With the benefit of hindsight it is difficult to see how BBC TV's Doctor Who series could possibly have failed. In fact, it had a most inauspicious beginning. Due to the extensive television coverage devoted to the assassination of President Kennedy the day before, the first episode of Doctor Who went out later than scheduled. Viewing figures were disappointing, but a decision was taken to give the program a second showing the following week. The response was tremendous and after a shaky start the series was all set to run and run ...