The Trial of a Time Lord

It may surprise some of you but of all of the Doctors the Sixth is my least favourable. Not to say I dislike him a great deal. I like all of the Doctors, it is just Mr. C. Baker is at the bottom of the list for me. Though it is all quite close. I think it is most likely because of the writing rather than the acting. The Sixth is a rather fun Doc to watch. Though I can't really place my finger on any of his television adventures that I particularly like. His audioplays are a different story but lets not get on to that. There is one exploit that does stand out for me and that is the Trial of a Time Lord story arc.

Lets start with one of the writers. Robert Holmes! Yes, a good start, when the writer of Talons of Weng-Chiang is on his game. Which me most definitely is. As the sole writer of the first part of Trial of a Time Lord, The Mysterious Planet, Holmes really does kick off an neo-epic tale for the Doctor. Playing with Gallifreyian society, laws and narrative styles. Holmes also introduces one of the most impressive enemies for the Doctor ever. The Valeyard. Who matches wits with the Doctor on nearly all fronts. More so than even the Master.

Four stories make up the Trial, making for a collection of 14 parts in total. The Mysterious Planet, Mindwarp, Terror of the Vervoids and The Ultimate Foe. In which a great deal actually happens. Not only does it introduce a great villain to the canon, it introduces a new companion. Heralds the last appearance of another companion and even the last appearance of the C. Baker as the Doctor.

Despite alot of terrible writing before hand, Trial of a Time Lord does at least give Colin Baker a decent last episode. There are a lot of fun moments in this story arc, and it really tries to go all out. Granted the ending goes a little silly, especially in the Matrix where everything and nothing can seem to harm you. Overall though it is easily a great story arc, and the best for the Sixth Doctor.

It is only unfortunate that with such a high note to end on that Colin wouldn't do the regeneration scene afterwards. Ah well, at least it has Brian Blessed in it.