Doctor Who has captivated audiences for decades with its thrilling adventures through time and space. One iconic element of the show is the presence of UNIT, the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce. As the Doctor’s allies and defenders of Earth, UNIT has played a significant role in both the classic and modern series. Let’s delve into the rich history of UNIT, its impact on Doctor Who, and the exciting prospects of an upcoming spin-off series featuring the beloved character Kate Lethbridge-Stewart.
UNIT’s origins and early appearances
UNIT made its debut in the Doctor Who universe in 1968’s “Web of Fear.” Led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, portrayed by Nicholas Courtney, the organisation quickly became a mainstay in the show. The Second Doctor, played by Patrick Troughton, encountered the Yeti and Great Intelligence during this thrilling adventure. UNIT’s involvement continued to grow, particularly during Jon Pertwee’s tenure as the Third Doctor in the 1970s.
UNIT’s role in the Classic Series
Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor spent much of his time on Earth, working alongside UNIT and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. This collaboration resulted in numerous exciting stories and memorable encounters with alien threats. UNIT provided a grounding element to the show, bridging the gap between the Doctor’s intergalactic travels and the familiar world of humanity.
During Tom Baker’s time as the Fourth Doctor, UNIT remained a prominent presence. The organisation played a crucial role in protecting Earth from various extraterrestrial threats. Additionally, they featured prominently in the 20th-anniversary special, “The Five Doctors,” where multiple incarnations of the Doctor joined forces to save the day.
The modern era and UNIT’s evolution
UNIT’s prominence waned somewhat as the Doctor Who series entered the modern era, making only occasional appearances. The Tenth and Eleventh Doctors encountered UNIT briefly during their respective runs, with the organisation notably appearing in the 50th-anniversary special, “The Day of The Doctor.” In this thrilling episode, UNIT faced off against the Zygons, showcasing their enduring relevance.
However, it was Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor who brought UNIT back into focus in seasons 8 and 9. The Brigadier’s daughter, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, portrayed by Jemma Redgrave, played a significant role during these story arcs. Though tied to her father’s legacy, her character demonstrated depth and potential for further exploration.
Kate Lethbridge-Stewart: A character deserving of a spin-off
While Kate Lethbridge-Stewart has appeared since 2012’s “The Power of Three,” her character has yet to be fully developed. The announced spin-off series featuring UNIT provides an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into her family legacy and showcase her capabilities beyond being the Brigadier’s daughter. Fans have long awaited a chance to explore Kate’s character in greater detail, and this spin-off promises to deliver just that.
Before the UNIT series, fans can anticipate seeing Kate and the organisation in action during the highly anticipated 60th anniversary specials. Alongside David Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, Kate and UNIT will undoubtedly face thrilling challenges and showcase their evolution within the Doctor Who universe.
With the UNIT spin-off, Doctor Who fans can look forward to a more comprehensive exploration of the organisation’s legacy and the character of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. This spin-off promises to reignite the impact of UNIT on the Doctor Who universe and provide thrilling adventures for viewers to enjoy.
The spin-off is envisioned as a Torchwood-style offshoot, drawing inspiration from the successful Doctor Who spin-off series. Torchwood’s triumph lay in its crossover elements, with characters and monsters from the main series making appearances. This approach could be replicated in the UNIT spin-off, creating exciting opportunities for beloved characters to return.
One possible crossover involves Freema Agyeman’s character, Martha Jones, who worked for UNIT during the Tenth Doctor’s era. Her ties to the organisation could pave the way for her return and further exploration of her story. Additionally, past companions of the Doctor could potentially make appearances, bridging the gap between different eras of the show.
UNIT: Expanding the Whoniverse
A UNIT-centered show has the potential to follow in the footsteps of successful Doctor Who spin-offs like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The spin-off can make the Whoniverse feel more extensive and interconnected by showcasing the adventures and challenges faced by the Doctor’s friends and allies when he is not around.
Russell T Davies, the showrunner responsible for Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, demonstrated the ability to create compelling spin-offs that exist alongside the main series. A UNIT-centric show can continue this tradition, expanding the Doctor Who universe, introducing new characters, and presenting formidable monsters that will continue to captivate audiences.
As the Whoniverse expands, fans will have the opportunity to witness the evolution of UNIT, face familiar foes, and encounter new challenges. The spin-off will honour the rich history of the classic series while forging a new path for UNIT in the modern era.
UNIT has played a significant role in the world of Doctor Who for over 50 years. UNIT has left an indelible mark on the show, from its early appearances alongside the Second and Third Doctors to its occasional encounters with the modern incarnations.
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