The classic Doctor Who episode “The Savages”is poised for a revival through animation, despite the original footage being lost. This iconic tale, which originally aired during the show’s early years from 1963 to 1966 featuring the First Doctor played by William Hartnell, highlights the ongoing efforts to recover and preserve the series’ early episodes that have been lost to time.
In a recent announcement on the official Doctor Who website, it was revealed that this animated recreation project will bring back the four-part narrative of “The Savages.”Following the success of the partly-animated release of “The Celestial Toymaker,”anticipation has increased significantly. Fans can also watch the trailer now available on the official Doctor Who YouTube channel.
Originally broadcast between May and June 1966, “The Savages”sends the Doctor, along with companions Dodo (Jackie Lane) and Steven (Peter Purves), to a distant future where they encounter a civilization divided into an advanced society and a more primitive group. As the story unfolds, the complexities of the conflict reveal that the situation is more nuanced than it initially appears. This narrative notably marks the final appearance of Purves as Steven, who chooses to remain behind to help establish peace.
Each of the four episodes will be fully animated, utilizing the existing audio recordings from the original serial to deliver authentic dialogue. This highly-anticipated recreation is slated for a release on Blu-ray and DVD in Spring 2025, which will also feature behind-the-scenes content and an alternate black-and-white version that reflects the original airing format.
The Implications of “The Savages”Reconstruction for Future Doctor Who Projects
Potential for More Full Recreations from the First Doctor’s Era
Although “The Savages”is not the inaugural Doctor Who serial to undergo a comprehensive animated reconstruction, it holds the distinction of being the first to fully animate a story from Hartnell’s era. Presently, seven stories from the First Doctor’s timeline remain without animated adaptations, six of which have missing episodes. The success following the revival of “The Celestial Toymaker”suggests a dedicated initiative to revitalize the First Doctor’s storylines.
While the exact schedule for forthcoming reconstructions is still unclear, certain missing stories such as “The Crusade”and “The Daleks Master Plan”present challenges due to incomplete audio sources. The animation production process is time-consuming, leaving open the possibility that titles such as “Marco Polo,””The Myth Makers,””The Massacre,”or “The Smugglers”may be next in line for this treatment.
Our Insights on “The Savages”Animated Recreation
Purves’ Return to Doctor Who in 2023
The selection of “The Savages”for animation is underscored by the recent reintroduction of Purves to fans via the 2023 spin-off “Tales of the TARDIS.”His character’s journey and the narrative’s resolution prompt curiosity about Steven’s fate after leaving the TARDIS.
Moreover, this animated recreation represents a significant effort in preserving the legacy of Doctor Who. While the challenge of recovering lost episodes grows with time, the addition of any preserved episodes not only enriches the series’ history but also enhances the collections of devoted followers.
Source: Doctor Who Official Site
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