The Time Meddler

The TARDIS seems emptier without Barbara and Ian – at least until the Doctor and Vicki discover that the astronaut Steven stowed away before they left Mechanus. Steven’s skepticism toward time travel pushes the Doctor to confront him with living proof. Shortly after landing on a beach in England, they discover a Viking helmet, but Steve remains unconvinced. Instructing Steve and Vicki to wait with the TARDIS, the Doctor seeks further proof.

Heedless of the Doctor’s warning, Steven persuades Vicki to explore the cliffs above the beach, where they find an abandoned wristwatch. Meanwhile, the Doctor investigates a ruined monastery, where he encounters an electric toaster, a gramophone playing ecclesiastic chants, and a monk who traps him in an alcove. Eventually, the Doctor realizes that the famous Battle of Hastings is only a few weeks away. That should provide ample proof for Steven, but who is this mysterious monk, and what is his interest in the events of 1066?

• "The Time Meddler" is an overlooked classic (in my opinion).  Author Dennis Spooner offers up a fair amount of humor while still maintaining a balance with good story telling.

• This is the final story of the second season of Doctor Who and also the first story for companion Steven Taylor (who was introduced in the last episode of the previous story "The Chase."

• For the first time in the show's history another character from the Doctor's own planet is introduced, the Meddling Monk (played to perfection by Peter Butterworth).  The Monk would return again for two episodes of the third season epic "The Dalek's Masterplan."

• Actress Alethea Charlton makes her second and final appearance in Doctor Who.  She also played the character Hur in "An Unearthly Child."

• Originally thought lost forever, a print was returned to the BBC from Nigeria in the mid 80's.  Unfortunately, the opening scenes in the TARDIS involving Steven's discovery and his joining of the crew were edited out.  As luck would have it, a complete copy of this episode (including the TARDIS scenes) was returned in 1992.   For many North American fans this release will be the first opportunity to see the complete episode.

• For the U.K. release, this story was packaged along with "The Sensorites" and "The Gunfighters" as part of a First Doctor Box Set.

• As well as the usual high quality of restorative work done by the Doctor Who Restoration Team, a new "videoising" effect (called VidFIRE) was hoped to be used on this release.  Originally shot on videotape, then transferred to 16mm film for overseas sales, all 60's Who stories have a film look to them.  The new process restores the sharper, more "live" feel of videotape (and what would have been seen by the public when originally screened).  Unfortunately, the poorer video quality of this story meant that those plans had to be abandoned.  For more information on the VidFIRE process click HERE.