently placed landing site come from? The Doctor has survived many impossible scenarios, but usually with some kind of planning or help from allies.Ending the original TV run ofDoctor Whowith such a lucky escape left fans either irritated or scratching their headsover the Doctor surviving thanks to a silly coincidence. However, expandedDoctor Wholore later revealed that the Doctor had one of his other regenerations arrange this safe landing.
This subtle retcon deserves commendation for taking a lazy, convenientdeus ex machinaand turning it into an example of the Doctor’s genius and even sense of humor.
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The Sixth Doctor Saved the Seventh’s Life (At His Request)
The reason for the Doctor’s survival is revealed in Paul Cornell and Lee Sullivan’s “Emperor of the Daleks,” a story from a 1993 issue ofDoctor Who Magazinethat celebrated the 200th issue ofDWMas well as the 30th anniversary of the franchise.The ending of the story sees the Seventh Doctor meet his Sixth regeneration (played on TV by Colin Baker), who asks his future incarnation if he"appreciated that mattress in Perivale.“This reveals that the Seventh Doctor asked the Sixth to set up his safe landing.
While it’s obviously a retcon designed to close a disappointingly contrived moment, it’s still a satisfying explanation.The Doctor’s time travelallows him to prepare for various outcomes and outplay his enemies who see time as more linear. The retcon even explains why the Doctor engineered for himself to fall into garbage rather than something more dignified, as the Sixth Doctor was clearly having some fun with his future self, who barks that he"asked for something less obvious.”
The Doctor Is a Savior for Everyone
Even Himself
The Doctor’s codename was chosen to define him as someone who helps others, turning up in emergencies and applying his expertise to save lives. In this case, the Doctor was even able to save himself.The Sixth Doctor saving the Seventh Doctor’s life shows how the Doctor truly exists to save everyone, even himself.This offhand retcon deserves commendation for taking a lazy, convenientdeus ex machinaand turning it into an example of the Doctor’s genius and even sense of humor. With a franchise as old asDoctor Who, new creators thankfully keep getting opportunities to reinterpret and improve on past stories.
