Doctor Who: William Hartnell’s 10 Best Episodes

8. The Celestial Toymaker

Episode: Season 3, episode 7

Companions: Steven Taylor, Dorothea "Dodo" Chaplet

Certain episodes have been "lost" in the BBC archive when they wrote over the tapes to save money. However, the audio from the episode, the script, and a few pictures allow certain episodes to be "reconstructed". Hopefully, the BBC re-discovers those episodes like they did with "Web of Fear," but until then the reconstructions are all that are left of the lost episodes. Even though it is tasking to watch, certain episodes are definitely worth it. The Celestial Toymaker starts with the TARDIS landing in the 'celestial toy-room' where the Doctor is rendered invisible. The TARDIS crew meets an immortal being named the Celestial Toymaker. Apparently, the Doctor has met the Toymaker before, and he has pulled him back for another game. The Toymaker reveals his game, that the Doctor must solve a puzzle in the exact same time that his companions get through their games, or they will be his subjects for eternity. The Toymaker also makes the Doctor unable to speak so he is unable to help his companions, Steven and Dodo. In a battle of wits, the Doctor and his Companions struggle against the Toymaker for their freedom. One of the things that's amazing about the show is the locations they go to. This episode is great because with each part it begins with a riddle, so as the episode goes on you can try to solve the puzzle along with Steven and Dodo. The Toymaker is a great adversary, since he always stays one step ahead from the Doctor (at least it seems that way up until the last part). The Doctor and the Toymaker are equal to each other in intelligence, making the Toymaker's game even more fantastic to watch. The lack of video does hinder the quality, but if you have time it is definitely worth the watch.