Whilst researching the classic Peter Davison Doctor Who
story The King’s Demons I uncovered a previously unknown deleted scene. It
takes place just after the Doctor discovers the Master and Kamelion in the
King’s Chamber. All text (c) Terence Dudley.
DOCTOR:
One question. After you have robbed the world of Magna
Carta... what do you intend to do with it?
MASTER:
Isn’t it obvious?
DOCTOR:
I’m afraid not. Or I wouldn’t ask.
MASTER:
Once I have the Magna Carta, Doctor... I shall pilot it
throughout the known universe!
DOCTOR:
Right. Yes. Um... I’m not entirely sure you’ve entirely grasped what
the Magna Carta is.
MASTER:
Very well then. Once I have the Magna Carta... once it is in
my hands... I will use it to hold the whole universe to ransom! Either it
accepts a continued existence under my guidance, or it shall be annihilated!
DOCTOR:
Again. I still don’t think you actually know what the Magna Carta
is.
MASTER:
Oh but I do, Doctor. I do! And when I have the Magna Carta,
I shall use it to give myself a whole new regeneration cycle! Thirteen more
lives –
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
No?
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
No. Because... by the power of the Magna Carta, I shall
drain the Earth’s oceans in the planet’s molten core and –
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
I shall use it to transform everyone on Earth, the entire
planet’s population, into a copy of –
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
Using the Magna Carta, I shall gather together the greatest
minds in human history –
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
You’re sure?
DOCTOR:
Yes.
MASTER:
Then in that case, I shall use it to provoke an
intergalactic war between the –
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
Reawaken the ancient –
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
Steal Concorde –
DOCTOR:
No.
MASTER:
No?
DOCTOR:
No, I’m afraid not.
MASTER:
Alright, I admit it. You’re right. I don’t know what the
Magna Carta is. So tell me, Doctor. What is this 'Magna Carta'?
DOCTOR:
It’s an historical document, signed by King John to limit
the powers of the monarch.
MASTER:
So I shall be altering the entire course of human history? Heh heh heh heh heh!
DOCTOR:
Well, that’s a matter of some debate. Probably not. In all
honesty, I’m not sure anyone would even notice.
MASTER:
So what you are saying is... the Magna Carta is just a piece
of paper?
DOCTOR:
Yes.
MASTER:
Signed by the King.
DOCTOR:
Well, no, not technically, because he would’ve used his
royal seal to give assent –
MASTER:
So it’s just a piece of paper... not even signed by the
King.
DOCTOR:
Yes.
MASTER:
I see.
DOCTOR:
I'm sorry.
MASTER:
It matters not. In that case, Doctor. In that case, I shall... fold it up and wear it as a hat!
DOCTOR:
I'm sorry.
MASTER:
It matters not. In that case, Doctor. In that case, I shall... fold it up and wear it as a hat!
DOCTOR:
I suspected as much all along.