Adventure seventeen brings me to The Time Meddler, a four-part serial that aired in July 1965. This story is a milestone in Doctor Who history, blending the historical and science fiction genres in a way that feels both fresh and transformative. Written by Dennis Spooner, The Time Meddler introduces the concept of another Time Lord-like figure, the Meddling Monk, and expands the mythology of the series in fascinating ways.
Rewatching this serial today, it’s striking how The Time Meddler feels like a bridge between the show’s early days and its future, seamlessly combining historical intrigue with science fiction twists. It’s also notable as the first full story with the new TARDIS crew of the Doctor, Vicki, and Steven Taylor, a dynamic that reinvigorates the series following Ian and Barbara’s departure.
The Story: A Mysterious Monk in 1066
The TARDIS lands on the coast of Northumbria in 1066, a pivotal year in British history as the Battle of Hastings looms. Initially, the Doctor, Vicki, and Steven believe they’ve arrived in a typical historical setting. However, they soon discover anachronistic technology—a gramophone playing a monk’s chant and a wristwatch—hinting that something is amiss.
Their investigation leads them to the Monk, a seemingly affable and eccentric figure who turns out to be meddling with history by attempting to aid King Harold’s forces with advanced technology. His plan to change the course of history and prevent the Norman Conquest forces the Doctor to confront not only his meddling counterpart but also the moral implications of interfering with established events.
The Doctor: Guardian of Time
William Hartnell is in fine form here, balancing the Doctor’s mischievous curiosity with his growing sense of moral responsibility. The Doctor’s confrontation with the Monk is a highlight, showcasing Hartnell’s ability to switch between playful banter and righteous indignation. His role as a guardian of the timeline is cemented in this story, and his ultimate solution—sabotaging the Monk’s TARDIS to strand him in 1066—is both clever and fitting.
The Doctor’s growing comfort with his new companions is also evident. His relationship with Vicki is warm and paternal, while his initial friction with Steven adds an intriguing dynamic that evolves over the course of the story.
Vicki and Steven: A New Dynamic
With Ian and Barbara gone, The Time Meddler gives Vicki and Steven room to develop as a team.
Vicki continues to shine as a bright, curious, and resourceful companion. Maureen O’Brien’s performance is full of charm, and her chemistry with Hartnell remains a highlight. Vicki’s excitement about their adventures is infectious, and her growing confidence is evident throughout the story.
Steven, played by Peter Purves, is introduced as a skeptical and adventurous addition to the TARDIS crew. His disbelief in the TARDIS’s time-traveling capabilities and his playful sparring with Vicki add humor and energy to the narrative. Steven’s boldness and quick thinking make him an asset, even as he adjusts to the bizarre realities of time travel.
The pairing of Vicki and Steven feels fresh and dynamic, injecting new life into the series and setting the stage for a more adventurous tone moving forward.
The Monk: A Revolutionary Villain
The Meddling Monk, played with mischievous charm by Peter Butterworth, is a groundbreaking addition to Doctor Who. As the first antagonist with access to a TARDIS and a knowledge of time travel, the Monk serves as a fascinating mirror to the Doctor. Unlike the Daleks or other alien threats, the Monk’s motivations are personal and petty, rooted in his desire to “improve” history according to his own whims.
The Monk’s playful demeanor and lighthearted schemes make him an intriguing foil to the Doctor. Their exchanges are some of the serial’s best moments, blending humor with philosophical debate about the nature of time and responsibility. The Monk’s introduction also hints at the Doctor’s mysterious past, planting seeds that would grow into the Time Lord mythology in later years.
Themes of Time and Responsibility
The Time Meddler is a story that grapples with the ethics of time travel. The Monk’s cavalier approach to altering history contrasts sharply with the Doctor’s growing commitment to preserving the timeline. The serial raises important questions: Is history fixed, or can it be rewritten? What are the consequences of playing with time?
For the Doctor, the answer is clear—history must be allowed to unfold as it should. His decision to strand the Monk in 1066 is not just a clever resolution but a moral statement about the dangers of hubris and the importance of respecting the natural order of events.
Production and Atmosphere
The production design of The Time Meddler is simple but effective, with the Northumbrian coastline and the Saxon village serving as atmospheric settings. The anachronistic elements, such as the gramophone and the Monk’s TARDIS disguised as a Saxon monastery, create a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Douglas Camfield’s direction is confident and engaging, making excellent use of tight framing and close-ups to heighten tension. The pacing is brisk, with each episode building on the mystery and raising the stakes.
The final reveal of the Monk’s TARDIS is a standout moment, solidifying the story’s blend of historical drama and science fiction. The interior of the Monk’s ship, while small, effectively mirrors the Doctor’s TARDIS, emphasizing their shared origins and contrasting philosophies.
Rewatching in 2024: A Personal Perspective
Revisiting The Time Meddler today, I’m struck by how ahead of its time it feels. The introduction of the Monk and the exploration of time travel ethics make it a turning point for Doctor Who, expanding its scope beyond pure historicals and monster-of-the-week tales.
I found myself particularly drawn to the interplay between the Doctor and the Monk. Their relationship feels like a precursor to later rivalries in the series, such as the Doctor and the Master. The Monk’s lighthearted villainy adds a fresh dimension to the show, demonstrating that not all threats need to be apocalyptic to be engaging.
Legacy and Significance
The Time Meddler is a pivotal story in the history of Doctor Who. It’s the first “pseudo-historical,” blending a historical setting with science fiction elements, a formula that would become a staple of the series. The Monk’s introduction also marks the first appearance of another time traveler like the Doctor, paving the way for the Time Lord mythology that would define the show in later years.
The story also demonstrates the series’ ability to evolve and take creative risks. By combining humor, mystery, and moral philosophy, The Time Meddler sets a new standard for what Doctor Who can achieve.
Final Thoughts
Rewatching The Time Meddler has been a delight. It’s a story that balances wit, intrigue, and philosophical depth, expanding the scope of Doctor Who while staying true to its adventurous spirit. The dynamic between the Doctor, Vicki, and Steven feels fresh and invigorating, while the Monk’s playful villainy adds a new layer of complexity to the show’s storytelling.
As a turning point in the series, The Time Meddler exemplifies the creative ambition and adaptability that have kept Doctor Who relevant for decades. It’s a story that invites me to think about the nature of time and responsibility, all while thoroughly entertaining me. Truly, it’s a classic of the Hartnell era.
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