Unveiling the Master’s Schemes: A Guide to the Master’s Masterful Master Plans
Introduction:
Doctor Who has captivated audiences for decades with its iconic Time Lord, the Doctor, and their enigmatic arch-nemesis, the Master. This villainous character, with their brilliant mind and insatiable thirst for power, has crafted some of the most intricate and devious plans in the Whoniverse. Join us as we delve into the Master’s master plans, exploring their origins, motivations, and the impact they’ve had on the Doctor and the fate of the universe.
The Origin of the Master
To understand the Master’s plans, we must first journey back to their origins. The Master, born as Professor George, is a renegade Time Lord from Gallifrey, the Doctor’s home planet. They were once a promising student, showing exceptional talent in the art of time travel and manipulation. However, their ambition and desire for dominance led them down a dark path, making them one of the Doctor’s most formidable foes.
The Master’s Motivations
The Master’s master plans are driven by a complex mix of emotions and desires:
- Power: An insatiable hunger for power and control drives the Master. They seek to dominate and manipulate, often at the expense of others.
- Revenge: Deep-seated resentment towards the Doctor and the Time Lords fuels the Master’s actions. Their plans often involve seeking retribution for perceived wrongs.
- Chaos: The Master thrives in chaos and disorder. They delight in creating mayhem and disrupting the natural order of things.
- Survival: In some instances, the Master’s plans are a desperate attempt to ensure their own survival, often by acquiring new sources of power or influencing events to their advantage.
Master Plan #1: The Deadly Assassin (1976)
In this classic serial, the Master orchestrates a complex scheme to overthrow the President of Gallifrey and seize control of the Time Lords. They manipulate events from within the Matrix, a powerful computer system that holds the knowledge of the Time Lords, to frame the Doctor for assassination. The Master’s plan is a cunning display of political intrigue and technological manipulation, showcasing their mastery of Gallifreyan technology.
Master Plan #2: The Keeper of Traken (1981)
Here, the Master forms an alliance with the powerful Melkur, a being of pure energy, to acquire the Source, a powerful force that can grant immense power. The Master’s plan involves using the Source to transform Traken, a peaceful planet, into a realm of chaos and destruction. Their goal is to gain ultimate control and reshape the universe to their liking.
Master Plan #3: The King’s Demons (1986)
In this adventure, the Master teams up with the notorious Knight Templar, Azal, to acquire the power of the Holy Grail. The Master’s plan involves manipulating events during King John’s reign, leading to the acquisition of the Grail’s power and the potential domination of the world. Their scheme showcases their ability to exploit historical events for personal gain.
Master Plan #4: Survival (1989)
The Master, in an attempt to survive their exile on Earth, teams up with the vicious Cheetah People. Together, they plan to use a powerful alien weapon, the Hand of Omega, to destroy the Doctor’s home planet, Gallifrey. Their goal is not only to eliminate the Time Lords but also to create a new, more powerful race—the Cheetah People—to rule the universe.
Master Plan #5: Doctor Who: The Television Movie (1996)
In this special, the Master, now played by Eric Roberts, seeks to acquire the Eye of Harmony, a powerful time energy source. The Master’s plan involves manipulating the Doctor’s companion, Grace, to release the Eye’s power, which they intend to use for their own nefarious purposes. Their scheme showcases their ability to manipulate and exploit even those close to the Doctor.
Master Plan #6: Utopia (2007)
The Master, played by John Simm, returns with a grand plan to gain ultimate power. They aim to harness the power of the Time Lords, specifically the untapped potential of Gallifrey’s history, to become the most powerful being in the universe. The Master’s plan involves manipulating the Doctor and their companions, as well as acquiring a powerful device known as the “Arc of Infinity.”
Master Plan #7: Last of the Time Lords (2007)
In this epic conclusion to the Master’s arc, they have achieved their goal of becoming the ruler of Earth. The Master, now with a new form and an army of Toclafane, plans to destroy the human race and establish a new order under their control. Their scheme involves manipulating time and manipulating the minds of humanity to create a fearsome new reality.
Master Plan #8: The End of Time (2009-2010)
The Master, played by Michelle Gomez, returns with a plan to unleash the Great Intelligence, a powerful and ancient being, upon the universe. The Master’s goal is to become a vessel for the Great Intelligence, granting them immense power and control. Their plan involves manipulating events across time and space, creating a path for the Great Intelligence’s return.
The Master’s Legacy
The Master’s master plans have left an indelible mark on the Whoniverse and the Doctor’s adventures. Their schemes have pushed the Doctor to their limits, forcing them to confront their own morality and the consequences of their actions. The Master’s legacy is one of chaos, intrigue, and a constant reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows of time and space.
FAQ
What makes the Master such a compelling villain in *Doctor Who*?
+The Master's complexity and their shared history with the Doctor make them a compelling villain. Their intelligence, ambition, and willingness to go to extreme lengths for power create a constant threat that challenges the Doctor's morality and problem-solving skills.
How does the Master's relationship with the Doctor evolve over time?
+The Master's relationship with the Doctor is complex and often evolves from one regeneration to the next. While they are arch-enemies, there are moments of camaraderie and even a hint of friendship, making their dynamic one of the most fascinating aspects of *Doctor Who*.
What is the significance of the Master's regeneration into a female form?
+The Master's regeneration into a female form, played by Michelle Gomez, brought a new dynamic to the character. It challenged traditional gender roles and expanded the possibilities for the Master's character development, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to their schemes.
How do the Master's plans impact the overall narrative of *Doctor Who*?
+The Master's plans often serve as major plot points, driving the narrative forward and creating high-stakes situations. Their schemes introduce new threats, challenge the Doctor's abilities, and explore the consequences of power and manipulation, adding depth and complexity to the show's universe.
Closing Thoughts:
The Master’s master plans are a testament to their brilliance and their ability to leave an indelible mark on the Whoniverse. From political intrigue to alliances with powerful beings, their schemes have shaped the course of time and space. As we continue to explore the vast universe of Doctor Who, the Master’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and intrigue fans for generations to come.
