The iconic science fiction series Doctor Who has recently provided support for one of its longest-standing and most beloved fan theories. This theory positions the Master as the Moriarty to the Doctor’s Sherlock Holmes; both characters exhibit a rivalry fueled by a desire for dominion over the universe.
The Master made his first appearance in the 1971 episode “Terror of the Autons.”Viewers soon discovered that he and the Doctor had a shared academic past at the Time Lord Academy. However, their journeys diverged after they departed from Gallifrey, leading to unspoken confrontations in which they clashed in unseen adventures. This backdrop has led many fans to theorize that the Master could indeed be the War Chief, another Renegade Time Lord introduced two years earlier. Recent developments seem to affirm this intriguing concept.
The War Chief: A Twin of the Master
The Master, portrayed by Roger Delgado, is characterized by his arrogance and belief in his destiny to govern the universe. His charming demeanor often masks his deceitful alliances with alien factions, which he exploits for his own gain. His trademark features—a prominent forehead and facial hair—add to his distinctive villainy.
This depiction parallels that of the War Chief from the 1969 story “The War Games.”As a fellow renegade Time Lord, the War Chief collaborated with an unidentified extraterrestrial race, sharing secrets of time travel to manipulate human soldiers into becoming an elite fighting force. Together, they aimed to seize control of the cosmos.
This labyrinthine plot essentially mirrors the classic schemes formulated by the Master. The War Chief was also characterized by similar physical traits—a tall figure with a high forehead and facial hair—who, upon forming alliances, planned their betrayal to assert dominance over the galaxy. Consequently, many fans speculated that Edward Brayshaw’s portrayal of the War Chief was merely another manifestation of the Master. Although the character met a seemingly fatal end, many fans dismissed this as simply the prelude to another regeneration.
Recent Developments Confirming the Fan Theory
okay, the master’s theme was LOUD pic.twitter.com/B60TxTKoMX — Wholala: A Doctor Who Podcast (@WholalaPod) December 23, 2024
The BBC has recently released a revamped version of “The War Games,”marking the final storyline featuring Patrick Troughton. This new edit includes notable enhancements, including a striking musical update—specifically, the inclusion of the Master’s theme during a pivotal scene where the War Chief lays out his ambitious plans in front of the Doctor. This change not only complements the narrative but also reinforces the long-held belief amongst fans that the two characters share an intricate bond.
This subtle yet impactful alteration by the production team appears to be the closest Doctor Who will come to outright confirming that “The War Games”may indeed serve as a Master-centric story. The effects of this revision resonate strongly with the audience, offering a delightful surprise that revisits and acknowledges one of the franchise’s most revered theories.
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