Ep 36. The Time Meddler: The Watcher
- July 3, 1965
- 24 min
The Time Meddler: The Watcher is the 36th episode of the classic sci-fi television series Doctor Who's second season. The Time Meddler is the last story of the season, and The Watcher is the final episode that concludes the story.
The story begins with the TARDIS landing in an ancient monastery, where the Doctor (played by William Hartnell) and his companions, Vicki (Maureen O'Brien) and Steven (Peter Purves), soon discover that they are not the only ones there. They encounter a mysterious monk (Peter Butterworth) who seems to be living in the monastery alone. The monk appears to be as puzzled by the Doctor's arrival as the Doctor is about the monk's presence.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the monk is a Time Lord like the Doctor, who has been meddling with time for his own ends. The monk has been using his time machine to make minor changes in history, which the Doctor finds unacceptable. The Doctor confronts the monk, but the monk is not willing to give up his meddling ways easily.
The Watcher is the final episode of the story, where the Doctor and the monk come face to face in a final confrontation. The entire episode builds up to this climax, with a sense of looming danger that heightens as the Doctor and his companions try to uncover the monk's plans.
One of the most memorable moments in The Watcher is the appearance of a ghostly figure known as the Watcher. The Watcher appears to be a mysterious figure that watches over the Doctor, and seems to have a connection to the Time Lords. The Doctor senses that the Watcher is trying to warn him of something, but he is not sure what.
The Watcher is a great episode for fans of classic Doctor Who because it brings together many elements that make the show great. It has a great sci-fi plot, with time travel and mysterious forces at play. It also has great characters, with the monk and the Watcher being two of the most memorable characters in the show's history.
The acting in The Watcher is also exceptional, with William Hartnell giving one of his best performances as the Doctor. His confrontations with the monk are intense and full of drama, and it's clear that the two actors were enjoying themselves on screen.
Finally, The Watcher has a great sense of atmosphere, with the ancient monastery and the ghostly Watcher adding to the sense of mystery and danger. It's a great example of classic Doctor Who at its best, and is sure to leave fans of the show itching for more.
Overall, The Time Meddler: The Watcher is a great episode of classic Doctor Who that is sure to please fans of the show. With great performances, an engaging plot, and a sense of atmosphere that is hard to beat, it's a must-see for anyone who loves science fiction and time travel stories. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or just discovering it for the first time, The Watcher is an episode that is sure to leave an impression.