Steven Taylor (Doctor Who)
Encyclopedia
Steven Taylor is a fictional character played by Peter Purves
in the long-running British
science fiction television
series Doctor Who
. A space pilot from Earth
in the future, he was a companion
of the First Doctor
and a regular in the programme from 1965 to 1966.
, when the Doctor
and his companions, Ian
, Barbara
, and Vicki
, find him on the planet Mechanus where he crash-landed two years before. He joins the Doctor and Vicki as a companion in the following serial, The Time Meddler
, when they discover that he stowed-away in the TARDIS
after having escaped the burning Mechanoid City. Steven is a strong-willed individual, who is more capable when there is something physical to do than when there is thinking to be done. He has a finely developed sense of right and wrong, and places a high value on human life.
Steven follows the Doctor through The Daleks' Master Plan
, a dark and dangerous adventure that takes the lives of Sara Kingdom
and Katarina
. He argues with the Doctor when he refuses to prevent the events of The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve
. Steven is ready to part company with the Doctor over the deaths that happened
, in particular that of a woman named Anne Chaplet. He rejoins the Doctor, however, at the same time that they acquired a new travelling companion, a young woman by the name of Dorothea "Dodo" Chaplet
, who is apparently a descendant of Anne's.
Steven's journey eventually ends during the The Savages, when he decides to accept the responsibility of leading the combined society of Savages and Elders that is attempting a lasting peace. His life beyond that is not explored in the series.
The exact time period that Steven originally came from is not specified in the television series. However, in The Daleks' Master Plan
, set in the year 4000, Steven states that he comes from "thousands of years" before that period.
Steven Moffat
, a Doctor Who fan, writer of several episodes of the revived series, and head writer and executive producer from 2010, named the lead character in his sitcom Coupling
(BBC Two
, 2000–04) "Steve Taylor", although this was apparently a coincidence. Moffat later explained that although he was aware of the Doctor Who companion, the "Steve" was chosen because the character was based upon himself, and the "Taylor" to suggest a thematic link to the character of Mark Taylor in his earlier sitcom Joking Apart
.
and a vision of Steven is seen along with every other companion up until that point aside from Leela
and Kamelion
on the scanner screen in Resurrection of the Daleks
.
Season 3
Past Doctor Adventures
Peter Purves
Peter Purves is an English television presenter and actor.Purves was born in New Longton, near Preston, Lancashire, and was educated at the independent Arnold School in Blackpool, he had originally planned to go into teaching, training at Alsager College of Education, but began to act with the...
in the long-running British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
science fiction television
Science fiction on television
Science fiction first appeared on a television program during the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Special effects and other production techniques allow creators to present a living visual image of an imaginary world not limited by the constraints of reality; this makes television an excellent medium...
series Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
. A space pilot from Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
in the future, he was a companion
Companion (Doctor Who)
In the long-running BBC television science fiction programme Doctor Who and related works, the term "companion" refers to a character who travels with, and shares the adventures of the Doctor. In most Doctor Who stories, the primary companion acts as both deuteragonist and audience surrogate...
of the First Doctor
First Doctor
The First Doctor is the initial incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He was portrayed by the actor William Hartnell from 1963 to 1966. Hartnell reprised the role in the tenth anniversary story The Three Doctors in 1973 - albeit in a...
and a regular in the programme from 1965 to 1966.
Character history
Steven first appears in the serial The ChaseThe Chase (Doctor Who)
The Chase is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in six weekly parts from 22 May to 26 June 1965. The story is set on multiple locations including the Mary Celeste, the Empire State Building, and the planet Aridius...
, when the Doctor
First Doctor
The First Doctor is the initial incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He was portrayed by the actor William Hartnell from 1963 to 1966. Hartnell reprised the role in the tenth anniversary story The Three Doctors in 1973 - albeit in a...
and his companions, Ian
Ian Chesterton
Ian Chesterton is a fictional character in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who and a companion of the First Doctor. He was played in the series by William Russell, and was one of the members of the programme's very first regular cast, appearing in the bulk of the first two...
, Barbara
Barbara Wright (Doctor Who)
Barbara Wright is a fictional character in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who and a companion of the First Doctor. She was one of the programme's very first regulars and appeared in the bulk of its first two seasons from 1963–65, played by Jacqueline Hill. In the film version...
