Doctor Who: 12 Greatest Master Moments Of All Time
In anticipation of John Simm's surprise return a look back at some classic Master scenes.
In case we weren’t already hyped about the return of Doctor
Who, over the last few weeks the BBC has been drip feeding us with some
scintillating spoilers for Peter Capaldi’s final series. First we were teased
with the Ice Warriors, then the original 1966 version of the Cybermen, and
finally the jaw dropping revelation that after a gap of seven years, John Simm
will be returning as the Master.
To quote a certain Doctor: “What? What? What?”
There are apparently even bigger shocks to come, but few could have anticipated this, especially as Michelle Gomez will also be starring as Missy, the Master’s latest incarnation.
Cue frantic speculation about how a multi-master story might play out, with one source claiming that Moffat won’t be stopping at just two versions of the Doctor’s nemesis. Whatever the writer has up his sleeve, we can be sure that the Master, as ever, will be putting on quite a show.
From Roger Delgado in 1973 to Michelle Gomez in 2015, and whichever persona happens to be your personal favourite, the character has gifted us with some of Doctor Who’s most memorable scenes.
12. I Am Usually Referred To As The Master
Roger Delgado’s winning mix of suave and sinister was immediately evident from his very first entrance. Terror of the Autons is an indulgent collection of set pieces that don’t necessarily add up to a cohesive whole, and what with the fake policemen, hungry faux leather chair, animated troll doll and deadly telephone wires, this gem of a scene is often overlooked.
Without breaking a sweat, the Master takes control of circus master Rossini’s body and mind. Assuming the stranger to be a conjurer auditioning for work, the self-proclaimed international entrepreneur dismisses the Master’s claim to be universally feared. He receives short thrift, with the delicious “primitive human” insult.
Riled, the circus master then shows his true colours by threatening to assault the Master, only to end up being held by a superhuman grip. The incidental music is the only clue that Rossini is being hypnotised, so effortless is the Time Lord’s power. Finally, with a nonchalant click of a finger his new puppy meekly follows.
The viewers have no idea at this stage who the man in black is, but already we too are under his spell.