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)

The Colin Baker era of Doctor Who, spanning from 1984 to 1986, was a turbulent yet captivating period in the show’s history. Baker portrayed the Sixth Doctor, a flamboyant and brash incarnation, who divided both fans and critics with his eccentric personality and distinctive multicolored costume. The era is often remembered for its darker tone, complex storylines, and the introduction of new companions, but unfortunately, it was plagued by production issues that ultimately led to its premature end.

One of the defining characteristics of the Colin Baker era was its departure from the lighter and more whimsical tone of previous Doctors. Baker’s Doctor was unapologetically arrogant and prone to outbursts of anger, which created a sharp contrast to his more whimsical predecessors. This change in tone was a deliberate attempt to bring a more complex and flawed portrayal of the Doctor to the screen, exploring the darker aspects of his personality.

The storylines during this era were ambitious and often tackled mature themes. The Sixth Doctor faced formidable enemies, such as the Daleks, the Cybermen, and the Master, in intricate and thought-provoking narratives. The era also introduced a new companion, Peri Brown, played by Nicola Bryant, who shared a complex and sometimes volatile relationship with the Doctor. The dynamic between the Doctor and Peri added layers of tension and drama to the series, showcasing the emotional depth of their connection.

However, despite the bold storytelling choices, the Colin Baker era faced numerous challenges behind the scenes. The show was plagued by conflicts between the production team and the BBC, resulting in budget cuts and a lack of consistent vision. This led to some poorly received stories and a decline in ratings, causing the BBC to put the show on an 18-month hiatus. Unfortunately, Colin Baker’s tenure as the Doctor was cut short, and he never received the opportunity to fully develop his incarnation of the character.

In retrospect, the Colin Baker era is often seen as an underrated period in Doctor Who’s history. While it had its flaws and suffered from external factors, Baker’s portrayal of the Doctor remains a bold and memorable one. His energetic and bombastic performance, combined with the darker tone of the stories, made the era distinctive and unique. Many of the storylines and concepts introduced during this time have been reevaluated by fans and critics in recent years, gaining a newfound appreciation for their ambition and originality.

Despite its premature end, the Colin Baker era left a lasting impact on Doctor Who. It pushed the boundaries of the show’s storytelling and showcased the versatility of the character. While it may not have achieved the same level of popularity as other eras, it remains an important chapter in the rich and varied history of Doctor Who, demonstrating the show’s ability to evolve and take risks.