The fourth season of Doctor Who (1966-1967) marks a turning point in the series’ history, introducing a new Doctor and a companion dynamic that would become a signature of the show. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Regeneration and a New Era:

• The Second Doctor Regenerates: Season 4 concludes with Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor regenerating into a new incarnation.
• Welcome the Third Doctor!: Get ready for a fresh start with Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor, bringing a more serious and action-oriented persona to the role.
• A New Companion Arrives: Joining the Doctor on his adventures is Polly (Anneke Wills), marking the beginning of a companion duo format that would become a staple of the show.

Shifting Format and Focus:

• Shorter Serials: Season 4 introduces shorter serials, typically lasting four to six episodes each, compared to the longer formats of previous seasons.
• More Earth-Bound Adventures: The season features more stories set on contemporary Earth, with the Doctor facing off against earthly threats and alien invasions.
• Introduction of UNIT: The season introduces UNIT (Unified Intelligence Taskforce), a military organization that frequently collaborates with the Doctor on alien threats.

Classic Doctor Who Elements Remain:

• Historical Encounters: While the focus shifts towards contemporary stories, there are still a few historical adventures, including encounters with the Romans and the Cybermen (in a lost serial).
• Science Fiction Threats: The Doctor faces classic foes like the Cybermen and encounters new alien adversaries.
• The TARDIS Team: The season establishes the dynamic of the Doctor working alongside a companion (Polly) and sometimes collaborating with UNIT, setting the stage for future adventures.

Why You Might Like Doctor Who (Season 4):

• A Fresh Start: Season 4 offers a jumping-on point for new viewers with a new Doctor and a more streamlined format.
• Introduction of UNIT: This season establishes UNIT, a recurring element in future seasons of Doctor Who.
• Companion Duo Dynamic: The introduction of Polly marks the beginning of the Doctor traveling with two companions, a format that would become a defining characteristic of the series.