Doctor Who: Season 0, Episode 95 - The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot (2013)

The episode begins with a montage of the various Doctors from the long-running series "Doctor Who," showcasing their iconic moments and the impact they have had on fans and the show itself. The focus then shifts to the actors who portrayed the Doctors, particularly Peter Davison, who played the Fifth Doctor. He is seen lamenting the fact that he is not included in the upcoming 50th-anniversary special of "Doctor Who." He expresses his disappointment to his fellow former Doctors, who also feel left out.

Peter Davison, feeling nostalgic and eager to be part of the celebration, decides to gather the other Doctors for a reunion. He reaches out to his fellow actors, including Colin Baker (the Sixth Doctor) and Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor). They are initially skeptical but eventually agree to join him in his quest to be included in the special. The three actors meet at a pub, where they discuss their shared experiences and the possibility of making their own version of the special.

As they brainstorm ideas, they realize they need to find a way to get the attention of the current showrunner, Steven Moffat. They concoct a plan to create a "reboot" of the original "The Five Doctors" special, hoping to capture the essence of their characters and the show's legacy. They decide to enlist the help of other former companions and characters from the series, including the likes of John Hurt, who played the War Doctor, and other notable figures from the "Doctor Who" universe.

The narrative then shifts to the actors preparing for their adventure. They gather props and costumes, trying to recreate the look and feel of their respective Doctors. The excitement builds as they plan their journey, but they also face challenges, including the logistics of getting to the filming location and the potential for being overshadowed by the current cast.

As they embark on their journey, they encounter various comedic mishaps and misunderstandings. The trio finds themselves in a series of humorous situations, including a run-in with a group of fans who mistake them for the current Doctors. They navigate through these encounters with a mix of humor and frustration, showcasing their camaraderie and shared love for the show.

Eventually, they arrive at the filming location, where they hope to make their mark. However, they quickly realize that they are not the only ones vying for attention. The current cast and crew are busy preparing for the actual special, and the former Doctors feel increasingly out of place. They attempt to insert themselves into the production, leading to a series of comedic attempts to get noticed.

In a pivotal moment, the former Doctors decide to take matters into their own hands. They devise a plan to crash the set, hoping to make a grand entrance that will capture the attention of the audience and the production team. As they execute their plan, chaos ensues, with the former Doctors causing a ruckus on set. Their antics lead to a mix of confusion and laughter among the current cast and crew.

As the episode progresses, the former Doctors reflect on their time in the series and the impact it has had on their lives. They share heartfelt moments, reminiscing about their experiences and the legacy of "Doctor Who." This emotional depth adds a layer of significance to their journey, highlighting their passion for the show and their desire to be remembered.

In the climax of the episode, the former Doctors finally get their moment in the spotlight. They manage to capture the attention of the current showrunner and the audience, leading to a heartfelt reunion of sorts. The episode culminates in a celebration of the show's history, with the former Doctors being acknowledged for their contributions.

The episode concludes with a sense of fulfillment for the former Doctors. They realize that their time in the series, while perhaps overshadowed by the current cast, has left a lasting impact on fans and the show's legacy. They share a final moment of camaraderie, celebrating their shared experiences and the joy of being part of the "Doctor Who" family.

In the ending of "The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot," the main characters, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, and Sylvester McCoy, find themselves in a series of humorous and chaotic situations as they attempt to be included in the 50th-anniversary special of Doctor Who. Ultimately, they are thwarted in their efforts but manage to find a sense of camaraderie and acceptance among themselves. The episode concludes with a light-hearted tone, showcasing their friendship and the enduring legacy of their time as the Doctor.

As the episode draws to a close, the scene shifts to Peter Davison, Colin Baker, and Sylvester McCoy, who are still on their quest to be part of the Doctor Who 50th-anniversary special. They are seen in a series of comedic misadventures, each trying to find a way to insert themselves into the festivities surrounding the anniversary.

The trio finds themselves in a car, discussing their plans and frustrations. Peter, the first Doctor in this group, expresses his disappointment at not being included in the special. Colin, the sixth Doctor, shares his own grievances, while Sylvester, the seventh Doctor, tries to keep the mood light. Their banter is filled with humor, showcasing their personalities and the camaraderie that has developed over the years.

As they drive, they encounter various obstacles, including a run-in with a group of Daleks. The Daleks, in their typical fashion, threaten them, but the three former Doctors manage to escape through a series of comedic blunders. This scene highlights their resourcefulness and the absurdity of their situation, as they are not the heroic figures they once were but rather a group of aging actors trying to reclaim their glory.

