The Hidden History of the Alternate Doctors: A 30 Worlds Side Story

by William "Blissey" Raymer

Based on the BBC Studios for BBC One television series Doctor Who

Created by Sydney Newman, C.E. Webber and Donald Wilson

This story is written with the kind permission of YouTube user "DaDoctorWhoFan," creator of the "What if Doctor Who Wasn't Axed?" video series. This story is an adaptation of the alternate timeline created for the series, with some details altered to fit the 30 Worlds franchise's story and character development parameters.

This story is intended to be an overview of the alternate history's version of the main Doctor Who programme. If you are interested in seeing the complete story (including all of the alternate history's spin-off series and other materials), please visit the DaDoctorWhoFan YouTube channel through the link in my profile on this site.

PROLOGUE

Most dimensional history charts note that a television series entitled Doctor Who was cancelled by its production company and broadcasting network, the British Broadcasting Corporation, in the Earth year 1989 C.E. The reason given for this cancellation was the decline in something called "ratings," or the numerical measurement of audience support and confidence in a television programme. In these dimensions, the series would lie dormant until 2004—a 1996 made-for-television movie not withstanding—when a new series would begin that runs to the present day.

However, the histories of a few dimensions, such as the World of Girl Meets World—the adopted home dimension of King William III of Cinnabar—note that the BBC decided to let Doctor Who have another chance at life after its 26th season (or airing period). This chronicle details the chain of events that ensued in the World of Girl Meets World, including the rise of Doctors who other dimensions would never know…

CHAPTER ONE:

Season 27 (1990)

Our story begins after the airing of "Ghost Light," the final story of Doctor Who's 26th season, when series producers John Nathan-Turner and Andrew Cartmel announced that they would be leaving the show. It was also announced that the impending 27th season would be the final season for Seventh Doctor actor Sylvester McCoy and companion Ace actress Sophie Aldred.

As preparations for season 27 got underway, the BBC announced that Stephen Garwood, the assistant floor manager during season 26, would be promoted to producer of the show in season 27. Garwood, however, wasn't confident in his knowledge of the writers, so he asked Andrew Cartmel to assist him during the transition.

Cartmel put together an outline for the season, creating a character to replace Ace as the Seventh Doctor's companion: Katie Tollinger, a "posh, upper-class cat burglar" as she was described in the outline. In addition, Garwood selected Ben Aaronovitch, writer of the acclaimed stories "Battlefield" and "Remembrance of the Daleks," to act as script editor.

In addition, a new arrangement of the classic Ron Grainer theme tune was created by composer Jean-Michael Jarret. New designs for the TARDIS control room and the Seventh Doctor's costume were also created.

Season 27 would run on BBC Two from the 8th of September 1990 to the 8th of December 1990, comprising four serial stories and fourteen 25-minute episodes.

"Earth Aid"

Written by: Ben Aaronovitch

Directed by: Chris Clough

Original Transmission Dates: 8 September 1990-22 September 1990

In this three-part serial, set aboard the Earth space vessel Vancouver, the Doctor and Ace go undercover to investigate the truth behind a grain shipment to a distant Earth colony world.

This serial was voted #158 on Doctor Who Magazine's 2014 poll of which was the best story out of all 323 stories so far produced. It would also introduce a new villainous race to Doctor Who canon: the Metatraxi, who would figure into the majority of episodes throughout Season 27.

"Ice Time"

Written By: Marc Platt

Directed by Christopher Barry

Original Transmission Dates: 29 September 1990-20 October 1990

Set in 1967 Moscow at the height of the Cold War, this four-part serial finds the Doctor and Ace investigating Martian relics that the Soviet Union want to use to tip the balance of the Cold War in their favor.

This story marks Ace's final appearance as a regular companion, although she would appear as a guest character in a later story. This serial also marks the return of the Ice Warriors, who were making their first appearance on the show since the Third Doctor story "The Monster of Peladon" sixteen years earlier.

In the 2014 Doctor Who Magazine poll of favorite stories, "Ice Time" was ranked 75th of 323.

"Crime of the Century"

Written By: Andrew Cartmel

Directed by: Alan Wareing

Original Transmission Dates: 27 October 1990-10 November 1990

The Doctor has a plan in motion. 1990, London: safe cracker Katie Tollinger breaks into a house but finds more than she bargained for. In the Middle East, a newly-established and peaceful kingdom is under siege by Soviet…and alien…invaders. And on the Scottish border, a secret facility plays host to an advanced alien weapon. What can go wrong?

This story introduced the Doctor's newest companion, Katie Tollinger, played by Julia Sawahla. The baby version of the character had actually appeared in "Ice Time," but this was her first appearance as an adult.

The 2004 Doctor Who Magazine "Story of Stories" poll listed "Crime of the Century" as #275 out of 323.

"Blood and Iron"

Written By: Andrew Cartmel

Directed By: Graeme Harper

Original Transmission Dates: 16 November 1990-7 December 1990

The Doctor and Katie travel to 2001. For Katie, she is thrilled to experience her first trip into the future. But for The Doctor, it becomes a life-or-death struggle when alien creatures imprisoned in a university science lab and a mysterious student both cause trouble.

This story (#161 of 323 in the "Story of Stories" poll) was Sylvester McCoy's last story as The Doctor until the Season 40 story "Conumdrum", and introduced the Eighth Doctor—played in our alternate history by Richard Griffiths (1947-2013), who is perhaps more known in the United States as Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter film series.

"Blood and Iron" also introduced a new companion: Henrick, played by John Banks. He would go on to become the second-longest-serving companion of all time, appearing throughout the entire Richard Griffiths era. He would only be supplanted by Louise Jamison's Leela when she returned for seasons 41-43 and the subsequent spin-off series Panopticon.