The idea, of replacing the main character – at the height of a show’s popularity; was a major risk for all concerned.
Troughton’s first appearance in ‘Power Of The Daleks’ – 1966.
Not least, Troughton himself; who was required – to follow in the footsteps of the extremely popular and William Hartnell.
However, instead of the change backfiring. It – infact, become the catalyst to keep the show going for the next 23 years. Allowing the ability – to change the lead actor and direction/tone of the show – every 3 to 4 years.
Troughton set about taking his Doctor character, in a completely different direction to his predecessor. Gone was the grumpy Grandad exterior of the First Doctor, replaced by the cooler (and younger) dad; who recounted parables – rather than answer a direct question.
At producer Sydney Newman’s insistence, the Second Doctor was modelled, as a “cosmic-hobo” – a cross between James Stewart and Charlie Chaplin. Given a 60’s Beatles-style mop-top, flute, diary, stove-pipe hat and the sonic screwdriver – even made it’s debut.
The Second Doctor began his tenure, in a rather confused and forgetful state, in The Power of the Daleks. Unable to remember – his identity, his situation or even – how to pilot the Tardis.
This was the first time the “post-regeneration stress blues” made an appearance, although the term “regeneration” was not coined – until the Pertwee era. Here, it was known as a “change of face” and it had been instigated by the Tardis.
Once the blues had subsided, the Doctor began to grow into his new character. This Doctor was less judgmental – and more thoughtful. Slightly less alien but still mysterious – and more eccentric and child-like than before. With younger energy and attitude – to boot.
This Second Doctor, didn’t travel with – as many companions; as other incarnations. This was mainly due, to the Doctor deciding to keep Jamie McCrimmon, as his mainstay – for almost the full 3-year run.
The Doctor met (and saved) Jamie, from the aftermath of the Battle Of Culloden; in The Highlanders. The Doctor originally travelled, with First Doctor companions; Ben and Polly but they decided to leave – in The Faceless Ones.
Victoria Waterfield joined the crew – for a time and then left and was then replaced, by Zoe Heriot. The Doctor also met and befriended; Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart who would go on to head-up UNIT. UNIT and the Brigadier, would feature prominently, throughout the Third Doctor era.
Troughton himself – was insistent that he only commit to the show for 3 seasons/years only, due to his fear of being typecast. This was to be (bar Colin Baker) the minimum expected run; for all future incarnations.
The Doctor encountered the Daleks – only twice, in The Power of the Daleks and in the (almost) Dalek swansong; The Evil of the Daleks. The latter, was intended to be the end of the Daleks, for good.
Troughton’s era, also signalled a breakaway from the pure historical period episodes – and went for a more sci-fi edge; with plenty of aliens. Indeed, Troughton’s era – is also known, as the “Monster era”.
The Doctor encounters, a museum of monsters, in – ‘The War Games’ – 1969.
The Second Doctor is forced to regenerate or “change face” )- by the Timelords – in “The War Games” 1969.
Other featured monsters, included the Troughton-synomous monsters; the Yeti. The Yeti appeared, in two-linked adventures; The Abominable Snowmen and The Web of Fear.
Troughton’s era, finally gave a name-and-face to the Doctor’s race; the Time Lords. As the Doctor was brought home, to Gallifrey for trial – for his past crimes in The War Games.
Indeed, Troughton’s approach, can be credited – as the first truly modern basis – for every portrayal of the Doctor. All subsequent actors in the role, credit Troughton as having influenced their own take on the character – to some degree.
The Doctor encountered the Daleks – only twice, in The Power of the Daleks and in the (almost) Dalek swansong; The Evil of the Daleks. The latter, was intended to be the end of the Daleks, for good.
The Doctor encounters, a museum of monsters, in – ‘The War Games’ – 1969.
