Dimensions in Time
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Dimensions in Time was a charity special of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who that ran in two parts on November 27 and 28, 1993. They were the only dramatised episodes to celebrate Doctor Who's 30th anniversary, the show having been cancelled in 1989, and were made in aid of the charity Children in Need. The special was written by John Nathan-Turner, who was the producer of the series in the 1980s, and David Roden.
Synopsis
The Rani (Kate O'Mara) has opened a hole in time, allowing her access to the Doctor's timeline. She uses this to cycle through the Doctor's lives, causing him and his companions to jump back and forth between past and present incarnations.
Notes
- The special was one of several special 3D programmes the BBC produced at the time, using a 3D system that made use of the Pulfrich effect requiring glasses with one darkened lens.
- This special was made as a crossover with UK Soap Opera EastEnders. It was taped on the EastEnders "Albert Square" set, and features several of the stars of that programme at the time.
- The Daleks were also supposed to appear, but the segment (which was filmed but unused) was pulled after a dispute with Dalek co-creator Terry Nation over payments. All actors and crew were working unpaid, with the only stipulation being that it could never be repeated or sold on videotape/DVD for profit. The Dalek segment would have seen Peter Davison facing up against them again in the streets seen in the 1984 serial Resurrection of the Daleks.
- The second part was broadcast as part of popular UK programme Noel's House Party. Noel Edmonds, the host of the programme, requested the episode have several key lines and moments cut from broadcast for timing reasons. This contributed to the story's failure to make any real narrative sense.
- Tom Baker (The Doctor between 1974 and 1981) returned to the role on television for the first time since leaving it 12 years previously, though he had recorded links for the video release of the incomplete Shada the year before, apparently in character. No attempt is made at explaining his short, grey hair.
- Placing this story within the continuity of the "Whoniverse" is challenging given its nature and the fact it keeps jumping between Doctors. Some online sources such as the Doctor Who Reference Guide suggest that it actually takes place during the Seventh Doctor era since it is this Doctor and his companion who ultimately resolve the adventure.
External links
- Cast and Crew list, on the BBCi website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/doctorwho/episodeguide/dimensionstime/castcrew.shtml)