6. The 3rd Doctor Terror Of The Autons
You know Jo, I sometimes think that military intelligence is a contradiction in terms. The Doctor Even though Spearhead From Space is the first appearance of the Autons, this story, the second and last appearance until 2005, features a much more terrifying version of them. Terror of the Autons begins with the Master stealing a Nestene control unit and reactivating it, unleashing sentient dolls, chairs, and other plastic ephemera onto an unexpecting public. The Master wants to use the Autons to destroy humanity, and his old foe, the Doctor! This serial was controversial at the time, due to it truly frightening children. In fact, many children refused to sleep with their dolly afterward, thinking it would come to life and kill them, yet every episode received higher ratings than the last. Terror of the Autons brought us the Doctors Moriarty in fellow rogue Time Lord, the Master. This is the first of many 3rd Doctor stories to feature him as the antagonist. We also meet the Doctors new companion, Jo Grant, and UNIT member, Captain Mike Yates, both featuring prominently for most of the Pertwee era. Honorable mentions for the 3rd Doctor: The aforementioned Spearhead From Space, Inferno, The Sea Devils, The Time Warrior (first appearance of the Sontarans, as well as fan favorite companion, Sarah Jane Smith). Alright, have a jelly baby as we move on to