Classic Doctor Who Season 3 Episode 35 The Gunfighters: Don't Shoot the Pianist

The Gunfighters: Don't Shoot the Pianist" is a classic episode from the third season of the long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who. The episode initially aired on May 30, 1966, and is set in Tombstone, Arizona, in the late 19th century.

The episode centers around the Doctor (played by William Hartnell) and his companions, Steven (Peter Purves) and Dodo (Jackie Lane), as they find themselves in the midst of the Wild West. The Doctor had initially brought Dodo to a clinic in Arizona to recuperate from a cold, but they soon find themselves caught up in the town's drama.

The episode's title is a play on words from the famous saying "don't shoot the messenger," as the pianist in the local saloon finds himself caught in the crossfire of a feud between rival gangs.

As the Doctor, Steven, and Dodo explore the town, they find that the Clanton gang is looking for Doc Holliday, and they believe that he is hiding out with his girlfriend, Kate. Meanwhile, Wyatt Earp is hellbent on capturing the Clanton gang, who he believes murdered his brother.

The Doctor and his companions inadvertently get involved in the feud when Steven is mistaken for Doc Holliday and the Clanton gang kidnaps him, hoping to use him as leverage to get to the real Doc Holliday. The Doctor and Dodo frantically plot to rescue Steven and find a way out of town before the simmering violence boils over.

One of the highlights of the episode is the memorable musical score by Tristram Cary, which includes the catchy theme song "The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon." The song is performed throughout the episode by the pianist, who becomes an unwitting pawn in the gang war.

As with many classic Doctor Who episodes, "The Gunfighters: Don't Shoot the Pianist" provides a tongue-in-cheek take on the dramatic historical setting. The Western genre is well-loved in American culture, and the Doctor Who team was able to craft a lighthearted story that both pokes fun at and pays homage to the tropes of the Wild West.

The episode is also notable for its use of historical figures, including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, who add a sense of authenticity to the setting. These nods to real-life figures were a hallmark of the early seasons of Doctor Who, as the show blended history and science fiction to create unique and compelling storylines.

Overall, "The Gunfighters: Don't Shoot the Pianist" is a standout episode from the third season of Doctor Who. With its memorable music, clever humor, and creative use of historical figures, it stands as a testament to the show's enduring popularity and creativity.