In a candid reflection, Tom Baker shares his feelings about departing from Doctor Who and his mixed emotions regarding leaving the Fourth Doctor behind. Baker, who portrayed a more eccentric version of the iconic Time Lord from 1974 to 1981, faced a multitude of adversaries, including Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, and even aliens mimicking Egyptian deities. Beyond his roles in the series, he also reprised his character in Big Finish audio dramas and made a notable return as the enigmatic Curator during the closing moments of the show’s 50th-anniversary special in 2013.
In a rare interview with Radio Times Magazine, Baker expressed his enduring admiration for the character while also revealing his regrets about stepping away after seven seasons. He openly acknowledged that his challenging nature on set stemmed from insecurities influenced by the profound impact of playing the Doctor:
It was the most wonderful part I ever had and I was a madman to give it up. I got proprietorial and became demanding and insecure. I talk emphatically about everything because I know very little about anything. I never meant to be difficult, but I began to live in the world of the Doctor, this benevolent alien, and thought no one understood me and I’d had enough. But of course I hadn’t.
Baker reflected on the possibility of continuing in the role or returning for projects like the rumored film revival directed by Stephen Spielberg after the show’s cancellation. However, he expressed doubts regarding his enthusiasm for such a project:
I could have gone on forever. I’ve never really recovered. They wouldn’t give me the film [at the time rumored as being developed by Steven Spielberg], would they? They won’t know how to do it. Popular films are tawdry, about images and not about thinking.
Insights Into Baker’s Departure from Doctor Who
Behind-the-Scenes Reflections
Baker has previously opened up about the challenges faced during his Doctor Who tenure, including the influence of morality campaigns led by Mary Whitehouse and his conflicts with showrunners Graham Williams and John Nathan-Turner. Notably, he felt that an expanding TARDIS crew added undue stress on the Doctor’s role in narrative progression. He also declined to return for the show’s 20th-anniversary special in 1983, citing limitations on his involvement—a sentiment echoed by other actors who have played the Doctor.
Despite his previous admissions of friction behind the scenes, Baker’s recent reflections provide valuable insight into his attachment to the role. His somewhat difficult demeanor can be attributed, at least in part, to the significance that the character held for him.
Baker’s Legacy in Doctor Who
Impact on the Franchise
While newer versions of the Doctor may enjoy greater recognition among contemporary audiences, Baker’s portrayal remains a defining and iconic part of Doctor Who history. As the actor with the longest tenure per season, Baker’s Fourth Doctor is often regarded as one of the most beloved iterations from the classic era. His character established many defining traits that resonate with future portrayals.
Baker’s candid recollections lead to intriguing speculation about what further adventures could have unfolded within the Doctor Who universe. Despite his conflicts with showrunners and skepticism surrounding the franchise’s future, it’s evident that a part of Baker will always cherish his time in the TARDIS.
Source: Radio Times Magazine