Summary: After celebrating the momentous milestone of the 50th anniversary, some Whovians have found a desire to go back and delve into more than just the past eight years. We at GPR are here to serve! We have put together a tutorial for starting a journey into "the classics". Come with us as we visit some historic landmarks on the way to 2005. The War Games [2nd Doctor, Season 6] What? Why are large factions of Earth armies being taken out of time, and forced to fight? The Doctor is forced to take drastic measures to help. Why? Great amount of backstory to the Doctor’s status as a rebel from the Time Lords, and the reasons for his life “on the run”. For New Whovians: Some understanding of Time Lord “justice”, and the first clear indication that the mighty race is not necessarily a benevolent one. Spearhead from Space (Available on Netflix) [3rd Doctor, Season 7] What? The Doctor is now regenerated into his third form, and finds himself trying to make sense of the transition, while protecting very suspicious humans from an Auton threat. Why? Excellent example of a post-regen experience, while discovering the “new self”, while still having glimpses of the predecessor. Earliest use of the Autons, who recur all the way through New Who, despite being immensely easy to destroy. More of an “action” feel from the series than seen before (and yes, the stupid tattoo). For New Whovians: a solid understanding of how UNIT came to depend on the Doctor as an advisor, more so than an alien to have “tabs kept on”. The Three Doctors (Available on Netflix) [3rd Doctor, joined by 2nd and 1st, Season 10] What? A “lost hero” from the Gallifreyan past enacts his revenge on the Time Lords, and in order to defend themselves, they must enlist not only one Doctor, but three. Why? Clever dialogue between Pertwee and Troughton, and the last screen appearance by Hartnell in the series. Surprisingly interesting scientific baseline for the plot (TIme Lords drawing power from a black hole, Omega living in an antimatter universe on the other side, etc.) An example of the Doctor ‘doing a solid’ for the Time Lords, and getting a reward for his efforts (the part needed for his TARDIS). For New Whovians: a fun way to see familiar banter/argument between Doctors, great involvement by UNIT, the Brig, and Benton. Humor, danger, and an actually interesting script. Genesis of the Daleks [4th Doctor, Season 12] What? The Doctor is sent back to intercept the creation of the Daleks, and comes face to face with Davros. Why? Suspenseful script, and a brilliant war of words between 4th and Davros. For New Whovians: The origin story to the Daleks. CASE CLOSED. City of Death (Available on Netflix) [4th Doctor, Season 17] What? A mastermind of an alien race is gathering priceless art -- and technology -- in order to gain the ability to time travel. Why? Clever writing that Baker absolutely shines with -- witty, slightly mad, and always in control (while seemingly devoid of it). A compelling villain (The Jagaroth) as a greed-driven species seeking the ability to time travel. For New Whovians: a great example of the sort of fun that Classic Who can offer. Comedic bits as fun as 10th or 11th, and alien villains manipulating Earthlings (a familiar theme). Romana is a great companion for NW’vians to enjoy -- smart, capable, and able to give as much as she takes from the Doctor. (Interesting fact: the last episode had over 16 million viewers, a DW record!) Earthshock [5th Doctor, Season 19] What? The Cybermen are at it again, killing archaeologists who are getting too close to some of their plans. Why? Excellent example of Davison’s empathic Doctor,
