Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor

Watch Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor

  • 2013
  • 1 Season

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a British science-fiction television series produced by the BBC. It features the third incarnation of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who travels through time and space in his TARDIS, a sentient time and space machine that looks like a 1960s police box. This sampler includes some of the best episodes of the third Doctor's tenure, played by actor Jon Pertwee.

The series aired on BBC One from 1970 to 1974 and consisted of 128 episodes spanning five seasons. The show was created by Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber, and Donald Wilson and was intended to be a family-friendly adventure series that blended science-fiction, horror, and comedy elements. Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a tribute to the legacy and impact of the third Doctor on the show.

The third Doctor is portrayed as a suave and dandy-like figure with a love for vintage cars, frilly shirts, and capes. Unlike his previous incarnations, he is exiled on Earth by his fellow Time Lords, who punish him for interfering too much with other civilizations' timelines. He becomes a consultant to the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT), led by Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart. Together, they defend Earth from alien invasions and other cosmic threats.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a showcase of some of the finest episodes from the third Doctor's era. The episodes feature a mix of classic monsters, memorable companions, and iconic moments that have become the stuff of legends among Whovians.

One of the standout episodes of the sampler is "Spearhead from Space," which serves as the opening episode of the third Doctor's tenure. It features the debut of the Nestene Consciousness, a sentient alien entity that controls plastic and creates killer mannequins called Autons. The episode is known for its unique filming style, shot entirely on 16mm film to give it a more cinematic look.

Another memorable episode is "The Three Doctors," which celebrates the tenth anniversary of the show. It features not just the third Doctor but also the first and second Doctors. It explores the relationship between the Doctors and how they solve a crisis that threatens the universe. It's a delightful nostalgia trip for fans of the old series.

One of the most popular episodes in the sampler is "The Green Death," which is the final episode of Jo Grant, played by Katy Manning, one of the third Doctor's most popular companions. The episode features giant maggots that are created due to industrial pollution. The episode is notable for its environmental themes and poignant farewell between the Doctor and Jo.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor also includes "Inferno," an episode that takes place in an alternate universe where the Doctor must prevent a drilling project from unleashing a race of primordial creatures. The episode is remembered for its suspenseful and dark storyline, which explored the concept of parallel universes.

Other episodes in the sampler include "Planet of the Daleks," which features the third Doctor's battle against the Daleks, and "The Time Warrior," which introduces the popular Sontaran warrior race to the show.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a fine tribute to one of the most beloved incarnations of the Doctor. It captures the essence of the third Doctor's era, which is a mix of action, adventure, and a touch of wit. The sampler is a great entry point for anyone who wants to discover the third Doctor's era or relive some of its memorable moments. The episodes showcase the third Doctor at his finest and serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Doctor Who.

Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between March 31, 2013 and on BBC

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The Silurians, Episode 7
8. The Silurians, Episode 7
March 14, 1970
Their plan to wipe out the human race with a virus having failed, the Silurians decide to make the planet uninhabitable by destroying the Van Allen Belt, the radiation belt that surrounds the Earth. They force the Doctor to help them.
The Silurians, Episode 6
7. The Silurians, Episode 6
March 7, 1970
There is panic on the streets of London when the Silurians unleash a deadly virus on the unsuspecting human race. As the virus spreads and the first casualties die, the Doctor and Liz work on finding an antidote.
The Silurians, Episode 5
6. The Silurians, Episode 5
February 28, 1970
The Doctor is captured by the Silurians and the Brigadier's search party has been trapped in the caves, rapidly running out of air. The Silurians ruled the Earth millions of years ago and plan to do so again.
The Silurians, Episode 4
5. The Silurians, Episode 4
February 21, 1970
The Doctor comes face to face with a Silurian and Major Baker, supposedly confined to the sick bay, heads off to find saboteurs in the caves. Liz and the Doctor find him captured and a doorway to the Silurian enclave.
The Silurians, Episode 3
4. The Silurians, Episode 3
February 14, 1970
The wounded reptilian escapes from the barn and UNIT search the moors for it. Meanwhile, Dr Quinn sets off to find it himself using a communication device. The Doctor knows that he is hiding something.
The Silurians, Episode 2
3. The Silurians, Episode 2
February 7, 1970
With the power losses still occuring, the Doctor decides to investigate the caves. When the others accompany him they come face to face with a reptilian creature. In the ensuing fray it is wounded and escapes onto the moors.
The Silurians, Episode 1
2. The Silurians, Episode 1
January 31, 1970
Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart enlists the Doctor and Liz to investigate power failures at an underground atomic research center. There they learn that an incident has left one of their technicians dead and another frightened out of his wits.
Revisited: Jon Pertwee, The Third Doctor
1. Revisited: Jon Pertwee, The Third Doctor
March 31, 2013
Along with the introduction of color, the Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee, brought with him action, stunts and car chases to the Doctor Who series. Join The Doctors Revisited as we check out the helicopters and hovercrafts. Look at how the Doctor joined the British Army and get acquainted with his arch nemesis The Master!
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Where to Watch Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor
Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor is available for streaming on the BBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Doctor Who Sampler: The Third Doctor on demand at Vudu.
  • Premiere Date
    March 31, 2013