Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited

Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited is a seminal documentary series from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that aired in 2013. Diachronic in nature, it revisits the iconic science fiction series Doctor Who, offering an extensive, behind-the-scenes exploration of the long-lived television show, focusing on each of the Doctors in the order of their era. It aimed to celebrate the iconic show's 50th anniversary, testament to its enduring popularity.

Each episode serves as a retrospective of every incarnation of the Doctor, special in its gift of a comprehensive examination of the beloved characters and storylines, beginning from the very first Doctor played by William Hartnell in 1963, sallying forth through subsequent Doctor portrayals by actors such as Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, and Matt Smith.

Each episode of The Doctors Revisited contains interviews with the respective actors who played the Doctor as well as their companions and show writers, producers, and directors. Moreover, the relevant behind-the-scenes crew contribute their insights, allowing for an intimate look at the Doctor's various incarnations. It is an authentic source where many of the cast and crew share their personal experiences, express their profound love and respect for the show, and explain how it influenced and shaped their lives and careers.

In an informative and fascinating journey into the throes of the BBC's archives, the series provides historical context to the show's run, exploring how each Doctor fit into the era in which they reigned. It talks about the stories behind the unique traits each Doctor carried, how they were designed and developed, and how they were ultimately received by the audience at large. Long-time fans will find it enlightening to delve into these elucidating details, learning more about familiar characters, while newcomers will appreciate the broad stroke overview that manages to capture the essence of the long-running series.

The presentation of the series is engaging, interspersed with archival footages, script readings, and other rare materials that have relevance to the topic discussed in each episode. It takes on a consciously nostalgic tone with careful analysis and discussion, keeping the audience attentive and intrigued. The moments between the interviews are filled with spectacular clips from the show, some even colourised for the first time, making the viewing experience rich and immersive.

Humor plays a subtle role in The Doctors Revisited; something that’s intrinsic to Doctor Who universe. The series does an excellent job of highlighting the whimsical and quirky nature of the Doctor, regardless of the incarnation, pulling out clips that emphasize the eccentric costumes, snappy one-liners, and uncanny solutions the Doctor often proposes. This charm is a part of almost every episode, and presents how, despite the progression of the Doctor's persona over time, his core characteristics remain unchanged, emphasizing the continuity of the character.

However, this series is not all about its eponymous hero. It also takes considerable interest in the rich variety of villains and supporting characters that have appeared throughout the show's history. Daleks, Cybermen, and numerous creatures from the endless reaches of space and time are given their rightful share of screen space in the discussion. This stands as an affirmation of Doctor Who's success as an anthology, as it offers countless avenues for different narratives and characters.

It should also be mentioned that each episode concludes by airing one full serial of each Doctor’s era, chosen to represent that particular Doctor’s persona and era, giving both new viewers a sense of the show’s journey and older fans an opportunity to relive classic adventures.

Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited is more than just a mere revisitation. It is a homage to the essence of Doctor Who, outlining the journey of an extraordinary character who has won the hearts of millions of viewers across the globe. It pays tribute to all the people, both in front of and behind the camera, who brought this timeless sci-fi show to life. It is a must-watch for any Doctor Who enthusiast and a great starting point for those who are just stepping into the vast universe of Doctor Who.