, and Vicki
Vicki
Vicki is a fictional character played by Maureen O'Brien in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. An orphan from the 25th century, she was a companion of the First Doctor and a regular in the programme in Seasons 2 and 3 in 1965...
, find him on the planet Mechanus where he crash-landed two years before. He joins the Doctor and Vicki as a companion in the following serial, The Time Meddler
The Time Meddler
The Time Meddler is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 3 July to 24 July 1965...
, when they discover that he stowed-away in the TARDIS
TARDIS
The TARDISGenerally, TARDIS is written in all upper case letters—this convention was popularised by the Target novelisations of the 1970s...
after having escaped the burning Mechanoid City. Steven is a strong-willed individual, who is more capable when there is something physical to do than when there is thinking to be done. He has a finely developed sense of right and wrong, and places a high value on human life.
Steven follows the Doctor through The Daleks' Master Plan
The Daleks' Master Plan
The Daleks' Master Plan is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The twelve episodes were aired from 13 November 1965 to 29 January 1966...
, a dark and dangerous adventure that takes the lives of Sara Kingdom
Sara Kingdom
Sara Kingdom is a fictional character played by Jean Marsh in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. A security officer for Mavic Chen from the 41st century, she would later join the First Doctor and Steven to work against Chen's interests...
and Katarina
Katarina (Doctor Who)
Katarina is a fictional character played by Adrienne Hill in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who appearing in the programme from November to December 1965....
. He argues with the Doctor when he refuses to prevent the events of The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve
The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve
The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 5 February to 26 February 1966...
. Steven is ready to part company with the Doctor over the deaths that happened
St. Bartholomew's Day massacre
The St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572 was a targeted group of assassinations, followed by a wave of Roman Catholic mob violence, both directed against the Huguenots , during the French Wars of Religion...
, in particular that of a woman named Anne Chaplet. He rejoins the Doctor, however, at the same time that they acquired a new travelling companion, a young woman by the name of Dorothea "Dodo" Chaplet
Dodo Chaplet
Dorothea "Dodo" Chaplet is a fictional character played by Jackie Lane in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. An Earth teenager from the year 1966, she was a companion of the First Doctor and a regular in the programme in its third season, from February to July,...
, who is apparently a descendant of Anne's.
Steven's journey eventually ends during the The Savages, when he decides to accept the responsibility of leading the combined society of Savages and Elders that is attempting a lasting peace. His life beyond that is not explored in the series.
The exact time period that Steven originally came from is not specified in the television series. However, in The Daleks' Master Plan
The Daleks' Master Plan
The Daleks' Master Plan is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The twelve episodes were aired from 13 November 1965 to 29 January 1966...
, set in the year 4000, Steven states that he comes from "thousands of years" before that period.
Steven Moffat
Steven Moffat
Steven Moffat is a Scottish television writer and producer.Moffat's first television work was the teen drama series Press Gang. His first sitcom, Joking Apart, was inspired by the breakdown of his first marriage; conversely, his later sitcom Coupling was based upon the development of his...
, a Doctor Who fan, writer of several episodes of the revived series, and head writer and executive producer from 2010, named the lead character in his sitcom Coupling
Coupling (UK TV series)
Coupling is a British television sitcom written by Steven Moffat that aired on BBC2 from May 2000 to June 2004. Produced by Hartswood Films for the BBC, the show centres on the dating and sexual adventures and mishaps of six friends in their thirties, often depicting the three women and the three...
(BBC Two
BBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
, 2000–04) "Steve Taylor", although this was apparently a coincidence. Moffat later explained that although he was aware of the Doctor Who companion, the "Steve" was chosen because the character was based upon himself, and the "Taylor" to suggest a thematic link to the character of Mark Taylor in his earlier sitcom Joking Apart
Joking Apart
Joking Apart is a BBC television sitcom written by Steven Moffat about the rise and fall of a relationship. It juxtaposes a couple, Mark and Becky , who fall in love and marry, before getting separated and finally divorced...
.
Other mentions
Steven is mentioned by the 7th Doctor in The Curse of FenricThe Curse of Fenric
The Curse of Fenric is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 25 October to 15 November 1989...
and a vision of Steven is seen along with every other companion up until that point aside from Leela
Leela (Doctor Who)
Leela is a fictional character played by Louise Jameson in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Leela was a companion of the Fourth Doctor and a regular in the programme from 1977 to 1978...
and Kamelion
Kamelion
Kamelion is a fictional character from the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. A shape-changing android voiced by Gerald Flood in its default form, it is a companion of the Fifth Doctor and appears in the television series in two serials between 1983 and...
on the scanner screen in Resurrection of the Daleks
Resurrection of the Daleks
Resurrection of the Daleks is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in two weekly parts between 8 February and 15 February 1984...
