The Miracle of Finding Missing Episodes

Ever had one of those days where you think nothing could go right, and suddenly the universe does a backflip and surprises you? That’s exactly what seems to be happening for Doctor Who fans who thought they’d never see these two classic episodes again. Talk about a timey-wimey twist!

The Tale of Two Episodes

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to the year 1963 when Doctor Who first graced our screens. Since then, nearly 900 episodes have zoomed through our TV sets, yet many of the early gems went MIA. Sadly, the BBC had a notorious practice of deleting treasures to save space, like a parent chucking out your childhood drawings. But lo and behold, we’re inching closer to seeing the past again as two lost episodes have been unearthed!

Discovery in the Nick of Time

The hidden treasures, dubbed “The Nightmare Begins” and “Devil’s Planet,” were found in a treasure chest (okay, more like a private collection) curated by the lovely folks at Film is Fabulous—a charity run by enthusiastic film buffs and vintage TV admirers. These reels popped out from a trove donated posthumously, marking the first return to the BBC since some episodes were fished out from Nigeria back in 2013. Who knew the hunt for reruns could rival an Indiana Jones movie?

What’s the Big Deal?

Both episodes star the First Doctor, portrayed by the wonderful William Hartnell, and are part of the epic twelve-part saga called “The Daleks’ Master Plan.” Yes, you heard it right! This captivating drama, penned by the legendary Terry Nation and Dennis Spooner, showcases the Daleks concocting a plot to dominate Earth and beyond. And let’s not forget the supporting cast, featuring familiar faces like Peter Purves and Adrienne Hill, plus a young Nicholas Courtney’s cameo as Bret Vyon—before he became the iconic Brigadier!

What’s Still Missing?

Out of the twelve original episodes, seven are still playing hide-and-seek, including the infamous “The Feast of Steven,” which made its grisly debut on Christmas Day. This particular episode is snuggled deep in the archives of obscurity since it wasn’t sold for international airwaves due to its unexpectedly violent swagger. If you want a taste of the elusive, those two recently discovered episodes are just the icing on the cake!

What’s Next for Fans?

The BBC is rolling up its sleeves to polish these newly-found gems, and they’re set to make their grand debut on BBC iPlayer’s “Whoniverse” this Easter. However, our friends across the pond might need to channel their inner Time Lord and wait a bit longer to gain access. But if this miraculous find teaches us anything, it’s that hope can travel through time!