Not for the first time, the Tour has managed to miss making a timely remark around Tom Baker’s birthday. The man turned a sprightly ninety a few days back, and, alongside WIlliam Russell, is one of the elder statesmen of Doctor Who.
Hard as it might seem to believe, the ‘Golden Sweep’ of Doctor Who will hit the Tom Baker era at the end of 2024, and yet his era–with all of the attendant sub-eras–will always have a monumental impact on Doctor Who, and as importantly, the public perception of the show. Where does the time go we ask (and have yet to get an answer).
As it happens once again providence shone on the Tour Brain Trust quite recently seeing Tom in an October 1973 episode of ‘Arthur of the Britons’ a 2-season historical about 5th century Briton. In the episode ‘Go Warily’ Tom plays twins, one good, the other vengeful–with the latter largely featured. This is Tom in pure ‘Koura’ mode, all eyes, curls sonorous of voice and dark of intent. It doesn’t go well for Tom in the end–but it’s a delight to see him do it.
The Tour recently put up a smallish update of new Who Not Who! images for ‘ol Scarf Boy, which now numbers over 1000 images. No bad for a 90 year old is it?