Review of The Time Warrior (#70)

DVD Release Date: 22 Dec 20
Original Air Date: 15 Dec 1973 – 05 Jan 1974
Doctors/Companions: Three, Sarah Jane Smith
Stars: Jon Pertwee, Elisabeth Sladen
Preceding Story: The Green Death (Three, Jo)
Succeeding Story: Invasion of the Dinosaurs (Three, Sarah Jane, the Brigadier)

Unlike most of the other entries in the Everything Else series, The Time Warrior is one about which I remembered quite a lot even before watching it again. Even though I’ve previously only covered it as a NuView (way back in the second month of the blog), it’s long been one of my favorite Third Doctor stories.

Among other things, it’s got a lot of firsts: the first Sarah Jane Smith story, the first appearance of a Sontaran, and the first ever mention of Gallifrey. It’s also got Jon Pertwee buckling some swash, scientists from the present day being used to nefarious purpose in the past, and an overall strong story that holds together well.

Almost as soon as I hit “Play,” further details came flooding back. To begin, writer Robert Holmes’s name showed up in the opening credits. “Ah yes,” I said to myself, “that explains the ‘strong story’ bit.”

Then there’s the medieval cast of characters. We have the barbarous warrior Irongron, who has taken over a castle as its erstwhile lord was out fighting wars for the king, and his band of degenerates, headed by his right-hand-man Bloodaxe. And in the neighboring fiefdom, we have Sir Edward and his wife Lady Eleanor (a “narrow-hipped vixen,” according to Irongron’s cursing—and the only woman other than Sarah Jane in the entire adventure), as well as their loyal underlings like Hal the Archer.

One of the things I love most about this story is that Sarah Jane and the Doctor are understandably a little leery of each other at first. Sarah Jane has gained access to UNIT by impersonating her virologist aunt. Although the Doctor sees through Sarah Jane’s ruse immediately (and finds it all rather amusing, really), she has no reason to trust him in return. Her investigative journalism instincts are correctly suggesting to her that something is off here. Unfortunately, they also incorrectly lead her to conclude that the Doctor is the one in cahoots with the bad guys.

As the two slowly gain each other’s trust and admiration, we are treated to stereotypically batty, single-minded, and (literally) short-sighted scientists; idiotic and blood-thirsty warriors all but wallowing in their own filth, contrasted with the weak but legitimate lord in his neat and tidy castle; and a “nasty, brutish, and short” space-faring alien with a low opinion of humanity. Really, what else do you need in a Classic Doctor Who story?

I have often in the past listed The Time Warrior as one of my favorites of the Third Doctor’s era and/or recommended it for first-time Third Doctor viewers. After seeing it this time, I can confirm that I’d happily do so again; I think it stands up well to the test of time, despite first airing nearly fifty years ago. So if you’re looking for a Classic Who romp to distract you for a couple of hours, go ahead and give The Time Warrior a try. I think you’ll be glad you did.