Kamelion is a supporting character in Seasons 20 and 21 of Doctor Who, who has occasionally been used as a protagonist in tie-in fiction.
His natural form was voiced by the late Gerald Flood, who also played his King John form. He was also notably played by the late Anthony Ainley and the late Dallas Adams. In Big Finish's audio dramas, Kamelion is voiced by Jon Culshaw.
Biography[]
Kamelion was a robot used in an invasion of Xeriphas, who was found by the Master on the planet. Although sentient, he was prone to being dominated by the strongest personality present. The Master took Kamelion away from the planet and used him as a key part of his plan to change the course of Earth's history. He had Kamelion use his shapeshifting abilities to impersonate King John of England, behaving in a brutal fashion towards the local nobles in the hope of encouraging a rebellion that would overthrow the king before he could sign Magna Carta, the foundation of democracy. The plan was stumbled upon by the Doctor, Tegan and Turlough. On learning of Kamelion's true nature, the Doctor engaged in a mental battle with the Master for control of the android, eventually gaining enough dominance to usher Kamelion into the TARDIS, where he chose to stay.
Kamelion was not seen again until "Planet of Fire", nearly a year later. Tie-in fiction during this period has suggested his tendency to be influenced by the most dominant mind present made him a liability, hence him choosing to remain in the TARDIS for the most part.
Unknown to anyone, the Master had maintained a mental link with Kamelion. When an accident saw the Master reduced to a few inches high, he took control of Kamelion and had him use a Trion distress beacon to guide the TARDIS to Sarn. The Master was able to control Kamelion to such an extent that Kamelion took on the Master's form and acted as though he was him. Kamelion's personality briefly came to the fore long enough for him to aid Peri Brown, entrusting her with a component from the TARDIS in an attempt to sabotage the Doctor's plans. (He also assumed the form of her stepfather Howard Foster under her influence.) Kamelion aided the Master's attempts to use numismaton flames to restore his height but was disabled by the Doctor and Peri. Not wanting to be used for evil again, Kamelion asked the Doctor to kill him and the Doctor complied.
Trivia[]
- Kamelion's lack of appearances was due to the limitations of the robot prop, a problem exacerbated by his programmer being killed in an accident shortly after he was introduced. A scene featuring him was recorded for "The Awakening" but cut from the finished story.
- Considering the advances in CGI, animatronics and wardrobe in the 21st century, the possibilities of a robot companion joining the TARDIS again is possible.
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