The Fourth Doctor Who Collectibles and Action Figures – Everyone has their own Doctor and for me it was Tom Baker who played the fourth incarnation of the iconic Time Lord in the long-running British science-fiction TV series, Doctor Who. He portrayed the Doctor from 1974 to 1981, making him the longest-serving actor in the role until David Tennant surpassed his record in 2010. Baker’s portrayal of the character has become a fan favorite, with his eccentricity, wit, and unique fashion sense defining his take on the role. We take a look at Tom Baker’s role as the Doctor and some of the action figures, collectibles and books released over the years.
Baker’s first appearance as the Doctor was in the 1974 serial, “Robot.” In this episode, the Doctor has just regenerated and is struggling to adjust to his new body. He is called upon to investigate a series of thefts from a top-secret military base, which leads him to discover the existence of a dangerous robot that has been developed by a mad scientist. The story is action-packed and features plenty of witty banter between the Doctor and his companions, as well as some thrilling set pieces.
One of the most memorable episodes from Baker’s tenure as the Doctor is “Genesis of the Daleks,” which aired in 1975. This six-part serial tells the origin story of the Doctor’s most iconic foes, the Daleks. The Doctor is sent back in time to the planet Skaro, where he is tasked with preventing the creation of the Daleks. The story is a dark and gritty tale of war and genocide, with some genuinely shocking moments. It also features the introduction of the character Davros, the creator of the Daleks.
Another standout episode from Baker’s era is “City of Death,” which aired in 1979. This story sees the Doctor and his companion Romana (played by Lalla Ward) travelling to Paris, where they discover that an alien is attempting to steal the Mona Lisa. The episode is a lot of fun, with some fantastic location filming in Paris and some great comedic moments. It is also notable for being co-written by Douglas Adams, who later went on to write “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
The Fourth Doctor Who Annuals
In 1976, the BBC began publishing the Tom Baker Doctor Who Annuals, a series of hardcover books filled with stories, puzzles, games, and illustrations featuring the Fourth Doctor and his companions. The annuals were a popular and beloved part of Doctor Who merchandise, with a total of ten volumes published between 1976 and 1982. The first Tom Baker Doctor Who Annual was published in 1976, featuring stories written by popular Doctor Who scriptwriters Terrance Dicks and Robert Holmes, as well as a variety of puzzles, quizzes, and games. The annual also included illustrations by popular Doctor Who artist Frank Bellamy, whose dynamic and colorful artwork helped to bring the Doctor’s adventures to life.
Action Figures and Funko POP!
A number of action figures have been released including the classic Mego range, Dapol, Big Chief, Underground and many by the BBC. Funko have released a number of Doctor Who models including a standard version 222 of the Fourth Doctor and a couple of exclusives including version 232 for Barnes & Noble which has the Doctor holding Jelly Babies.
Baker’s final episode as the Doctor was “Logopolis,” which aired in 1981. In this story, the Doctor teams up with his old companion, Adric, to prevent the universe from collapsing. The episode is a fitting end to Baker’s tenure, with some emotional scenes and a poignant final speech from the Doctor.
Overall, Tom Baker’s portrayal of the Doctor is one of the most beloved in the show’s history. His tenure saw some of the show’s most memorable episodes and villains, and his distinctive personality has left a lasting impression on fans of the series. Even today, over 40 years after he first appeared on screen as the Doctor, Tom Baker remains a firm fan favorite and an integral part of the show’s legacy.
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