A Fix with Sontarans (TV story)

A Fix with Sontarans is the name of a specially written "episode" for the BBC's children's programme Jim'll Fix It, featuring the Doctor, broadcast on 23 February 1985. It is not generally considered to be canonical by Doctor Who fans.

Plot
The Sixth Doctor is working the controls in the TARDIS, and he accidentally teleports his former companion Tegan Jovanka on board. She is less than happy about this, and reluctantly agrees to help the Time Lord. He reveals that two Sontarans are on board, and they possess a powerful vitrox bomb with which they intend to blow up the time machine.

The Doctor then accidentally beams on board an Earthling called Gareth Jenkins, who happens to be dressed in an outfit similar to his own. Gareth agrees to help in any way he can, and helps The Doctor set a trap for the Sontarans. The two aliens break into the console room. The leader introduces himself as Group Marshall Nathan and demands that the Doctor introduce his group. Upon hearing Gareth's name, Nathan reveals that in 2001 their invasion of Earth would be foiled by a brave rebel called Gareth Jenkins; and if they kill him now their future success is assured. However, Gareth springs their trap and kills the two villains. Jimmy Savile then appears and presents Gareth with his Jim'll Fix It medal, and as an added treat, the prop "Meson gun" the Sontarans used.

Cast

 * The Doctor - Colin Baker
 * Tegan Jovanka - Janet Fielding
 * Gareth Jenkins - Himself
 * Tim Raynham - Group Marshall Nathan
 * Jimmy Savile - Himself

Story Notes
"A Fix with Sontarans" was broadcast during the run of "The Two Doctors" and is featured as an extra on the DVD release of that story.
 * Group Marshal Nathan and his subordinate, unnamed on screen but referred to as "Turner" in the script, were a sly reference to Doctor Who producer John Nathan-Turner.
 * Janet Fielding was asked to participate in the sketch when Nicola Bryant proved unavailable to reprise her role as the Doctor's then-current assistant Peri Brown.
 * Despite rumours to the contrary, the young Gareth Jenkins in this broadcast is not the same Gareth Jenkins who currently works as a composer, audio engineer, and actor for Doctor Who audio play producers Big Finish.
 * Although this skit is not considered part of the canon, attempts are made to fit it into continuity. Peri's absence is not explained, but when Tegan arrives (wearing a flight attendant's uniform similar to the one she wore in the series) the Doctor explains that he has regenerated; since Tegan witnessed this once before, she is not surprised. She is also shown to be somewhat familiar with TARDIS controls, in keeping with her character in her earlier appearances. Although it was produced prior to "The Trial of a Time Lord," it is possible to place this in the Doctor's timeframe after the events of that storyline, and before his official first meeting with Melanie Bush.
 * The fourth Doctor, Tom Baker had previously appeared in an earlier episode, where he handed out scarves to some children.
 * Veteran movie actor Peter Cushing (who also played Dr. Who in two cinematic outings) wrote to the show in 1986 to ask if a variety of rose could be named after his late wife.

External link

 * Wikipedia article on Jim'll Fix It
 * Internet Movie Database entry
 * Internet Movie Database entry