Doctor Who: 10 Best NuWho Performances From Guest Stars
3. Derek Jacobi As Professor Yana/The Master - Utopia (Series 3, Episode 11)
When The Doctor, Martha and stowaway Captain Jack Harkness
are whisked away to the very end of the universe, they stumble across the last
humans hoping to find a brand new life in Utopia.
Professor Yana is the man trying to program the rocket to enable them to escape and here we are introduced to the brilliant Derek Jacobi. The Doctor instantly bonds with the warm, wizened old man when they meet, but Yana is tormented by the sound of drums and a mysterious pocket watch which looks all too familiar…
Jacobi showcases his theatrical talents as he effortlessly switches from a seemingly harmless, noble professor to the mad, sadistic Master – The Doctor’s greatest foe (minus the Daleks!).
The change in Derek’s performance is mesmerising, as he becomes a terrifying evil figure who will not hesitate to kill his insect-like partner, Chantho and steal The Doctor’s TARDIS.
Jacobi must be commended for managing to make such a strong
impression as The Master with barely any screen time, before regenerating into John
Simm’s younger incarnation to match up with Tennant in the following episodes.