John Nathan-Turner is not the first man to get the offer to run Doctor Who. Graeme MacDonald will first offer the position to George Gallaccio, John Nathan predecessor. He apparently works on Doctor Who sometime before this. Because Gallaccio turns down MacDonald, John Nathan-Turner is gets the offer to run Doctor Who. Maybe for John Nathan-Turner this is a dream job. I do not personally know that it is. But he is the unit production manager at the time.(1)
There are changes taking place as Nathan-Turner assumes the role of producer of Doctor Who. He will not have any help from MacDonald because of restructuring of the Drama Department. What does happen though and I have always wondered why Barry Letts is listed as the Executive Producer. This is only for Nathan-Turner’s first season as producer though.(2) Personally I believe that this is probably Nathan-Turner’s best year as producer.
Nathan-Turner makes noticeable changes to the show. While watching the serials I notice a more serious tone and this cause problems with the viewers. Then at the same time it cause problems with the present Doctor, Tom Baker. Neither he nor Lalla Ward like the changes. These changes were to costumes, title sequence, and a new arrangement of the theme tune.
Tom Baker leaves after the first season of Nathan-Turners reign as producer because he does not like the changes. I can say that this may have been the beginning of the end. I say this because nine years later they cancel this iconic television show. The writing seems to get worse during this time and the viewers begin to leave. The ratings fall some because of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, but some also due to changes and quality of the show.
I like some of Nathan-Turners work. If seriousness is what he desires his pick for the Fifth Doctor is great. The show still stays together fairly well during Peter Davidson’s time as the Doctor. It is the later years which seem to be the downfall. Personally, I cannot say these years are a success for Doctor Who or the BBC. Therefore I call this the beginning of the end.