Missing Doctor Who episodes found.

Cafe Society
1

If you like the TV show Doctor Who, then you are probably aware that maqny of the earliest episodes have been lost. Currently 106 episodes from the first 6 years are missing.

For months a rumour has been circulating of a cache of episodes discovered in a TV station in Ethiopia. Early versions of the rumour said that as many as 90 episodeshad been found. Through this period the BBC have been saying they cannot confirm such a find, but have seemingly avoided saying outright that the rumour is false.
Well, now the BBC has confirmed that they have found *some *missing episodes. It’s not clear yet how many, which ones, or where they come from, or if they are connected to the Ethiopia rumour or not. All this shall be announced at a press conference later this week. The episodes shall be then made available for download. Initially promised for Wednesday, it’s been postponed to some time this week, TBC.

Let the speculations commence. What episodes do you think or hope have been fouind? I think we can safely dismiss the 90 episodes claim. That’s about as likely as winning the lottery.

Sources are suggesting that there are at least two episodes, from two different stories, both 2nd Doctor. A solid rumour coming from people in the know is claiming complete sets of The Web Of Fear and Enemy Of The World. This is not confirmed.

*Web *is widely regarded as one of the all time great stories, and introduced the long running character Lethbridge-Stewart.

*Enemy *is less fondly remembered, but has Troughton in a dual role as The Doctor, and look-alike villain Salamander. The final battle, where the two fight hand to hand is represented by only a few stills. While the story overall is not as good as Web, this particular scene is one of my Holy Grails. I really hope to see it some day.

2

Fantastic news, even if it’s just one episode. Here’s hoping that they’ve got complete story arcs.

3

I’ve always wanted to see “The Celestial Toy Maker”, from the first Doctor, and I’ve been interested in “The Evil of the Daleks”, from the second Doctor, for a while.

4

I saw one of the four missing episodes of the “Celestial Toymaker” and it only make me was to see the other three as well.

Frankly, I’d welcome even as few as one missing episode, anything more is a bonus. Here’s hoping we get a complete story or two (or better).

5

Personally, I’m hoping for “Fury From the Deep.” There’s something about evil seaweed.

6

I liked that one, too.

Were the eps found in an acacia wood, gold covered box about yeay big?

7

Deborah Watling and Frazier Hines will be attending the press conference.
http://www.deborahwatling.net/News/index.htm

8

Ooh, maybe “The Highlanders”. I’ve always wanted to see the episode where Jamie and the Doctor met.

I’ve seen the remaining episode too. I also read the book as a teen and it’s a pretty good story.

9

Ethiopia? You really couldn’t make it up.

10

They may well have done. Remember, the Ethiopia connection is just a rumour at this point.

11

All I need now is for the BBC to announce that they were found in the ark of the covenant. I’d stop gnawing through my restraints after that since I’d probably be giggling for decades.

12

I’d love to see more Patrick Troughton episodes. Too many of them have been lost.

13

I heard the box was blue with a St John’s ambulance logo on it.

14

See post # 6 :wink:

15

snerk

16

I’m greedy. I want a full story, hopefully from Troughton’s era. Power of the Daleks, Evil of the Daleks or Highlander.

Actually, I’m greedy in that I want all lost episodes restored! sigh I know, I know, I shouldn’t get my hopes up but it’s too late.

17

Frazer Hines (Jamie) and Deborah Watling (Victoria) are apparently attending the press conference, so perhaps the missing episodes of Web of Fear have turned up? Hope so, as it’s the Brigadiers first serial. What other Jamie/Victoria stuff is missing? Will have a look when I get finished up.

I’m really hoping for* Power of the Daleks* though, but that seems unlikely :frowning:

18

The majority of Victoria episodes are currently missing. Her stories :

The Evil of the Daleks : 6 episode of 7 missing
The Tomb of the Cybermen - complete (4 episodes)
The Abominable Snowmen - 5 of 6 episodes missing
The Ice Warriors - 2 of 6 episodes missing
The Enemy of the World - 5 of 6 episodes missing
The Web of Fear - 5 episodes out of 6 missing
Fury From The Deep - all 6 episodes missing.

19

I saw the Celestial Toymaker when it was broadcast. I thought it was amazing and would love to see it all again. The Toymaker was deliciously creepy and the whole delightfully surreal.

20

Which basically means any two episodes recovered will make a significant difference for that season.