Classic Doctor Who Season 3 Episode 36 The Gunfighters: Johnny Ringo
- May 14, 1966
- 24 min
In the Classic Doctor Who episode "The Gunfighters: Johnny Ringo," the TARDIS lands the Doctor, Steven and Dodo in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881, where they find themselves caught up in the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral. The episode is a lighthearted, Western-themed adventure that sees the trio tasked with helping a group of gunfighters and lawmen to take down the notorious outlaw Johnny Ringo.
As soon as they arrive in Tombstone, the Doctor, Steven and Dodo realize that they are in trouble. The local saloon owner, Joseph, mistakes them for famous gunfighters and asks them to help take down Ringo, who has been terrorizing the town. The Doctor, initially skeptical, soon realizes that they are in serious danger when he sees the wanted posters for Ringo all around town.
The trio are soon drawn into the conflict between Ringo and the Earp brothers, who are attempting to bring law and order to Tombstone. They meet up with the Earps and the gunfighter Doc Holliday, who agrees to help them out in their fight against Ringo.
Over the course of the episode, the Doctor, Steven and Dodo find themselves embroiled in a series of mistaken identities and comedic misunderstandings. They are mistaken for famous cowboys by both the townspeople and Ringo himself, and are forced to go on the run when they are accused of being spies.
Despite the comedic elements, "The Gunfighters: Johnny Ringo" is also a tense and action-packed adventure. The shootout at the O.K. Corral is a highlight of the episode, and is impressively staged given the limitations of the show's budget and technology at the time.
The episode also features some strong performances from the cast. William Hartnell is as charming and eccentric as ever as the Doctor, while Peter Purves brings a sense of wit and humor to his role as Steven. Jackie Lane's Dodo is given more to do in this episode than in some of her previous appearances, and she proves to be a capable and courageous companion.
Overall, "The Gunfighters: Johnny Ringo" is an entertaining and enjoyable episode of classic Doctor Who. Its mix of comedic hijinks and serious drama makes for a satisfying blend, and the western setting gives the show a fresh and unique flavor. Whether you're a fan of the classic Doctor Who series or simply enjoy old-fashioned western adventures, this episode is well worth watching.