The Master: The Doctor’s Ultimate Nemesis in Doctor Who
“Exterminate!”… Wait, wrong villain. Though just as iconic, perhaps even more so, is the chilling laughter and complex schemes of The Master, the Doctor’s ultimate nemesis. For decades, this renegade Time Lord has plagued the Doctor, a shadow mirroring his brilliance yet twisted by ambition, envy, and a burning desire for power. Their history is intertwined, their destinies forever linked, and the impact of The Master on the world of *Doctor Who* is undeniable. This article delves into the history, motivations, and enduring appeal of this multifaceted villain.
The Master’s Origins and Early Appearances
From the hallowed halls of Gallifrey to the vast expanse of time and space, the tale of The Master begins with the same origins as his nemesis. Both, as Time Lords, were destined for greatness, schooled in the ways of time travel and regeneration. But somewhere along the way, their paths diverged. While the Doctor embraced exploration and the preservation of life, The Master succumbed to the allure of control and a thirst for power. This divergence is the core of their relationship – a constant battle between good and evil, heroism and villainy, with The Master representing the Doctor’s potential for darkness.
Roger Delgado: Defining the Archetype
The introduction of Roger Delgado in the 1970s defined the archetype of The Master. Delgado’s portrayal was a masterclass in villainy, oozing charm, intelligence, and a sinister charisma. His Master was a cunning strategist, always a step ahead, devising elaborate plans to conquer Earth and defeat his rival. His plots, like the infamous “Terror of the Autons,” showcased his mastery of technology, manipulation, and a keen understanding of human weaknesses. The Master’s relationship with the Autons, and other alien forces, became a hallmark of his tactics. Delgado’s portrayal set the tone for all subsequent incarnations: The Master was not just an adversary, but a worthy opponent, a dark reflection of the Doctor’s intellect and resourcefulness.
Yet, the nature of Time Lords, and their ability to regenerate, meant that Delgado’s reign was not the end. The Master would live on, taking on new forms, each actor adding their unique spin to the character. This is where we see the brilliance of *Doctor Who* – the opportunity to constantly reinvent a nemesis, keeping them fresh and engaging.
The Decaying Master: Peter Pratt and Geoffrey Beevers
The transformation of Peter Pratt and Geoffrey Beevers presented a much darker and disturbing Master. Afflicted with a decaying body, Beevers brought an added layer of vulnerability and desperation to the role. His Master was a tragic figure, obsessed with regeneration and life itself, willing to do anything to cheat death. This version of The Master was often gruesome and unsettling, a stark reminder of the price of unchecked ambition and the horrors of mortality.
Anthony Ainley: A More Theatrical Master
Anthony Ainley’s portrayal of The Master introduced a more flamboyant and often comical version of the character. Though arguably less threatening than his predecessors, Ainley’s Master was no less dangerous. He reveled in his villainy, often punctuated by sarcastic remarks and theatrical gestures. His schemes, while complex, were often more elaborate and less successful than those of Delgado’s Master. This version added a different dimension, proving that even a villain could be entertaining.
The American Master: Eric Roberts
The 1996 *Doctor Who* TV Movie saw a reinterpretation with Eric Roberts. This version, while controversial among some fans, provided an American take on the Time Lord, displaying ruthlessness and a drive for power. The appearance, though short-lived, further demonstrated how The Master could adapt to a variety of styles and genres.
The War Master and the Time War: Derek Jacobi and John Simm
The return of the series in the modern era offered a resurgence of The Master, starting with Derek Jacobi’s War Master in the audio dramas, and then the memorable incarnation brought to life by John Simm. Jacobi’s brief but impactful performance established a brutal, calculated Master, a warrior hardened by the Time War. Simm, in the revived series, portrayed a chaotic and almost manic Master, forever scarred by the events of the Time War. This version brought a new level of unpredictability and madness, revealing how the Doctor’s actions, and the Time War, could have warped the character. The impact of the Time War, and the Time Lords’ actions, was shown to have profound implications on the character’s psyche, and by extension, the Doctor. Simm delivered an unforgettable performance, showcasing the complexity of the relationship with the Doctor.
Missy: A Groundbreaking Take – Michelle Gomez
The boldest and most transformative depiction of The Master came with Michelle Gomez. As Missy, she provided a groundbreaking take on the character. Missy was not just a villain; she was a complex character with layers, capable of great evil and occasional moments of apparent (and often feigned) tenderness. This incarnation was incredibly popular, demonstrating the character’s ability to adapt and survive in a new era of *Doctor Who*. The writing gave this master a new and unique place in the mythology.
The Spy Master: Sacha Dhawan
Finally, Sacha Dhawan’s portrayal brought a fresh intensity to the character. His Master, a spymaster and manipulator, had darker undertones and more calculated schemes. He emphasized his intelligence, ruthlessness, and the personal nature of the conflict with the Doctor, adding depth to his relationship.
Recurring Themes and Characteristics
The Master’s actions consistently highlight his recurring themes. He is forever focused on his relationship with the Doctor, a relationship fueled by envy, resentment, and a deep-seated need to be better. Their encounters are often fraught with tension, with the Doctor attempting to save the day, and The Master determined to thwart him. The Master’s plans almost always involved control, manipulating people, or wielding advanced technology. His schemes varied from taking control of Earth to reshaping the very fabric of time. The Master’s ruthlessness is also a constant trait, willing to do anything to achieve their objectives.
Beyond the grand schemes and world domination plots, the Master has consistently used humor and dark wit as a tool. The ability to balance menace and humor is a hallmark of the best incarnations. This adds to their character, and makes them even more memorable.
Impact on Doctor Who
The presence of The Master has profoundly influenced the development of the Doctor. The Master’s actions and evil schemes put the Doctor’s morality and belief systems to the test. The Master’s schemes highlight the darkness that the Doctor must fight against, driving him to make tough decisions and constantly re-evaluate his actions. The Master has become a reflection of The Doctor, revealing what the Doctor could become if he were to succumb to his darkness.
The impact of The Master on the narrative is further proven through iconic moments. These range from the classic clashes in the TARDIS to epic battles across time and space. From the Auton invasion to the Time Lords’ schemes, the Master has been at the center of some of the most memorable stories in *Doctor Who* history.
The Master’s Evolution and Significance
Throughout all his regenerations and schemes, one question still lingers: Is The Master truly evil? Or, as a Time Lord, is the Master driven by trauma, a deep sense of isolation, or ambition? Perhaps it’s a combination of all these factors that pushes the Master into darkness. The Master’s motivations have evolved over time, changing from simple world domination to a deeper and more personal quest for power, revenge, and control. The Master is complex, a testament to the show’s commitment to deep character studies.
The continued relevance of The Master is a testament to his enduring appeal. The character’s flexibility, from the theatricality of Ainley to the chaotic energy of Simm and the complex layers of Gomez, ensures that he can be reinterpreted for a new generation of viewers. The Master remains popular among fans, and a constant part of the story. The enduring interest in his character demonstrates the power of the show.
Conclusion
The Master is a character who has transcended the role of just a villain. He embodies the Doctor’s dark side, and the complexities of good versus evil. His presence has driven countless storylines, challenged the Doctor’s ideals, and given fans some of the most memorable moments in *Doctor Who* history. The Master will almost certainly be back in the future, proving that there is always a new and intriguing way to see him. His ongoing role, no matter his incarnation, will continue to ensure that *Doctor Who* is ever interesting and engaging.
