Classic Who: The Seventh Doctor in Time of the Rani

In June, we introduced you to the amoral and cunning Gallifreyan scientist, the Rani, in the Sixth Doctor’s adventure, Mark of the Rani. That story’s finale featured a rapidly growing T-Rex embryo threatening both the Rani and the Master, who were plastered to the walls inside an out-of-control TARDIS—leading many fans to fear the worst. But you can’t keep a good frenemy down; she returns as the antagonist to the newly regenerated Seventh Doctor in the 1987 episode, Time of the Rani.

Sylvester McCoy’s debut as the Seventh Doctor is an undeniably wibbly-wobbly at first, but the story is undeniably a blast. From the wild Bubble Traps to Kate O’Mara’s lively portrayal of the Rani, and Bonnie Langford’s Mel trying to hold things together with SO MUCH 80's BIG HAIR, it all builds to a fantastic cliffhanger. The episode’s opening is famously rushed in showing the regeneration from the Sixth to the Seventh Doctor, (something later explained by Big Finish’s The Last Adventure).

A fun behind-the-scenes tidbit: Benedict Cumberbatch’s mother, Wanda Ventham, appears as Faroon here. She also featured in classic stories like The Faceless Ones (1967) and Image of the Fendahl (1977). As a child, Cumberbatch visited the set of this story!

As always, no purchase is necessary, but please arrive early for the preshow at 5:30 and to grab any food or drinks you might want. We’ll be gathering in the front party room, as usual. (I'll be bringing the chiller fans to keep us cool!)