Trivia / Doctor Who S16 E1 "The Ribos Operation"

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• First Appearance: Of Romana.
• Orphaned Reference: Garron was originally Australian, which is why he references his illegal sale of the Sydney Opera House.
• Reality Subtext: The Doctor having a companion thrust upon him against his wishes reflects Tom Baker's belief that he didn't need a companion and that he was strong enough to carry the show on his own.
• Reclusive Artist: The director of this serial George Spenton-Foster (who also directed "Image of the Fendahl") was never interviewed about his contributions to Doctor Who prior to his death in 1993.
• Recycled Set: The sets were left over from The BBC's adaptation of Anna Karenina.
• Serendipity Writes the Plot: Tom Baker managed to injure his face after being bit by one of the actors’ dog between filming blocks and required some stitches. The doctor spends the majority of the fourth episode wearing a face covering helmet as a result and scenes requiring him to show his face were carefully staged.
• Wag the Director: The script originally called for the Doctor to be in awe of the White Guardian. However, Tom Baker insisted on playing it mockingly while trying not to laugh at how serious it all was, both much more in-character and pretty badass into the bargain. However his performance still does come across as uncommonly nervous and respectful.
• What Could Have Been:
  • Sarah Jane Smith was supposed to return to help the Doctor find the Key to Time. When Elisabeth Sladen declined, Romana was created.
  • The jethrik was originally important because it was an energy source that had the power to fuel an entire spaceship fleet. New script editor Barry Lead had the idea of it being a piece of the Key. This is still referenced when Unstoffe explains what it is to Binro.
• Working Title: Operation, The Galactic Conman and The Ribos File.
• Writer Revolt: Robert Holmes didn't think much of the season concept or the Doctor being some god-like being's errand boy, so right in the very first scene he makes it clear that the Guardian is nothing but an enigmatic bully who gets what he wants by threats. The Doctor spends the rest of the serial befriending some honest criminals instead.

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