The Master’s Debut in 1971: How Doctor Who Introduced the Iconic Villain in the First & Second Doctor Eras

The character of the Master has become synonymous with the Doctor Who franchise, despite not making their debut until later in the series. Signs of the Master’s impending appearance were subtly woven into the fabric of early episodes, particularly during the First Doctor’s era. While Doctor Who is rich with iconic adversaries, few rival the Master, who stands out as the Doctor’s ultimate nemesis. Officially, the Master first emerged in 1971’s “Terror of the Autons,”portrayed by Roger Delgado as he challenged Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor.

Delgado’s debut performance showcased a well-rounded character brimming with arrogance and a palpable jealousy towards the Doctor, laying the groundwork for future interpretations. Various actors, from Anthony Ainley to Sacha Dhawan, have adopted elements from Delgado’s portrayal, creating a lineage that originates from “Terror of the Autons.”However, the character’s evolution began even earlier in the series, with insights into the Master emerging around six years prior.

The Monk: The Prototype for the Master

The First Evil Time Lord

Peter Butterworth as the Monk smiling in Doctor Who.

The genesis of the Master can be traced back to 1965 with the character of the Monk, featured in “The Time Meddler.”At this point, terms like “Gallifrey”or “Time Lord”had yet to be introduced. Nonetheless, it was clear that the Doctor and the Monk, played by Peter Butterworth, hailed from the same alien race. The Monk’s own TARDIS and his blatant moral shortcomings set him apart as a dark reflection of the Doctor.

While the Monk appeared somewhat clumsy and less competent compared to the later Master, this character marked the initial steps in crafting an anti-hero. The narrative—the tale of two beings from the same planet, one virtuous and one villainous—would later become a defining theme in the Master’s identity. The Monk’s scheme in “The Time Meddler”involved manipulating the course of history, a tactic often employed by the Master, showcasing their shared traits.

Moreover, the Monk also exhibited a level of egotism and aloofness that would later be perfected by the Master. Although they are not direct copies of one another, the Monk served as an early outline for the Master’s character arc. The monk’s character’s bumbling nature hinted at the complexity and layered nature of evil that the Master would embody in his various portrayals.

The War Chief: A Step Towards the Master

Not Quite the Master?

Edward Brayshaw as the War Chief smirking in Doctor Who.

As Doctor Who progressed, hints at the Master’s character grew clearer with the introduction of the War Chief in Patrick Troughton’s “The War Games.”Much like the Monk, the War Chief belonged to the Doctor’s species and plotted to alter history for selfish purposes. Yet, the War Chief brought a more sophisticated and sinister presence than his predecessor.

The War Chief replaced the Monk’s humor with an aristocratic demeanor that suggested he was more meticulously crafted, with a less forgiving attitude towards life. This evolution displayed a significant shift towards the more complex character that Roger Delgado would ultimately portray. Furthermore, the introduction of the Time Lords added depth: both the Doctor and the War Chief were viewed as renegades, an embarrassment to their own people.

The Monk & The War Chief: Are They Previous Variants of the Master?

Multiplicity of the Master

The relationship between the Monk, the War Chief, and the Master remains a subject of much debate among fans. Generally, the Monk is considered a distinct character rather than a direct incarnation of the Master. While some expanded universe media, like The Master: CIA File Extracts, suggest a connection, most other instances treat the Monk as a unique individual featured in various audio dramas and novels.

Conversely, it is more plausible that the War Chief may represent an earlier regeneration of the Master. Various narratives hint at the War Chief as a precursor, notably within published works such as the esteemed The New Doctor Who Adventures series. However, substantial evidence within the lore also implies a deep-rooted connection between the Master and the War Chief—particularly evident in Terrance Dicks’ novelization of “Terror of the Autons,”where the Third Doctor seems to recall the War Chief when encountering the Master.

Terrance Dicks, who co-wrote “The War Games,”also authored Timewyrm: Exodus, which clarifies that the War Chief is not the Master. However, various pieces support the theory that links the War Chief with the Master more closely. A colorized re-release of “The War Games”in December 2024 includes a significant alteration in which the Master’s theme music enhances a pivotal scene between the Doctor and the War Chief, suggesting an official amalgamation of their identities.

Though definitive confirmation remains elusive, this recent development from the Doctor Who canon provides compelling evidence for their connection, aptly illustrating how the War Chief set the stage for the Master’s eventual appearance on the iconic series.

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