The Doctors Season 6 Episode 7 Episode 7: The Doctors (S6): The Colin Baker Years: Eric Saward

In Episode 7 of Season 6 of The Doctors, viewers are taken on a trip down memory lane to revisit the Colin Baker years of Doctor Who. The episode focuses specifically on the creative input of Eric Saward, who served as a writer and script editor during this era.

The episode starts with a brief overview of Colin Baker's tenure as the Doctor, which spanned from 1984 to 1986. Baker's portrayal of the Doctor was controversial at the time, with some viewers finding him abrasive and difficult to connect with. However, as the episode points out, Baker's Doctor has since gained a dedicated fanbase who appreciate his unique take on the character.

The episode then delves into the role that Eric Saward played in shaping the stories and themes of Doctor Who during the Colin Baker years. Saward is known for bringing a darker edge to the series, with storylines that tackled complex themes like political corruption and the ethics of time travel. The episode features interviews with Saward himself, as well as other Doctor Who writers and producers who worked with him during this time.

One of the key storylines that the episode focuses on is the "Trial of a Time Lord" arc, which was spread out over the entire 23rd season of Doctor Who. Saward was heavily involved in planning and writing this story, which saw the Doctor put on trial by the Time Lords for meddling in time and space. The episode explores how Saward's own experiences as a legal professional influenced the themes and structure of the "Trial" storyline.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Doctor Who production during the Colin Baker years. We see concept art, script drafts, and on-set footage that give a sense of the creative process behind the show. The episode also features interviews with actors who appeared on Doctor Who during this time, including Colin Baker himself.

At its core, "The Colin Baker Years: Eric Saward" is a celebration of the creative vision that shaped Doctor Who during this era. While the Colin Baker years are often seen as a contentious period in the show's history, the episode makes a strong case for why they are worth revisiting. Saward's unique perspective, combined with the bold storytelling of for which Doctor Who is known, resulted in a compelling and thought-provoking series that still resonates with fans today.