Doctor Who Club of Australia

Greg · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 10:56 pm Post subject: Favourite Master story poll

What's your favourite story featuring the Doctor's equivalent to Moriarty?

(Actually, that's a grossly inaccurate comparison, as Moriarty only really appears in one Holmes story that Doyle penned, and rates a mention in another... but I digress!)

Greg · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:09 pm Post subject:

My favourite 'Master' story is The Dalek Master Plan. It has the word 'master' in its title.

My favourite story with the Master in it is The Keeper of Traken. Like many stroies featuring the Master, there's nothing about it which particularly requires him specifically.

To me, the Master is pretty much a no-brainer as a villain. Having a villain who is pretty much the same as our hero is something that may be a sign of lazy writing (although, handled correctly, it could make a good story). Even if we take the inspiration, Moriarty, we find a character who is very different from his arch-nemesis - Holmes is very much out there doing things, while Moriarty is likened to a spider at the centre of its web. Moriarty generally employs agents to do his dirty work, whereas Holmes is loathe to risk his frinds and takes the most dangerous tasks for himself.

dave · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:12 pm Post subject:

For me, it would have to be Frontier in Space. Delgado is my favourite incarnation of the Master, and this was probably his best story. It's a crying shame he was killed before we could have seen him play the part more often, as I believe was planned before his untimely death.

Ainley made a great replacement, but it's hard to replace the original, IMO.

What about the Master from Curse of the Fatal Death? He was great, I thought - I'd love to see him appear as the Master in the new series.

Greg · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:15 pm Post subject:

JOnathon Pearce? Hmm... but no, then we'd have to discount Christopher Eccl;eston and David Tennant as the Doctor...

Kerr Avon · Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 478

looking over that list I think I like the concept of the Master more than I like the Master himself - mind you, the only Delgado story I've seen is The Claws of Axos (excluding stories I saw in the 70's and have forgotten)

and the less said about The Deadly Assasin the better!

further evidencing how out-of-touch I am I'm going to nominate UNIT Christmas Parties: Christmas Truce from Short Trips: A Christmas Treasury as it was the first thing that sprang to mind when I opened this thread.

meglos · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 670 Location: Perth

The Keeper of Traken for me. I preferred Ainsleys Master to Delgado's. I think It's just because I remember him more from when I was growing up. The Keeper of Traken, is in my opinion, Ainsleys best work.

SharazJek · Joined: 12 Aug 2005 Posts: 932 Location: Hobart, Tasmania

Daemons for me.

Terror of the Autons a close second.

Surely we could have included the BF stories in this poll.

Master with Geoffrey Beavers would be my pick then!

Greg · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 2:17 pm Post subject:

As with the earlier Dalek and Cyberman polls, it's TV only - the reason being that non-TV appearances will be known to a minority of particpants only so they are likely to fare badly.

Never fear, though, I'm contemplating doing a bit of research in order to do favourite non-TV story polls for the recurring villains, so you'll have a chance to express your undying love for Master there.

John Lucantonio · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 58

First of all, The Master is my pick for the best Doctor Who villain. Hes aged better than any of the other old baddies, and is in my opinion a better idea for an adversary than any other, regardless of whether the idea of a nemesis is plagarised. I went for the Terror of The Autons, but again thats a tough call. I love the Master as portrayed Delgado, and Ainsley was bloody good too. They both made otherwise dismal episodes entertaining and when paired with a good script Master stories are amongst Dr Who's best. Someone please tell RTD that Doctor Who isnt Doctor Who without the Master dammit

Wester · Joined: 04 Aug 2005 Posts: 610 Location: Brisbane

I had to pick Frontier in Space - of course. It is the Master at his devious best and in league too with the Daleks. Love the line about pepperpots! Laughing

SharazJek · Joined: 12 Aug 2005 Posts: 932 Location: Hobart, Tasmania

I have to admit that I grew a little weary of The Master by the time the TVM came out.

But if anyone can revive him successfully, RTD can.

Who do you reckon could play a really good Master today?

I'd love to see Stephen Fry play him. Has he ever played a villain before?

Kerr Avon · Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 478

I want Stephen Fry to play Doctor #11.

Alan Rickman would make a brilliant Master.

Wester · Joined: 04 Aug 2005 Posts: 610 Location: Brisbane

I agree with Alan Rickman being the Master - great choice.

g,uest · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 362

I'd say Season 8, as a whole. And the Sea Devils for the 2nd-best

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwXl07i1n6Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mlVyb5vsss&NR