Doctor Who
S9E23
· The Time Monster Part 3

Master asserts authority in lab

The Master conducts a cold inspection of the Atlantean seal, a remnant of ancient temporal science, while Percival questions its relevance to their modern scheme. With dismissive authority the Master overrides his subordinate’s objections, reinforcing his command of the unfolding plan. His calculated confidence underscores the peril ahead: the precise activation of the TOM-TIT machine demands absolute control, setting the stage for Kronos’s summoning and a direct challenge to the Doctor’s resolve.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

The Master asserts his dominance and explains his plan, dismissing Percival's concerns about Atlantean measurements and preparing to activate the TOM-TIT machine.

calm to tension ['INT. NEWTON INSTITUTE LABORATORY']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
The Master
Renegade Time Lord
 primary

Feigned indifference masking deep conviction in his temporal mastery

The Master stands with deliberate poise over the Atlantean seal, his scrutiny unrelenting as he traces its geometric patterns with a condescending air. His voice drips with disdain as he rebukes Percival’s query, asserting temporal absolutes with absolute authority. His dismissive command to silence underscores his control over the narrative and the imminent act of enforcing machine activation.

Goals in this moment
  • • Reinforce his position of absolute authority over Percival
  • • Establish the unassailable relevance of ancient chronometric principles to modern temporal engineering
Active beliefs
  • • Ancient temporal knowledge is universally applicable and manipulable through ratio and proportion
  • • Intellectual subordinates must be subordinated to action through verbal dominance
Character traits
Condescending Authoritative Calculating Disingenuously dismissive
Follow The Master's journey
Supporting 1
George Trenchard
secondary

Confused yet compliant, masking concern with deference

Percival stands subordinate to the Master’s commanding presence, his posture hesitant as he questions the temporal validity of Atlantean measurements. His second attempt at dialogue is immediately silenced by the Master’s withering remark, leaving him subdued and silent. His confusion and concern are palpable as he retreats from challenging the temporal logic presented.

Goals in this moment
  • • Understand the Master’s temporal reasoning
  • • Avoid further confrontation or reprimand
Active beliefs
  • • Ancient scientific principles may not apply to contemporary temporal experiments
  • • Questioning the Master’s directives could endanger his position or safety
Character traits
Submissive Uncertain Hesitant Silenced by authority
Follow George Trenchard's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Newton Institute Radiation Laboratory

The sterile, high-tech Radiation Laboratory hums with ominous energy as the Master exercises dominance from within its reinforced confines. The flickering monitors and cold chrome surfaces reflect his temporal machinations, while the Atlantean seal under scrutiny ties ancient secrets to institutional modernity. The chamber’s containment architecture accentuates the perilous fusion of forbidden science and coercive authority.

Atmosphere Tense and oppressive, thick with unspoken threats and the weight of forbidden knowledge
Function Primary planning and command center for temporal experiments and coercive operations
Symbolism Represents the corruption of scientific purity by temporal tyranny and the subjugation of institutional infrastructure …
Flickering green monitors casting sickly light Cold chrome surfaces reflecting the Master’s shadow

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 1
Thematic Parallel medium

"The Master's dismissal of Percival's concerns about Atlantean measurements and assertion of universal comparative ratios (#1) parallels his broader dismissal of scientific and temporal complexities, reinforcing the theme of hubris in attempting to control forces beyond comprehension."

Master gains control of Kronos
S9E23 · The Time Monster Part 3

Part of Larger Arcs

The Doctor's struggle to protect UNIT and his companions from the catastrophic consequences of temporal instability

Key Dialogue

"PERCIVAL: But how can Atlantean measurements mean anything to you?"
"MASTER: Comparative ratios remain constant throughout time. If you have nothing intelligent to say, do please keep quiet. Right. Now we switch on."