Wednesday 9 March 2022

On This Day... 9th March

 
The Web of Fear came to an end today in 1968 with its sixth instalment. After two almost back to back stories, it would be a long time before we saw the Yeti and the Great Intelligence again. 1983 and 2013 respectively.
Death to the Daleks moved on to its third episode in 1974.
In 1982 we had the second episode of Earthshock, featuring the new Cyberman design.
There was more Davison in 1983 (the final episode of Enlightenment) and 1984 (the second episode of The Caves of Androzani). The former marked the final appearance of both the White and the Black Guardian. Valentine Dyall performed one more role associated with Doctor Who, on the 1986 radio series Slipback. He passed away not long afterwards.
Last, but very much least, the generally despised Timelash opened in 1985.


Today we remember Dalek creator Terry Nation, who passed away on this day in 1997, aged 66. 
Had he not had a bust-up with Tony Hancock one evening in 1963 the programme might never have gone beyond its first season. The comic sacked him whilst on a tour, after an argument over the use of new material. (Nation wanted it in, but Hancock had a habit of dropping new material at the last minute and reverting to his safer old routines). The pair actually patched things up the next morning, but Hancock was too proud to reinstate him - leading Nation to hurriedly get in touch with the BBC about a commission for a new Sci-Fi series which he had already rejected, partly on Hancock's recommendation.
Nation contributed to the series up until 1979, including two non-Dalek stories (The Keys of Marinus and The Android Invasion). As well as the Daleks, he was also responsible for Blake's 7 and Survivors.

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