"I was well aware of the fact that once you appeared in Doctor Who as something else, you were ruled out for the part of the Doctor: that was a kind of well known thing in the business"

Colin Baker's quote discuss an interesting dynamic within the casting practices of the long-running British television series, "Physician Who". In this declaration, Baker acknowledges a typically comprehended rule within the entertainment industry, specifically associating with "Medical professional Who": when an actor represented a particular character in the series, particularly a remarkable or significant one, they were typically thought about disqualified to later assume the role of the Medical professional.

This custom most likely stems from issues about continuity and the suspension of disbelief, necessary elements in a show deeply rooted in science fiction and time travel. The function of the Doctor is a main, unifying character throughout the series, in spite of the character's ability to regenerate and hence change into a brand-new kind. For audiences, the Doctor ends up being a continuous in the middle of regularly changing environments and companions.

Baker, who ultimately played the Sixth Doctor from 1984 to 1986, was himself at first introduced to the "Doctor Who" universe in a various function. He first appeared as Commander Maxil in the 1983 serial "Arc of Infinity". Given the context of his quote, Baker reflects on his awareness that his preliminary role might have precluded him from being cast as the Doctor later. This industry perception suggests that having the very same actor in two distinct functions within the exact same series might diminish the seamless immersion typically sought by producers and audiences.

However, Baker's casting as the Doctor illustrates that exceptions can happen, likely influenced by the developing nature and demands of television production, in addition to private scenarios such as the particular skills or popularity of an actor. It highlights how, in imaginative fields, rules are typically guidelines rather than absolutes, affected by numerous elements including trends, audience reception, and executive decisions. This flexibility permits distinct representations and storylines that keep long-running series dynamic and interesting.