Doctor and Master: When Fate Forced Unlikely Alliances

Doctor Who, a timeless series with timeless characters, is filled with unexpected twists, and even more unexpected alliances. Among the most intriguing of these partnerships are those of the Doc's (Doctor's) on-again, off-again relationship with the Master. Time and again, the Doctor and Master, arch-rivals in the war against evil, have been forced to team up against shared foes. Let's explore some of these memorable moments.

Series Ten: When Missy Cooperated

Missy, the malevolent and manipulative female form of the Master, surprisingly worked with the Doctor a few times during series ten. While Missy's true intentions were always dubious, there were instances when teaming up was the only way to defeat a common enemy. These alliances showcased the complexities within these characters, blurring the lines between good and evil.

Classic Series: Master's Manipulation

In the classic series, the Master has a notorious penchant for switching sides. When he realized the futility of his nefarious plans, he would occasionally join forces with the Doctor to prevent his schemes from backfiring. This trait isn't exclusive to one incarnation of the Master; rather, it cuts across many of them, from harvesting’s Pertwee to Delgado's embodiment.

Black and White Ep: A Brief Collaboration

A particularly notable example is a classic black and white episode where the Doctor and Master temporarily teamed up against a mutual enemy. While their collaboration didn't last long, it left a lasting impact. This episode demonstrates that shared adversity can sometimes create unlikely bonds, even between sworn enemies.

The Doctor and Missy: A Forced Alliance

Missy's relationship with the Doctor is one of the more complex and unpredictable. While they have occasionally joined forces for their mutual survival, the Master's propensity to double-cross the Doctor is well-documented. One of the best examples of this is the episode Logopolis, where their collaboration was necessary to stop the entropy from destroying the universe. Even in the face of such a dire threat, the Master's true intentions remained shrouded in indecision and betrayal.

The Eternal Struggle

Throughout the series, the Doctor and Master have engaged in countless battles, from the familiar to the cosmic. Despite their rivalry, these historical occurrences of alliance serve as a reminder of the complex nature of good and evil. The Doctor Who universe, with its layers of plotting and counterplotting, shows us that even the most unlikely of alliances can form in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Conclusion

From Missy's temporary cooperation in series ten to the ancient, black and white episodes, the Doctor and Master have had their share of shared challenges. These alliances, however brief, demonstrate the multifaceted nature of these iconic characters. The Doctor Who universe continues to captivate with its blend of classic tales and evolving storylines, making it a timeless treasure for fans of the series.