Colin Baker: From Sacking to Success with Big Finish and Beyond

Colin Baker, one of the most beloved Daleks in the Doctor Who franchise, has had a complex relationship with the BBC over the years. His journey from a controversial firing to a successful career with Big Finish and beyond is a fascinating tale of change and redemption.

The Sacking of Colin Baker

The reasons behind Colin Baker's sacking from the role of the Doctor in 1986 have been a subject of much debate. According to Mike Morrison in an article for Screen Rant, Baker was fired largely due to the political climate surrounding the show. The article suggests that Doctor Who was heavily criticized during the 1980s, and Baker's firing was a convenient scapegoat.

TV Tropes further adds that after his sacking, the show was cancelled three years later, in 1996, without the return of the original cast. Despite the controversy, public opinion seemed to be forgiving, and few blamed the problems with the show on any individual character or actor, including Colin Baker or his successor, Sylvester McCoy.

Reconciliation with the Doctor Who Franchise

Colin Baker's career took a different turn with the advent of Big Finish Productions. This is a separate company from the BBC, which opened new opportunities for Baker to rekindle his bond with the iconic role. The enthusiasm that Baker maintained for the character likely played a significant role in him being cast in numerous Big Finish productions. His continued dedication and love for the role elevated him to a legendary status among fans.

After years of being a Big Finish regular, Baker eventually made a triumphant return to the BBC in 2017 with the Dimensions in Time audio drama. This collaboration signified a new era in his relationship with the Doctor Who franchise. The intervening years likely saw a complete change in management, which might have alleviated any lingering personal resentments or clashes that may have existed during his earlier tenure.

Continuity and Legacy

One of the most remarkable aspects of Colin Baker's career is the continuity and legacy he has maintained. Even after being fired from the show, he never stopped portraying the 6th Doctor. This dedication to the character is particularly noteworthy, as JNT (Whitaker), who fired him, directed a regeneration episode with Sylvester McCoy. Although this was not done by Baker, his refusal to return for his own regeneration highlighted his commitment to the role.

Other Big Finish productions allowed Baker to explore various storylines and character arcs, extending the rich tapestry of the 6th Doctor's adventures. This ongoing involvement with the franchise demonstrated that for many fans, Colin Baker's portrayal of the Doctor was irreplaceable and timeless.

Today, Colin Baker is celebrated as one of the most iconic Doctors in the history of the series. His journey from sacking to success has not only solidified his place in Doctor Who lore but also set a remarkable precedent for actors and their relationship with beloved TV franchises.

Key Points to Remember:

The political climate of the 1980s and public opinion's shifting stance on the show were significant factors in Baker's sacking. Big Finish Productions provided a platform for Baker to continue his involvement with the franchise and maintain his legacy. Baker's return to Dimensions in Time in 2017 marked a new, positive chapter in his relationship with the Doctor Who family. His refusal to return for his own regeneration and continued enthusiasm for the role underline his dedication to the 6th Doctor.

Baker's story is a testament to the enduring nature of the Doctor Who franchise and the lengths to which actors will go to maintain their relationship with a beloved character.