The quest to watch all of the surviving episodes of Classic Doctor Who continues. So far, I’ve made it almost all the way through the first three doctors, played by William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, and Jon Pertwee. In fact, I’m to the episodes where all three appear together for the first time.

William Hartnell’s part was limited due to poor heath, and I can’t help wondering what it would have been like had he been able to fully interact with the other two incarnations. I can imagine him getting in a few lines like “See here, dear boy!” But alas, his arteriosclerosis was affecting his ability to remember his lines. That’s a shame. Otherwise, so far, it’s great. And I love finally being able to see the first two doctors in color.

I have to admit that my favorite companion to this point might just be Jo Grant (played by the lovely Katy Manning), despite some dated hair and really dated wardrobe. She’s the spunkiest of the lot, and can keep up with the Doctor better than any of the others could (and she’s not constantly in need of rescue like some of the earlier female companions).

Yes, the special effects are still ultra low-budget. Sometimes, they’re groan-worthy. Some of the villains are over the top. I tire rather easily of the Master and his constant obsession to be ruler of the universe. Doesn’t he have any hobbies outside of meglomania? Yes, the monsters are still actors in rubber suits.

But I love all of it. It makes me wish I’d grown up in England in the 60’s and 70’s and seen all these episodes as they originally aired, including many that have been lost or destroyed.

I’m thankful for Britbox for providing me access to my own trip back in time. And who knows? Maybe one day some of those “lost” episodes will turn up somewhere.