Doctor Who 50th Anniversary: 5 Things That Are or Aren't Happening (Probably)

5. The Ice Warriors

For those who don't know, these (usually) adversarial acquaintances of the Doctor are rather reptilian Martians who love the cold, seem to have organic/cybernetic technology (It's never been made clear), and have an instantly recognizeable look and voice. (Theeey taaaallk liiiike thissssss in a whissssper.) They first turned up on Patrick Troughton's watch in 1967, and were instant classics. Also, their costumes cost a bomb back then, so they were guaranteed a comeback. They showed up again to bother Troughton on the moon (and brought THAT foam machine with them - If you've seen any Troughton episode/fragments, you know what I'm talking about) and then they helped and then hindered Doctor #3, Jon Pertwee, in two separate stories set on Peladon in the 70's. And after 1974......nothing. They got a great namecheck in "The Waters of Mars", and several near misses in the 80's. But that's it. But it looks like they'll be back. And they probably'll look much as they used to. In my previous article I asked for a returning alien race incidentally, and maybe an Argolin or a Drahvin'll figure in the background of an episode yet. However, in the same point I mentioned that when we get returning aliens, they tend to be redesigned to a degree. This has made me nervous, because now the Silurians look more like the Draconians and wear clothes - Because as the Ood proved, you can save money just making alien heads and gloves. Happily, at least the Ood were brilliant.

I worry about races such as the Zygons and the Ice Warriors returning because they certainly demand an elaborate costume. And unlike Daleks and Cybermen, they aren't guaranteed moneyspinners. However, take a look at the image below; These are upcoming toys previewed along with several others at Toy Fair..... The key thing to notice is the Ice Warrior is the ONLY one who isn't a current New Series monster. Would he get a release if he wasn't set to show up (and at least guarantee SOME sales by being a Classic)? Slam dunk, I'd say, except I've a couple more points that'll let me hang on that rim and showboat a bit more....

In addition to Matt Smith smiling knowingly when he was asked during an appearance if they were returning (He didn't answer either way other than that), "The Reign of Terror" DVD release has a coming attraction for..... "The Ice Warriors". Which, naturally, gets some free promotion if they're turning up in a couple months too. WILL IT BE ANY GOOD? I'm going out on a limb and saying yes. Based on the toy appearance, they'll not require us to stare at something green and squint before we agree it's an Ice Warrior. (COUGH! Silurian redesign! COUGH!) Plus, the rumoured script that is intended to incorporate them is hinted to have "a creature" that is found or alone as its focus. Giving this creature a return that allows story and effects to not focus on generating an army of Ice Warrior threats means it may be a more sophisticated effort or play up the character drama as well as the action. Some of the best NuWho takes this approach, as well as classic (I'm thinking "The Time Warrior", still the best Sontaran story bar none). OVERALL LIKELIHOOD: 9 out of 10.