After watching through the second Doctor’s era, it was more evident than ever to me why many fans consider his tenure among the best of the classic era. The stories are incredibly strong throughout–only a couple I would call total washouts. Even some of the not so exciting episodes have strong acting moments or clever ideas. The acting is often high caliber. There is a little campiness but it is treated as jolly, even purposefully anarchic, and not over the top. I am lucky to be viewing these at a time where so many of his lost episodes have been recovered. It definitely broadens the appreciation of some of the past stories that were overlooked.
This was the era of base-under-siege stories as a staple and the introduction of so many iconic Doctor Who tropes and characterizations. Troughton’s portrayal of the Doctor put a certain stamp on the character–a raggedy genius who jumps headlong into trouble for both the enjoyment and calling of righting wrong. Signature traits include:
- Madcap dashing about
- Playing the recorder
- “When I say run…”
- Stammering and blustering when agitated
- Calm and quiet voice when in serious danger
- Comic double-takes
Signature story: The Invasion
Signature “missing” story: Fury from the Deep
Best match to a companion: The Doctor-Jamie double act
There are some corners of the universe which have bred the most terrible things. Things which act against everything that we believe in. They must be fought