Laser screwdriver

Sonicdevice1 10:12, 21 August 2008 (UTC)Sonicdevice1 23:40, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

"Laser screwdriver. Who'd have sonic?"

- The Master

The laser screwdriver was a device used by The Master. The technology was similar to The Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver, with several exceptions. It was larger, and generally used as a weapon, rather than a more subtle tool. The device incorporated various technologies, namely a miniaturized system based on the age-regression technology developed by Professor Richard Lazarus. (DW: The Sound of Drums)The device featured "isomorphic controls" so only The Master could operate its functions as revealed when the Doctor attempted to shoot him with it (DW: The Sound of Drums). It is unknown what effect the Laser screwdriver would have on a deadlock seal. Since it is a high-powered laser weapon, it would presumably destroy any lock it is aimed at.

When a large trigger on the grip was pressed, the emitter would extend with a fierce click, and the triple-section tip would slide into place. Another button-push would release a highly lethal beam of bright yellow laser energy with a piercing whine, the force of which was enough to send a human being flying several feet. A single hit to the chest proved lethal to Captain Jack Harkness [however briefly]. A large dial integrated into the bottom of the handgrip, textured similarly to the "cracked procelain" look of the Docto's Sonic Screwdriver, would activate another series of control settings. The Master used this to activate the Laser Screwdriver's aging technology, copied and improved upon from Doctor Lazarus' previous attempts [it was implied that The Master, in his Harold Saxon guise, was involved in funding Lazarus' efforts]. using a sample of the Doctor's genetic code, taken from his severed hand, the Master was able to forcibly advance the Doctor's age by approximately 100 years, leaving his foe nearly crippled and helpless with age. When the combined psychic energy of the Human race rejuvenated the Doctor, the Master attempted to kill him, then his companions, using the lethal settings, but was telekinetically disarmed of the device by the near-godlike Doctor. The fate of the Laser Screwdriver is unknown; In theory, it was either destroyed, taken for study by U.N.I.T., or taken into custody by The Doctor and stored in a box marked "L." (Much like the one marked "C," as seen in The Unicorn and the Wasp.)

Behind The Scenes


 * Conceptual art released on the BBC website, as well as conversations with the cast and crew, reveal that the Laser Screwdriver was intended to be larger and more intimidating than the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver, meant to be "shown off." This, as well as it's lethal and dangerous settings, fit in line with the Master's portrayal as an antithesis of the Doctor.


 * A toy replica of the device was released, similar to the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver. It does not feature a pen or any removable parts, save for the battery compartment. A single press of the trigger extends the spring-loaded tip and activates the laser sound effect, along with three bright yellow LED's. Holding the trigger for about one second activates the aging sound effect. The triple-ended tip does not extend further, as it does on the show. While slightly smaller than the on-screen prop, it does feature the crack-textured setting adjustment dial, with an integrated ratchet joint for further sound effects.


 * Fans of the original series noted that the Laser Screwdriver was a departure from the Master's other favored weapon, the Tissue Compression eliminator. When questioned about this, the current series' cast and crew commented that the Master may have simply preferred to use something different for the element of surprise.


 * Fans have also made several jokes concerning the comparison of the rival Time Lords' devices. The was indirectly referenced by the now famous line made by the Master himself: "LASER Screwdriver. Who'd have *Sonic?*"