The narrative then shifts to a scene where they attempt to infiltrate the set of the 50th-anniversary special. They don disguises and try to blend in with the crew, but their plans are foiled when they are recognized. This moment is filled with a mix of embarrassment and humor, as they realize that their time in the spotlight has passed, yet they still hold a special place in the hearts of fans.

In a poignant moment, they reflect on their legacy and the impact they had on the show. Despite not being part of the special, they find solace in their shared experiences and the friendships they have formed. This scene emphasizes the theme of acceptance and the importance of camaraderie over individual recognition.

The episode culminates in a humorous twist when they finally manage to get a brief moment on screen during the anniversary special, albeit in a way that is unexpected and comedic. They are seen in a montage, celebrating their time as the Doctor, and the joy of being part of the Doctor Who family, even if it is in a small capacity.

As the credits roll, the three Doctors share a moment of laughter and camaraderie, solidifying their bond. They may not have achieved their initial goal, but they have found something more valuable: friendship and a shared love for the show that brought them together. The episode ends on a light-hearted note, leaving viewers with a sense of nostalgia and warmth for the legacy of Doctor Who and its many incarnations.

In "The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot," there is indeed a post-credit scene that adds a humorous touch to the overall narrative. After the credits roll, the scene opens with Peter Davison, who played the Fifth Doctor, sitting in a chair, looking somewhat disheveled and contemplative. He is surrounded by a group of people who are clearly fans of Doctor Who, eagerly discussing the show and its various iterations.

As the camera zooms in on Davison, he expresses a mix of pride and exasperation about the legacy of Doctor Who and the various actors who have portrayed the Doctor. He humorously reflects on the challenges of being a former Doctor and the expectations that come with it. The scene captures his internal struggle between nostalgia for his time on the show and the reality of being overshadowed by newer actors.

The atmosphere is light-hearted, filled with laughter and camaraderie among the fans, which contrasts with Davison's more serious demeanor. This juxtaposition highlights the enduring impact of Doctor Who on its audience and the affection that former Doctors have for the series. The scene concludes with a playful nod to the ongoing nature of the show, leaving viewers with a sense of warmth and connection to the Doctor Who legacy.

The 'Five Doctors' refers to the original 20th anniversary special of Doctor Who, where multiple incarnations of the Doctor appeared. In 'The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot', the significance lies in the humorous and nostalgic exploration of the original actors' desire to be part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting their feelings of exclusion and longing for recognition.

Peter Davison, Colin Baker, and Sylvester McCoy portray their respective Doctors with a mix of camaraderie and rivalry. They share a sense of frustration over not being included in the 50th anniversary special, leading to comedic moments as they plot to crash the event. Their interactions are filled with playful banter, showcasing their personalities and the legacy of their characters.

John Hurt's character, the War Doctor, is referenced throughout the episode as the 'missing' Doctor who is central to the 50th anniversary special. His presence looms large as the other Doctors express their desire to be part of the celebration, highlighting the emotional weight of his character's story and the significance of the War Doctor's role in the Doctor Who mythos.

The comedic elements are abundant as the former Doctors engage in absurd schemes to gain entry to the anniversary special. They encounter various obstacles, including misunderstandings and slapstick moments, such as Davison's attempts to sneak in and the ridiculous lengths they go to, including disguises and elaborate plans that ultimately fail, showcasing their desperation and humor.

The episode is steeped in nostalgia, as it features references to past episodes, iconic moments, and the actors' reflections on their time in the series. The characters express a longing for their past roles and the impact they had on the show's legacy, creating an emotional resonance that appeals to long-time fans while also providing a humorous take on their current status in the Doctor Who universe.

"The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot" is generally considered family-friendly, as it is a comedic homage to the "Doctor Who" franchise. However, there are a few aspects that might be considered potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Mild Humor: The episode contains some jokes that may be more appreciated by older audiences familiar with the show's history, which could lead to confusion for younger viewers.

2. Parody of Death: There are comedic references to the deaths of characters from the "Doctor Who" universe, which might be unsettling for very young children or those sensitive to themes of mortality.

3. Slightly Dark Humor: Some of the humor is based on the absurdity of the characters' situations, which may not resonate well with all viewers, particularly those who prefer straightforward narratives.

4. Nostalgia and Regret: The emotional undertones of longing for past glory and the passage of time may evoke feelings of sadness or nostalgia, which could be sensitive for some viewers.

Overall, while the episode is light-hearted and intended to celebrate the series, these elements may require parental guidance for younger audiences.