Watch Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a British science-fiction television series produced by the BBC. It features the third incarnation of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who travels through time and space in his TARDIS, a sentient time and space machine that looks like a 1960s police box. This sampler includes some of the best episodes of the third Doctor's tenure, played by actor Jon Pertwee.

The series aired on BBC One from 1970 to 1974 and consisted of 128 episodes spanning five seasons. The show was created by Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber, and Donald Wilson and was intended to be a family-friendly adventure series that blended science-fiction, horror, and comedy elements. Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a tribute to the legacy and impact of the third Doctor on the show.

The third Doctor is portrayed as a suave and dandy-like figure with a love for vintage cars, frilly shirts, and capes. Unlike his previous incarnations, he is exiled on Earth by his fellow Time Lords, who punish him for interfering too much with other civilizations' timelines. He becomes a consultant to the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT), led by Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart. Together, they defend Earth from alien invasions and other cosmic threats.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a showcase of some of the finest episodes from the third Doctor's era. The episodes feature a mix of classic monsters, memorable companions, and iconic moments that have become the stuff of legends among Whovians.

One of the standout episodes of the sampler is "Spearhead from Space," which serves as the opening episode of the third Doctor's tenure. It features the debut of the Nestene Consciousness, a sentient alien entity that controls plastic and creates killer mannequins called Autons. The episode is known for its unique filming style, shot entirely on 16mm film to give it a more cinematic look.

Another memorable episode is "The Three Doctors," which celebrates the tenth anniversary of the show. It features not just the third Doctor but also the first and second Doctors. It explores the relationship between the Doctors and how they solve a crisis that threatens the universe. It's a delightful nostalgia trip for fans of the old series.

One of the most popular episodes in the sampler is "The Green Death," which is the final episode of Jo Grant, played by Katy Manning, one of the third Doctor's most popular companions. The episode features giant maggots that are created due to industrial pollution. The episode is notable for its environmental themes and poignant farewell between the Doctor and Jo.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor also includes "Inferno," an episode that takes place in an alternate universe where the Doctor must prevent a drilling project from unleashing a race of primordial creatures. The episode is remembered for its suspenseful and dark storyline, which explored the concept of parallel universes.

Other episodes in the sampler include "Planet of the Daleks," which features the third Doctor's battle against the Daleks, and "The Time Warrior," which introduces the popular Sontaran warrior race to the show.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a fine tribute to one of the most beloved incarnations of the Doctor. It captures the essence of the third Doctor's era, which is a mix of action, adventure, and a touch of wit. The sampler is a great entry point for anyone who wants to discover the third Doctor's era or relive some of its memorable moments. The episodes showcase the third Doctor at his finest and serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Doctor Who.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on March 31, 2013.