Doctor Who (1963) Season 20 Episode 23 The Five Doctors
- January 1, 1983
- 90 min
-
8.1 (1,506)
The Five Doctors is the penultimate episode of Doctor Who season 20, and it's a special one. This episode brings back not one, not two, but five different incarnations of the Doctor - well, technically four Doctors and a cleverly disguised robot - for an epic adventure through time and space.
The episode begins with the fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, being plucked out of time and space and deposited in the Death Zone on Gallifrey. The Death Zone is a forbidden area where the Time Lords used to bring legendary heroes and villains from throughout the universe to battle each other for sport. But the Time Lords haven't used the Zone for centuries, and now it's filled with dangerous traps and obstacles.
When the fifth Doctor, Peter Davison, learns that his previous incarnation is trapped in the Death Zone, he sets out to rescue him. Along the way, he encounters two of his other incarnations - the first Doctor, played by Richard Hurndall in place of the late William Hartnell, and the second Doctor, played by Patrick Troughton. The three work together to navigate the Death Zone and discover what's really going on.
As they journey through the Zone, the Doctors encounter a number of familiar faces from earlier in the series, including long-time companions Sarah Jane Smith and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. They also come up against a number of classic Doctor Who villains, including Daleks, Cybermen, and a thoroughly menacing robot known as the Raston Warrior.
Meanwhile, back on Gallifrey, the fifth Doctor's companions Tegan and Turlough are working with the Time Lords to try and unravel the mystery of the Death Zone. They're aided by a number of familiar characters from earlier seasons, including Romana, Leela, and K-9.
As the various threads of the story come together, it becomes increasingly clear that the Doctors have been brought together for a purpose - and that purpose involves a figure from the Doctor's past who has come back to haunt him. But even as the Doctor faces this ultimate showdown, he'll need all the help he can get from his previous incarnations and his friends if he's going to save the day.
The Five Doctors is a treat for fans of Doctor Who and a great example of the show's long-standing tradition of multi-Doctor stories. Each of the Doctors gets a chance to shine, and the episode is packed with fun and exciting moments that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. From classic villains to familiar companions to beloved Doctors, this episode has it all - making it a must-watch for anyone who loves this iconic sci-fi series.