Many Doctor Who actors have had great stories during their runs, but the show let down Colin Baker, Paul McGann, and Jodie Whittaker. For almost six decades, the Doctor has been at the twice-beating heart of the series, and each performer has brought their unique spin to the Time Lord. From William Hartnell’s stern first series Doctor to David Tennant’s energetic Tenth, every actor left an indelible mark on the long history of the show.
However, not all Doctor Who actors were given the material their talent deserves. While the writing elevated some performances, others were trapped in circumstances beyond their control. Whether it was weak scripts, behind-the-scenes challenges, or unresolved story arcs, three stand out as actors who embodied the role of the Doctor brilliantly, yet didn’t get the stories to elevate their enormous potential.
Colin Baker, Paul McGann & Jodie Whittaker Were All Great Doctors, But Didn’t Get Great Episodes
Turbulent Times For Doctor Who Killed These Fine Performances
When Colin Baker stepped into the TARDIS in 1984 as the Sixth Doctor, he delivered a bold and brash interpretation of the Time Lord. Armed with a sharp wit, a flamboyant sense of fashion, and a no-nonsense attitude, Baker’s portrayal was polarizing from the start. Some loved his abrasive personality and fiery clashes with companions, while others found him difficult to warm up to.
Unfortunately, the Sixth Doctor’s tenure coincided with a turbulent time for Doctor Who, both on and off-screen. The writing during Baker’s era often felt inconsistent, plagued by overly complicated plots and lackluster villains. These issues hindered the character’s development, and Baker’s Sixth Doctor never received the arc that could have showcased his depth. On top of that, behind-the-scenes tensions led to Baker being unceremoniously ousted from the role after only two seasons.
Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor is perhaps the greatest “what if” in Doctor Who history. When McGann debuted in the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, his charismatic take on the Time Lord instantly won over viewers. With flowing Edwardian locks and a romantic sensibility, McGann brought a dashing charm and a tantalizing sense of mystery to the Eighth Doctor. Unfortunately, that one-off movie was the extent of his on-screen tenure before a brief, but memorable appearance in the 2013 mini-episode “The Night of the Doctor.”
The Doctor Who TV movie itself was far from perfect. While McGann’s performance shone, the film faltered due to an uneven tone, convoluted plot points, and an attempt to appeal too broadly to unfamiliar audiences. The TV movie failed to revive Doctor Who as a continuous series, leaving the Eighth Doctor as the enigmatic “missing link” between the classic and modern eras.
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Jodie Whittaker’s casting as the first female Doctor in 2017 was groundbreaking, and from her debut in “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” Whittaker brought boundless energy, warmth, and compassion to the role. Her Thirteenth Doctor embodied curiosity and optimism, offering a refreshing take on the character that resonated with many.
However, Whittaker’s era faced criticism similar to Baker’s. Her stories suffered from uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of the emotional stakes that defined previous eras. Instead of epic, lore-enhancing stories, Whittaker’s Doctor often grappled with convoluted resolutions, making it difficult for her strengths as a performer to take center stage.
Doctor Who’s Big Finish Stories Have Redeemed Baker & McGann
Jodie Whittaker Could Be The Next Recipient Of The Big Finish Bump
Both Baker and McGann saw their Doctors rehabilitated in the form of Big Finish audio dramas. These stories gave the Sixth Doctor more nuanced material, allowing Baker to explore the complexity of his character. From his moments of warmth to his biting intellect, Baker’s Big Finish adventures showed viewers what could have been if the original series had given him the quality of writing he deserved. Like Baker, McGann found new life through Big Finish as well. With hundreds of audio adventures under his belt, the Eighth Doctor blossomed into a richly developed character.
There’s reason to hope Whittaker’s Doctor may soon find a bright future ahead as well, with her Big Finish Doctor Who return already set for next summer. If it goes the way it did for Baker and McCann, the Thirteenth Doctor will soon get the reappraisal and affirmation missing from her original run.
