As I reached the second half of The War Games, the stakes grew exponentially, transforming this already ambitious story into one of Doctor Who’s most monumental adventures. Broadcast in April and May 1969, these final five episodes not only conclude the sprawling narrative but also mark the departure of Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor. This is a moment of both triumph and poignancy, as the series steps into uncharted territory, leaving behind one of its most beloved eras.
The Story Concludes: A Galactic Tribunal
Episodes 6 to 10 bring the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe to the heart of the War Lords’ operations. As the Doctor uncovers the full extent of their scheme—using time travel to abduct and manipulate soldiers from across history to create a super army—the narrative builds to a gripping climax. The introduction of the War Lord himself adds an additional layer of menace, as his cold intellect and control of the situation pose a significant challenge.
In a desperate bid to end the War Lords’ tyranny, the Doctor makes the ultimate decision: to call upon the Time Lords for help. This sets in motion a series of events that lead to a dramatic trial, where the Doctor’s own interference in time is judged alongside the War Lords’ crimes.
Patrick Troughton: A Defining Farewell
Patrick Troughton’s final episodes showcase everything that made his Doctor so memorable. His humor, intellect, and courage are on full display, particularly during the trial scenes where he passionately defends his actions as a Time Lord who chose to help rather than observe. Troughton’s ability to convey vulnerability, especially as the Doctor faces his impending fate, adds an emotional depth that makes his departure all the more impactful.
The moment where the Doctor is forced to say goodbye to Jamie and Zoe is particularly poignant. Troughton’s performance captures the weight of their shared adventures and the sorrow of parting ways, underscoring the deep bond between the characters.
Jamie and Zoe: Brave to the End
Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines) and Zoe Heriot (Wendy Padbury) remain steadfast companions to the very end. Jamie’s bravery and loyalty shine through in the climactic battles, while Zoe’s quick thinking and technical expertise play a crucial role in outmanoeuvring the War Lords.
Their final moments with the Doctor are heartbreakingly bittersweet. As the Time Lords erase their memories of their travels, returning them to the moments before they joined the Doctor, it’s a stark reminder of the sacrifices inherent in their journeys.
Themes of Responsibility and Sacrifice
The second half of The War Games delves deeply into themes of responsibility and sacrifice. The Doctor’s decision to call upon the Time Lords—despite knowing it will lead to his capture—reflects his commitment to doing what is right, even at great personal cost. The trial explores the morality of the Doctor’s interference, questioning the balance between adherence to rules and the necessity of action in the face of injustice.
A Tribute to Patrick Troughton
Patrick Troughton’s tenure as the Doctor set a template for decades to come. His portrayal introduced a playfulness and warmth that made the character relatable and beloved. Troughton’s ability to balance lighthearted moments with profound moral conviction defined the Doctor as a hero who relied on intellect and compassion rather than brute force.
His departure at the end of The War Games is a watershed moment for the series. With the future of the show uncertain at the time, Troughton’s legacy became a cornerstone upon which the series would continue to build. His influence is felt in every subsequent incarnation of the Doctor, cementing his status as one of the most iconic and influential actors to take on the role.
The 1960s Legacy of Doctor Who
The 1960s output of Doctor Who laid the foundation for the series’ enduring success. From its educational beginnings to its evolution into a science fiction powerhouse, the decade saw the introduction of many of the show’s most iconic elements: the Daleks, the Cybermen, and the concept of regeneration.
The black-and-white era of Doctor Who also demonstrated the show’s versatility, blending historical dramas, base-under-siege thrillers, and experimental narratives like The Mind Robber. It set a precedent for the show’s ability to reinvent itself, a quality that remains one of its greatest strengths.
As I reflect on the 1960s stories, I am struck by their ambition and creativity, even when constrained by limited resources. The willingness to take risks and explore new ideas established Doctor Who as a series capable of capturing the imagination of viewers across generations.
Ranking the Seasons So Far
Appreciating that any list is always going to be purely subjective, as I reflect on the first six seasons of Doctor Who, here’s how I would rank them:
Season 5: The height of the Troughton era, filled with iconic stories like The Tomb of the Cybermen and The Web of Fear.
Season 4: A transitional season that balances the end of Hartnell’s tenure with the exciting introduction of Troughton.
Season 2: A diverse and experimental season with standout stories like The Dalek Invasion of Earth.
Season 6: Ambitious and daring, though slightly uneven, with highlights like The Invasion.
Season 1: The beginning of it all, establishing the core elements of the series, but pacing is slow.
Season 3: While experimental, it struggles with consistency, though it includes gems like The Daleks’ Master Plan.
Final Thoughts on The War Games
The War Games is a fitting end to the Second Doctor’s era, combining large-scale storytelling with intimate character moments. Its exploration of war, morality, and sacrifice remains as powerful today as it was in 1969. Patrick Troughton’s departure, along with those of Jamie and Zoe, marks the end of an era but also sets the stage for the series’ continued evolution.
Next, I’ll be stepping into the Third Doctor’s era with Spearhead from Space, a bold new beginning in full colour that promises to take Doctor Who in an exciting new direction.
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