Classic Doctor Who Season 3 Episode 34 The Gunfighters: A Holiday for the Doctor
- April 30, 1966
- 23 min
The Gunfighters: A Holiday for the Doctor is the thirty-fourth episode of the third season of the Classic Doctor Who. The story takes place in the Wild West of the 19th century and follows the Doctor, Steven, and Dodo as they get caught up in a feud between the Clantons and the Earps, two rival gangs.
The episode starts with the Doctor and his companions arriving in the town of Tombstone, Arizona, in the year 1881. The Doctor is excited to take a break from all the adventures they've been having and enjoy a relaxing holiday. However, things soon take a turn for the worse when they find out that they have arrived in the midst of a violent conflict between two gangs, the Clantons and the Earps.
The Clantons, led by Ike Clanton, are a group of outlaws who have been causing trouble throughout the town, while the Earps, led by Wyatt Earp, are the local lawmen who are trying to keep the peace. The Doctor, Steven, and Dodo get caught up in the middle of this feud when they inadvertently become involved in a poker game with the Clantons.
The Clantons immediately take a dislike to the Doctor and his companions and threaten to kill them if they don't leave town. However, the Doctor is not one to back down and decides to stand his ground, much to the consternation of his companions. They soon realize that they are in grave danger when they hear that the Clantons have placed a price on their heads.
The rest of the episode follows the Doctor and his companions as they try to survive in the Wild West while also trying to find a way to put an end to the feud between the Clantons and the Earps. Along the way, they meet a number of colorful characters, including the notorious Doc Holliday, who has his own agenda in the conflict.
The Gunfighters: A Holiday for the Doctor is a classic example of Doctor Who's ability to blend science fiction with other genres. In this case, the show takes on the western genre and does so with great humor and wit. The episode is full of references to classic western films, such as High Noon and The Magnificent Seven, and the Doctor even gets to show off his sharpshooting skills.
At its heart, though, the episode is about the Doctor and his companions trying to do the right thing and put an end to the violence that has engulfed the town. Despite the comedic tone of the episode, there are some genuinely tense moments as the Doctor and his companions find themselves in mortal danger.
Overall, The Gunfighters: A Holiday for the Doctor is an entertaining and lighthearted episode that showcases Doctor Who's versatility. It's a fun romp through the Wild West that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.