10 Behind The Scenes Reasons For Doctor Who Characters' Quirks

The Third Doctor's era is filled with such iconic quirks that still resonate with fans today. Namely the establishment of the UNIT family. Devised as a means of cost cutting, the Doctor's exile to Earth brought with it a whole new dynamic to the series, allowing Jon Pertwee's interpretation of the character to feel more grounded with his Earth-based environment and friends. Added in with the additional content of Three having his very own arch-nemesis, the Master, the family tree for this era was complete.

There are so many wonderful, heartfelt, and exciting, quirks to be admired throughout this period of Doctor Who. From the Third Doctor and the Brigadier's often confrontational, but respectful, admiration for one another.

The Third Doctor and Jo's beautifully woven friendship filled with such understanding and loyalty. And, of course, the masterful back-and-fourth game of chess between the two rivalling Time Lords. Throw in the delightful appearances of Sergeant Benton and Captain Mike Yates and there's just so much to enjoy about the golden UNIT years.

Naturally, this is all a testament to the behind-the-scenes harmony of all these fine actors, and the brilliant creative decisions devised by the executives, Barry Letts and Terrance Dicks. Sadly, all good things must come to an end.

After the passing of Roger Delgado, who played the Master, the UNIT family began its slow disbanding. Jo had already by this point been written out of the show, and with the addition of Delgado's tragic death, Pertwee found himself hit rather hard by all of this, even going as far as breaking down in tears, as he made the hard decision of moving on from Doctor Who.

Add this with the leaving of Letts and Dicks, the UNIT years were quickly put to bed by upcoming showrunners Philip Hinchcliffe and Robert Holmes. It stands as the most tragic transition period as you're forced to leave behind this unified family unit, and the stylistic formatting that showcased their impregnable bond.

You instantly get the vibe that once Tom Baker's Doctor has arrived the unique dynamic that once stood the test of time began dematerialising off our screens. Slowly, but sure, the remaining UNIT regulars were given the nudge out the door, with Season 14 inevitably being a complete clean slate once the final element from Pertwee's era vanished from our screens.