Christopher Barry was entrusted with another of the series’ landmarks when he directed the 1974-75 story that introduced Tom Baker’s mercurial Doctor.

Feature by NICK SETCHFIELD

The newly regenerated Doctor (Tom Baker) sees his face for the  rst time in Part One of Robot (197475).

There’s an electric moment in Part One of Robot when Tom Baker punctures the fourth wall.

As scripted, the freshly regenerated Doctor peers into a mirror, scrutinising his new face. It’s a simple bit of comic business, little more than an excuse for a sly crack at his predecessor: “I think the nose is a definite improvement!” As shot, however, it becomes something more, something thrillingly conspiratorial.

The reflection is angled so that the Doctor’s intense, off- kilter stare pierces the screen, locking with the eyes of the audience. The unassuming prop has become an alchemist’s mirror, a magical portal between star and viewer. In real life Baker made a habit of dropping in unannounced on children who were watching Doctor Who, savouring their reactions as all 6’ 2” of him loped into their living rooms. This moment carries the same frisson, asking everyone at home: “Quite frankly, what do you say to the ears?”