Doctor Who fans convinced new version of 60s episode confirms huge plot twist-Asyia Iftikhar-Entertainment – Metro

A colourised version of a 1969 Doctor Who adventure appears to have confirmed a decades-long fan theory (Picture: BBC)

Longtime Doctor Who fans are in shock after the new colourisation of an iconic 60s episode seems to have just confirmed a major fan theory.

The BBC released a colourised version of the Second Doctor’s (Patrick Troughton) final ten-part adventure, The War Games, which originally aired in 1969.

It’s their second effort to revitalise Classic Who episodes after releasing the colourised version of the First Doctor’s (William Hartnell) adventure, The Daleks, in 2023.

The new 90-minute special aired on BBC Four on Monday night and promised ‘updated visual effects’. As well as featuring the never-before-seen regeneration of Patrick in the Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee.

But one aspect fans weren’t anticipating was the soundtrack essentially confirming that the episode’ antagonist, rogue Time Lord The War Chief, is an earlier iteration of the Doctor’s arch-nemesis, The Master.

The Master, originated by Roger Delgado, was officially introduced in 1971. The character has gone on to play a key role across the franchise, most recently portrayed by Sacha Dhawan.

Edward Brayshaw plays The War Chief during the 90-minute special (Picture: BBC)

But fans have noticed that Murray Gold’s ‘Master’ theme song was playing during his scenes (Picture: BBC)

But given the glaring similarities between The War Chief and the Master – from devilish schemes targeting the Doctor to his rugged, slightly mad appearance – fans have long thought they are one and the same.

Although various Doctor Who materials (from BBC books to spin-off audios) have alluded that this might be the case, there has never been any official confirmation.

Until now…

The colourised special’s synopsis reads: ‘When the Tardis lands in the horrors of World War I, the Doctor uncovers a threat spanning galaxies and history itself. But this time, saving the day might doom the Doctor forever.’

And nearly every time The War Chief (played by Edward Brayshaw) appeared on screen to enact his evil plan, Doctor Who composer Murray Gold’s season three theme, The Master Vainglorious, started playing in the background.

The theme song – used during John Simm’s run of the iconic villain in NuWho’s season three – is a pretty sure indicator that fans have been right all along.

And many can’t contain their shock and excitement at the easter egg.

Officially, Roger Delgado played the first version of The Master (Picture: BBC)

But by using John Simm’s Master theme… (Picture: BBC)

…Edward Brayshaw may just have clinched the title (Picture: BBC)

‘The way I immediately sat up when that music kicked in,’ @DiscipleofBrad wrote on X.

‘The Second Doctor and the Brayshaw Master. Waiting has paid off in life…’ @AmadmanNotABox added.

‘Oh they’re absolutely retconning The War Chief as The Master…,’ @mojopin04 said.

‘It’s odd because the War Chief being somewhat officially recognised as the Master is one of the best things the show has done for years,’ @dimensionsinjen declared.

‘THE NEW EDIT OF THE WAR GAMES IS CONFIRMING THE WAR CHIEF IS THE MASTER???’ @krynoidroots posted.

‘Oh, they *absolutely know what they’re doing* by playing Murray Gold’s Master theme whenever the War Chief is on screen,’ @trilbeereviews posed.

‘They lowkey making the war chief is the master theory canon lmaooo,’ @gothoperas shared.

Doctor Who fans now have the Christmas special, Joy To The World, to look forward to starring Nicola Coughlan opposite Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor.

Doctor Who will return on Christmas day (Picture: BBC Studios/Lara Cornell)

In a review of the Steven Moffat episode Metro wrote: ‘Although Joy To The World brings a reliable festive cheer, chaotically Christmassy plot and some memorable characters, the episode suffers from the lack of development sewn into the earlier season.’

And praised Coughlan’s starring turn, adding: ‘She has all the perfect ingredients of a companion in the making which is why it is such a shame she has only been confirmed by the BBC for a one-off appearance.’

Whovians will then be plunged into the second season in 2025, with the return of Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and the introduction of a new companion played by season one star Varada Sethu.

There is currently no confirmation on when and which Classic Who adventure will be colourised next.

The 90-minute War Games is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer and the Doctor Who Christmas special will air on December 25 at 5:10pm.

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