Courting Disaster (Unearthing "The Mysterious Planet")

When Doctor Who returned after a forced hiatus in the mid '80s, the show had big plans for its return: The entire season would be a single arc that would see the Time Lords subject the Doctor to an epic trial for his meddling. The Trial of a Time Lord was an ambitious and compelling idea, and years before its time considering how serialized modern franchises have become. Trial's first story has a lot going for it — an interesting mystery, a rebooted Sixth Doctor, and the delight of Tony Selby as Sabalom Glitz — plus it sets the table for a looming showdown between the Doctor and the big baddie for the season, the Valeyard. Could The Mysterious Planet be a forgotten gem? Let's reopen this case.

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Story Essentials

• Season 23

• Story number: 143, per the The Pull To Open Codex

• Production Code 7A

• Writer: Robert Holmes

• Showrunner: Nathan-Turner

• Aired 6 - 27 September 1986

Pull To Open: The Trial of a Time Lord - The Mysterious Planet

• Season 3

• Episode 6

Hosts: Pete Pachal and Chris Taylor