.
Television
Season 2- The ChaseThe Chase (Doctor Who)The Chase is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in six weekly parts from 22 May to 26 June 1965. The story is set on multiple locations including the Mary Celeste, the Empire State Building, and the planet Aridius...
(Episode 6 only) - The Time MeddlerThe Time MeddlerThe Time Meddler is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 3 July to 24 July 1965...
Season 3
- Galaxy 4Galaxy 4Galaxy 4 is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 11 September to 2 October 1965.-Plot:...
- The Myth MakersThe Myth MakersThe Myth Makers is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 16 October to 6 November 1965. The story is set in Homeric Troy, based on Iliad by Homer...
- The Daleks' Master PlanThe Daleks' Master PlanThe Daleks' Master Plan is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The twelve episodes were aired from 13 November 1965 to 29 January 1966...
- The Massacre of St Bartholomew's EveThe Massacre of St Bartholomew's EveThe Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 5 February to 26 February 1966...
- The ArkThe Ark (Doctor Who)The Ark is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 5 March to 26 March 1966...
- The Celestial ToymakerThe Celestial ToymakerThe Celestial Toymaker is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 2 April to 23 April 1966.-Plot:...
- The GunfightersThe GunfightersThe Gunfighters is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, set in 19th Century America on the days leading up to the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral...
- The Savages
Audio dramas
- FrostfireFrostfireFrostfire is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.The Companion Chronicles "talking books" are each narrated by one of the Doctor's companions and feature a second, guest-star voice along with music and sound...
(an adventure related by Vicki) - Mother RussiaMother Russia (Doctor Who audio)Mother Russia is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. In it, Peter Purves reprises his role as Steven Taylor....
- Home TruthsHome Truths (Doctor Who audio)Home Truths is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.The Companion Chronicles "talking books" are each narrated by one of the Doctor's companions and feature a second, guest-star voice along with music and sound effects.-...
(an adventure related by Sara Kingdom) - The Drowned WorldThe Drowned World (Doctor Who audio)The Drowned World is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
(an adventure related by Sara Kingdom) - The SufferingThe Suffering (Doctor Who audio)The Suffering is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.The Companion Chronicles "talking books" are each narrated by one of the Doctor's companions and feature a second, guest-star voice along with music and sound...
- The Guardian of the Solar SystemThe Guardian of the Solar SystemThe Guardian of the Solar System is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
(an adventure related by Sara Kingdom) - The Perpetual Bond
- The Cold EquationsThe Cold Equations (Doctor Who)The Cold Equations is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
- Tales from the VaultTales from the VaultTales from the Vault is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
- The First WaveThe First WaveThe First Wave is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.The Companion Chronicles "talking books" are each narrated by one of the Doctor's companions and feature a second, guest-star voice along with music and sound...
- The Five CompanionsThe Five CompanionsThe Five Companions is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is free to subscribers and released with Army of Death...
(with the Fifth DoctorFifth DoctorThe Fifth Doctor is the fifth incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He is portrayed by Peter Davison....
) - The AnachronautsThe AnachronautsThe Anachronauts is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
Novels
Virgin Missing AdventuresVirgin Missing Adventures
The Virgin Missing Adventures were a series of novels from Virgin Publishing based on the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who, which had been cancelled in 1989, featuring stories set between televised episodes of the programme. The novels were published from 1994 to 1997, and...
- The Empire of GlassThe Empire of GlassThe Empire of Glass is a Virgin Missing Adventures original novel written by Andy Lane based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
by Andy LaneAndy LaneAndrew Lane , who also writes as Andy Lane, is a British author and journalist. He has written a number of spin-off novels in the Virgin New Adventures range and audio dramas for Big Finish based on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who , as well as assorted non fiction books based...
Past Doctor Adventures
Past Doctor Adventures
The Past Doctor Adventures were a series of spin-off novels based on the long running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who and published under the BBC Books imprint. For most of their existence, they were published side-by-side with the Eighth Doctor Adventures...
