Inquisitor (Doctor Who)
| The Trial of a Time Lord | |
|---|---|
Cover of the 2008 Region 2 DVD release.
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| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of episodes | 14 |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC One |
| Original release | 6 September – 6 December 1986 |
| Season chronology | |
The Trial of a Time Lord is a 14-part science fiction serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The serial, produced as the show's twenty-third season, aired in weekly episodes from 6 September to 6 December 1986. The only Doctor Who presentation of its kind, it contains four adventures: The Mysterious Planet, Mindwarp, Terror of the Vervoids, and The Ultimate Foe – Colin Baker's final story.
The idea for the serial stemmed from several production changes to Doctor Who, such as reduced screen time for the season and a request from BBC controller Michael Grade that the series contain less violence and more humour. Several problems occurred during production, including the death of scriptwriter Robert Holmes, and the resignation of script editor Eric Saward. This was the last serial to star Colin Baker after he was dismissed from the role when it ended.
In the serial, the Sixth Doctor is tried by the High Council of Time Lords for breaking several of the laws of Gallifrey, the Time Lords' home world, including interference with outside worlds and genocide. A mysterious character called the Valeyard acts as prosecutor. In the first two chapters (The Mysterious Planet and Mindwarp) events from the Doctor's past and present are submitted as evidence of his guilt. The third chapter (Terror of the Vervoids) presents future events in the Doctor's defence. In the concluding chapter (The Ultimate Foe) the Doctor's trial is halted, and the Doctor confronts the Valeyard and his old rival, the Master, in order to clear his name and to save the High Council.
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