A New Take on Classic Doctor Who: Rewriting ‘The Witchfinders’

From the iconic First Doctor to the modern Thirteenth Doctor, each TARDIS team brings its unique flair to the classic British television series, Doctor Who. However, what if some episodes would have been even more interesting with a different team? This article explores the potential of one such episode, 'The Witchfinders,' with a different TARDIS team. Let's delve into how the story could have been enhanced, particularly with the First or Third Doctor at the helm.

The Witchfinders: A Rushed Story

A Critical Look at the Script
One of the significant issues with 'The Witchfinders' is its pacing. The one-hour storyline may have felt too rushed, making the narrative less engaging. What if the story could have been spread out over several episodes, allowing for a more detailed exploration of the plot? This would have made the viewers more immersed in the historical setting and the alien elements in the story.

Choose the Right Era: Classic or Modern?
To enhance the experience of 'The Witchfinders,' it might be more effective to revisit this story during the classic era of Doctor Who. Specifically, either the First Doctor era or the Third Doctor era would provide the ideal setting for this tale.

The First Doctor: A Heroic Start

Companions of the First Doctor
For the First Doctor, companions Ian, Barbara, and Vicki would bring a fresh dynamic to the episode. Each of them brings their unique character traits that could significantly impact the story. Ian would undoubtedly be the hero, ready to take action at every turn. Barbara would oscillate between fascination with the historical era and shock at the presence of aliens in a period setting. As for Vicki, her awareness of the barbarity of witch hunts would make her the natural antagonist, possibly even accused of witchcraft by the Morax.

Episode Structure
With the First Doctor at the lead, the story could easily be extended into a four-episode serial. The Morax could be left to the third episode's cliffhanger, leaving a tantalizing build-up for the fourth episode, where the final twist would be revealed and the Morax would be confronted by the TARDIS team.

The Third Doctor: A Modern Twist

Companions of the Third Doctor
Alternatively, the Third Doctor could bring a new perspective to 'The Witchfinders.' Jo and Sarah Jane, both strong and independent companions, offer different angles for this tale. Jo, always the escape artist, would make a perfect candidate for leaping from a dunking stool while underwater. Meanwhile, Sarah Jane's sense of justice and confrontation would make her a great advocate for the rights of women and an effective lecturer to King James on his misogynistic beliefs.

Episode Structure
In the era of the Third Doctor, 'The Witchfinders' could be handled as a six-episode serial. The story would likely see a complete shift around episode three, leading to the reveal of the Morax. This would create a thrilling and unpredictable narrative, much more engaging for the viewers.

Conclusion: The Right Fit Makes All the Difference

No matter which TARDIS team you choose, the story of 'The Witchfinders' could have benefited from a more relaxed pacing and a storyline spread across several episodes. This would have enhanced the immersive experience for viewers, making the historical and alien elements more engaging. While the companions 'The Fam' brought energy and support to the traditional era of Doctor Who, the companions from the First and Third Doctors' time would have provided a different kind of excitement and a more intriguing narrative.

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Doctor Who TARDIS Team Rewriting Episodes