- SalvationSalvation (Doctor Who)Salvation is a BBC Books original novel written by Steve Lyons and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
by Steve Lyons - Bunker SoldiersBunker SoldiersBunker Soldiers is a BBC Books original novel written by Martin Day and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the First Doctor, Steven and Dodo.-Synopsis :...
by Martin DayMartin DayMartin Day is a screenwriter and novelist best known for his work on various spin-offs related to the BBC Television series Doctor Who, and many episodes of the daytime soaps Doctors and Family Affairs.-Work:...
Short stories
- "The Golden Door" by David Auger (Decalog)
- "64 Carlysle Street" by Gary RussellGary RussellGary James Russell is a freelance writer and former child actor. As a writer, he is best known for his work in connection with the television series Doctor Who and its spin-offs in other media...
(More Short Trips) - "Planet of the Bunnoids" by Harriet GreenJacqueline RaynerJacqueline Rayner is a best selling British author, best known for her work with the licensed fiction based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
(Short Trips and Sidesteps) - "The Little Drummer Boy" by Eddie RobsonEddie RobsonEddie Robson is a freelance author best known for his work on a variety of spin-offs from the BBC Television series Doctor Who in his book : Who's Next. He is also co-owner of and a regular reviewer on the Shiny Shelf website, as well as a freelance reviewer for various science fiction magazines...
(Short Trips: CompanionsShort Trips: CompanionsShort Trips: Companions is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Jacqueline Rayner and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The stories focus on the companions and their travels with the Doctor.-Stories:...
) - "Ash" by Trevor BaxendaleTrevor BaxendaleTrevor Baxendale is a novelist who has penned several Doctor Who tie-in novels and audio dramas.*The Janus Conjunction *Out of the Darkness *Coldheart *Eater of Wasps *Fear of the Dark...
(Short Trips: A Universe of TerrorsShort Trips: A Universe of TerrorsShort Trips: A Universe of Terrors is a Big Finish original anthology edited by John Binns and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The theme of the collection is horror stories.-Stories:-External links:...
) - "The Glass Princess" by Justin RichardsJustin RichardsJustin Richards is a British writer. He has written science fiction and fantasy novels, including series set in Victorian or early-20th-century London, and also adventure stories set in the present day...
(Short Trips: The MusesShort Trips: The MusesShort Trips: The Muses is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Jacqueline Rayner and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The stories are based on the nine Muses.-Stories:-External links:*...
) - "Corridors of Power" by Matthew Griffiths (Short Trips: Steel SkiesShort Trips: Steel SkiesShort Trips: Steel Skies is a Big Finish original anthology edited by John Binns and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The stories are all set in enclosed and artificial environments...
) - "Scribbles in Chalk" by Gareth Wigmore (Short Trips: Life ScienceShort Trips: Life ScienceShort Trips: Life Science is a Big Finish original anthology edited by John Binns and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection's theme is the nature of life.-Stories:-Notes:...
) - "The Schoolboy's Story" by Trey Korte (Short Trips: RepercussionsShort Trips: RepercussionsShort Trips: Repercussions is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Gary Russell and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection explores the theme of unforeseen consequences.-Stories:...
) - "Making History" by Trevor Baxendale (Short Trips: A Day in the LifeShort Trips: A Day in the LifeShort Trips: A Day in the Life is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Ian Farrington and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features a collection of stories that, together, are set over a 24-hour period.-Stories:-External links:* * Trevor...
) - "Waiting for Jeremy" by Richard Salter (Short Trips: A Day in the Life)
- "Mars" by Trevor BaxendaleTrevor BaxendaleTrevor Baxendale is a novelist who has penned several Doctor Who tie-in novels and audio dramas.*The Janus Conjunction *Out of the Darkness *Coldheart *Eater of Wasps *Fear of the Dark...
(Short Trips: The Solar SystemShort Trips: The Solar SystemShort Trips: The Solar System is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Gary Russell and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection features ten stories - one set on each planet in the solar system....
) - "Snowman in Manhattan" by John Binns (Short Trips: The Ghosts of ChristmasShort Trips: The Ghosts of ChristmasShort Trips: The Ghosts of Christmas is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Cavan Scott and Mark Wright and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection features stories set at Christmas in the past, present and future...
)
Comics
- "Are You Listening?" by Warwick Gray and Colin Andrew (Doctor Who Summer Special 1994)
- The Forgotten (part 6), by Tony Lee (IDW comics), 2009