Colin Baker (1984-86)

Season Twenty-One (1984)

The Twin Dilemma

Season Twenty-Two (1985)

Attack of the Cybermen
Vengeance On Varos
The Mark of the Rani
The Two Doctors
Timelash
Revelation of the Daleks

Season Twenty-Three (1986)

The Trial of a Timelord 1-4 (aka The Mysterious Planet)
The Trial of a Timelord 5-8 (aka Mindwarp)
The Trial of a Timelord 9-12 (aka Terror of the Vervoids)
The Trial of a Timelord 13-14 (aka The Ultimate Foe)

Colin Baker’s time as the Doctor, from 1984 to 1986, was a dramatic and often controversial chapter in Doctor Who history. His portrayal of the Sixth Doctor was bold, brash, and unmistakably flamboyant—both in personality and appearance, thanks to that unforgettable multicolored coat. Fans and critics were divided over his take on the character, and while the era had its standout moments, it was also marked by behind-the-scenes struggles that ultimately cut his tenure short.

One of the most striking things about Baker’s Doctor was how different he was from his predecessors. Unlike the more whimsical and approachable Doctors before him, the Sixth Doctor was arrogant, unpredictable, and sometimes downright abrasive. It was a deliberate shift, meant to show a more complex, flawed version of the character, but it wasn’t always an easy sell to audiences.

The stories of this era leaned into darker themes and high-stakes conflicts, with the Doctor facing off against classic enemies like the Daleks, Cybermen, and the Master. His dynamic with companion Peri Brown (Nicola Bryant), who had first appeared in Peter Davison’s final season, was often tense—sometimes even volatile—which added a new layer of drama to the show. Some fans appreciated the more layered storytelling, while others found the tension a little too much.

But while the era had ambition, it also faced serious production challenges. Tensions between the creative team and the BBC led to budget cuts, inconsistent scripts, and, eventually, an 18-month hiatus. Ratings declined, and when the show finally returned, Baker’s time as the Doctor was already on borrowed time. His run ended abruptly, and he never really got the chance to fully develop his take on the character.

Looking back, the Colin Baker era has gained more appreciation over the years. While it had its missteps, Baker’s performance was undeniably passionate, and his Doctor brought something unique to the role. Many of the stories from his tenure—once dismissed as messy or too dark—are now seen in a new light, with fans acknowledging their ambition and creativity.

Despite its rocky road, Baker’s time in the TARDIS left its mark. It pushed the show in bold new directions, showing that Doctor Who wasn’t afraid to take risks. It may not have been the show’s smoothest period, but it remains a fascinating and important part of its long history.