The Timeline Controversy of The Two Doctors: A Retcon Theory

Doctor Who is a show known for its rich and intricate timeline, often leaving viewers and fans pondering the interconnectedness of its stories. One controversial and intriguing aspect of the series is the placement of the second Doctor in the broader narrative, specifically in the context of The Two Doctors. This article aims to explore the timeline controversies surrounding this iconic episode and propose a retcon theory based on the Season 6B theory.

The Original Context of The Two Doctors

The episode The Two Doctors features the Second Doctor, played by Patrick Troughton, and takes place after the events of his original run but before his regeneration into the Third Doctor. It is set during the Second Doctor's era and is positioned around the stories of his original run.

Public Perception and Writer's Intentions

For most people involved with the franchise since the 1990s, The Two Doctors takes place during Season 6B. However, the original writer Robert Holmes did not focus on maintaining continuity in his stories. The newer writers were more diligent in keeping the timeline consistent, but Holmes was left alone, as evidenced by the inconsistencies in his writing.

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One notable inconsistency is when the Second Doctor, who spent his entire life hiding from the Time Lords, suddenly works for them willingly and discusses them with his companion, Jamie. This suggests a retcon theory where the Second Doctor had a covert relationship with the Time Lords during Season 6B.

The Season 6B Timeline Theory

The Season 6B theory proposes that between The War Games and the Second Doctor's trial, the Celestial Intervention Agency (CIA) began recruiting him for secret missions. During these missions, he lived in present-day England and used a Stattenheim Remote, given by the CIA, to summon his TARDIS. This provided a plausible explanation for the appearance of various companions in the episode without needing to explore a secret relationship with the Time Lords openly.

Timeline Explanation

According to this theory, The Two Doctors would be one of these secret missions. This interpretation also aligns well with The Five Doctors, which can be seen as another mission during this period. The retcon theory is further supported by the comic series, which provides a detailed account of the events of Season 6B, including the Doctor's death and regeneration.

Fandom and Official Acceptance

The Season 6B theory originated as fanon and appeared in the book The Discontinuity Guide. British author Terrance Dicks was convinced by this theory and incorporated it into his novels for Virgin Publishing. This unofficial but popular theory gained significant traction within the fan community and was later adopted by the official Doctor Who franchise as part of the episode guide on the official website.

Retcon Theory

While the Season 6B theory is widely accepted by fans, it remains a retcon and has not been officially established on-screen in the ongoing series. The production staff never added references to this theory in new TV episodes, leading to the belief that it is not canon. However, the theory remains a compelling alternative explanation for the inconsistencies in the Second Doctor's timeline.

Alternative Theories

Another take on the Season 6B theory is offered by the fan video Devious, which is licensed by the BBC and appears as a bonus feature on the The War Games DVD. This video posits a different take on the timeline, featuring a "second-and-a-half" Doctor played by Tony Garner. While this theory is not as widely accepted, it provides an interesting alternative perspective on the events leading up to The Two Doctors.

Overall, the timeline controversy of The Two Doctors remains a fascinating aspect of Doctor Who lore. Whether one chooses to accept the Season 6B theory or other alternative explanations, the rich and complex nature of the show's universe ensures that there is always something new to discover for fans of the series.

Note: This analysis is not an official stance from the Doctor Who production team. The timeline remains open to interpretation and fan theories.