RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors
Someone is taking the Doctor's past selves out of time and space, placing them in a vast wilderness – a battle arena with a sinister tower at its center. As the various incarnations of the Doctor join forces, they learn they are in the Death Zone on their home world of Gallifrey, fighting Daleks, Cybermen, Yeti and a devious Time Lord Traitor who is using the Doctor and his companions to discover the ancient secrets of Rassilon, the first and most powerful ruler of Gallifrey.
Insights
Plot Summary
This special RiffTrax Live event features the original 1983 Doctor Who serial 'The Five Doctors' hilariously re-contextualized by the comedy team of Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett. The original story sees the Doctor's various incarnations brought together across time and space by the renegade Time Lord The Master to battle a malevolent entity on the Death Zone of Gallifrey. The RiffTrax commentary adds a layer of comedic cynicism and absurdity to the classic adventure.
Critical Reception
As a RiffTrax Live event, the reception is primarily focused on the comedic value of the riffing rather than the original program. Critics and audiences generally praise the RiffTrax team's ability to find humor in the often-campy or dated elements of classic Doctor Who, delivering a fun and engaging experience for fans of both RiffTrax and the show.
What Reviewers Say
- The RiffTrax team's witty and irreverent commentary elevates the classic Doctor Who serial.
- Fans enjoyed the live, interactive nature of the event and the humor brought to familiar 'Doctor Who' tropes.
- A successful blend of nostalgia for 'Doctor Who' and contemporary comedy from the RiffTrax crew.
Google audience: Audience feedback for RiffTrax Live events typically highlights the comedic chemistry of the riffers and their ability to make even beloved or dated material fresh and funny. Viewers often praise the live aspect for adding to the shared experience and spontaneity of the humor.
Awards & Accolades
None notable (as a RiffTrax Live event focused on commentary)
Fun Fact
The original 'The Five Doctors' serial was produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Doctor Who and featured an unprecedented gathering of past Doctors and companions, though William Hartnell's appearance was limited due to his declining health.
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