Notes on Doctor Who Season 3

General Information

• Air Dates: September 11, 1965 - July 16, 1966
• Episodes: 45 (Longest season in Doctor Who history)
• Stories: 10
• Key Story: The Daleks' Master Plan

Episode Breakdown

1. Galaxy 4

• Status: Mostly missing
• Length: 4 episodes
• Overview:
  • Features the evil Dravens, a generic alien race.
  • Cast as 1960s model-type women in mini skirts.
  • Offers a lesson on not judging by appearances.
  • Ends with the death of the Dravens.

2. Mission to the Unknown

• Status: Single episode
• Overview:
  • Does not feature the Doctor or TARDIS.
  • Follows space cops investigating an intergalactic threat.
  • Introduction of various aliens teaming up with the Daleks.

3. The Myth Makers

• Status: Completely wiped
• Length: 4 episodes
• Overview:
  • Retelling of The Iliad; Doctor mistaken for Zeus.
  • Introduction of new companion Katarina, who only lasts one episode.

4. The Daleks' Master Plan

• Length: 12 episodes
• Key Points:
  • Introduces Nicholas Courtney as the Brigadier.
  • Features the first possible companion in Sarah Kingdom.
  • Notable for many character deaths, including Katarina.

5. The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve

• Length: 4 episodes
• Overview:
  • Doctor has an exact double; Stephen involved in historical events.

6. The Arc

• Length: 4 episodes
• Overview:
  • Set in a future arc in space with a slave race called the Monoids.
  • Dodo's cold infects future humans, leading to conflict.

7. The Celestial Toymaker

• Length: 4 episodes
• Overview:
  • Features a godlike character forcing the crew to play games.
  • Critiqued for racial stereotypes and being boring.

8. The Gunfighters

• Length: 4 episodes
• Overview:
  • A musical recounting the gunfight at the OK Corral.
  • Criticism for repetitive songs and accents.

9. The Savages

• Overview:
  • Explores themes of oppression and power dynamics.

10. The War Machines

• Overview:
  • Features a mega computer named WOTAN believing the Doctor's name is "Doctor Who."
  • Set in present-day London; introduces new companions Ben and Polly.
  • Dodo leaves without a proper goodbye.

Final Thoughts

• Overall Season Assessment: Mixed bag with highlights like Galaxy 4 and The Daleks' Master Plan.
• Racism and Controversies: Notable instances of racial stereotypes in certain episodes.
• Next Season: Anticipation for changes in Doctor's portrayal and story format.