Since reading the posts, I think it would make little sense if it turned out that the Master was the Doctor's son. However, I still think it would be great if it was revealed that the the two are more than just former friends or foe's.

How about lovers?

Couple of things I remember. A story appeared in an issue of Doctor Who monthly (possibly an annual) which was written by John Nathan-Turner.

In it, the Doctor's origins were partly revealed. It turned out Susan was not his grand daughter, but a young woman who fled Gallifrey with him and called him Grandfather as an affectionate nickname. Obviously, you can take this with a pinch of salt, but John was producer of the show at the time so I would think it would have impacted somewhat on the story telling on screen had it been followed up.

Also, I am sure that in Planet of Fire, the Master's 'final words' (although he was back the next season) were something like "How can you do this to your own . . . ." and then he started screaming has the flames engulfed him. So we never heard the end of the sentence. It did imply that he was going to say something like brother or son so something. "How can you do this to your own former classmate" doesn't sound right.

And I'm sure the Doctor has said more recently that all his family are now dead. Wasn't there a line in the last season?

i believe in some of the dr who spin off literature it was revealed that timelords do not reproduce as we would understand it, but are created using 'genetic looms', so it is possible that when the doctor refers to his 'family' he is refering to his race, the time lords. just a thought.

obviously the novels arent generally considered canon, so who knows.

...or kind?

PMSL!

Well it must have been one hell of a lovers tiff if they have spent all those years trying to eliminate one another.

I tend to treat novels based on TV shows (like Dr Who, Star Trek, etc), as fan fiction, which I know some people will probably consider derisory - anybody who's browsed the internet in search of a good read for any TV show will know that you have to dig through an awful lot of crap to find a diamond - but to me, spin-off novels are defined by the same parameters as fan fic; stories written by fans (which most authors of these sorts of books are) that are further expansion and exploration of established television or film characters.

Originally Posted by stuart62:
“...or kind?”

Bravo! Exactly what I was going to say.
Mulett, the Doctor does indeed say that all his family are dead, in "The Curse of Fenric" which predates the Master's last proper appearance (Survival) therefore they most definitely are not related in any way, shape or form other than being renegade Time Lords.
The_Master

Have always been quite taken with the idea that in some way The Doctor forced The Master to turn to the dark side which is why he has never been able to kill him and has on countless occasions even allowed him to escape!

A fanciful idea Black Guardian. I think it's simpler though. The Master is evil for sure but this is caused by his own selfishness, pride, and ambition. Oh and not forgetting he needs dome extra lives.
I should like to see an earlier Master than previously seen, but still thoroughly evil. Perhaps his evil would be driven purely by his ambition to be the best and out smart the Doctor- A very warped competitive streak, that began with them at the Academy on Gallifrey. Perhaps they were both working on the same subject for a project but opposing poles. As for not killing him and letting him escape, the Master has frequently had the upper hand over the Doctor.
I don't think the Doctor can really capture him, the Master is too good for that. He won't kill him because he knows this enemy very well, and has some idea how to gain the upper hand. Incidentally the Master has never actually killed the Doctor either but could have done on occasions.
What about this for a title for a new TV show - Master Who?
Yes I am joking.
The_Master

Yes, I've always liked that idea. The thought that the Doctor's actions for the greater good have the side effect of creating someone so diametrically opposite to the Doctor is deliciously ironic - not to mention clever.

To be honest, I'm not sure we should have the Master back. I've said on many occasions that the spanking new series could benefit from a brand new villain.

New Villains are most definitely needed, as we have had precious few so far.
Once there have been a few series with some good new monsters and villains then maybe the Master could be brought back.
I would hate to see him brought back in the wrong way. It shouldn't be rushed or done for the sake of it. The same applies to all the classic foes.

hair dresser?

Or at least bring him back one last time to give The Master a better send off than the one he got in the TVM which lets face it was naff! High camp just doesn't cover it!

How would people feel if they brought the Master back as a companion?

Wasn't there some BBCi story where the Doctor created an android Master? - It was quiet good

I know it wouldn't last for long but it would be good to see the Master and Doctor travel together and then wait for the inevitable betrayal...

Yeah, i can see it now.

Doctor : Now, Master, while I'm gone to see where Rose is, don't you eat this pie.

Master - Of Course not Doctor - who do you think I am?

The Doctor leaves

The Master eats the pie

What a fat b*****d

hahaha - that would be a rattings winner, the best storyline ever!