Doctor Who

Eric Roberts brought a deliciously malevolent presence to the role of The Master in the 1996 "Doctor Who" television movie, which marked the first on-screen appearance of the Doctor's arch-nemesis since the classic series' run ended in 1989. Roberts' portrayal of The Master was both charismatic and chilling, offering viewers a complex antagonist whose Machiavellian intelligence and ruthless ambition were matched only by his unquenchable thirst for power. His performance retained the character's classic elements of sarcastic wit and grandiosity while infusing The Master with a modern, sinister edge. Roberts skillfully navigated the character's transition from a decrepit, dying villain at the story's beginning to a fully rejuvenated adversary, eager to challenge the Eighth Doctor, played by Paul McGann, in a battle of wits and wills that spanned the movie's duration. His on-screen chemistry with McGann was electric, providing a dynamic contrast that showcased the eternal struggle between these two Time Lords. Roberts' interpretation of The Master left an indelible mark on the "Doctor Who" universe, setting a high bar for future actors taking on the iconic role.