John Nathan-Turner - Series Overhaul

Series Overhaul

Nathan-Turner decided to begin a sweeping overhaul of the series, replacing the original theme music with a more up-to-date electronic beat. He also introduced revamped title and credit sequences, featuring a new face shot of Baker (the original having been taken in 1974). He commissioned costume designer June Hudson to make a new outfit for Tom Baker, giving her carte-blanche (even giving permission to remove the trademark scarf if she liked, which she only gave a new burgundy and purple colour pattern instead). He did, however, insist that question marks be added to the costume. Nathan-Turner had no writing experience and as a result, choosing stories was left largely to script editors. Nathan-Turner's first major story influence was bringing back the Master, the logistics of which he left to Bidmead to deal with. After Nathan-Turner's first season in charge, both Bidmead and Letts left the series. Letts was never replaced in Nathan-Turner's time in charge of the show, while Bidmead was briefly replaced by Antony Root, and then more permanently by Eric Saward, who was script editor for much of Nathan-Turner's time in charge of the show.

By the end of Season 19, Nathan-Turner decided that the series would benefit by re-using earlier villains and characters — Earthshock enjoyed considerable acclaim with the return of the Cybermen. Season 20 saw the return of Omega, the Mara, the Black Guardian, and the Brigadier. The re-use of classic villains often proved complex for both script editor Eric Saward and the writers. Nathan-Turner, however, was largely focused on generating publicity for the series and snagging well-known stars. He also wanted to avoid using directors and writers from the previous periods, the few exceptions being directors Graeme Harper, Pennant Roberts and writers Terrance Dicks and Robert Holmes.