Quote - Yup, I remember that but AFAIK, the Chameleon circuit is kaput, even if most of the other stuff works OK.

Was there a story (perhaps in the Colin Baker era?) in which the chameleon circuit was repaired, but only for a short while?  I can't remember whether that was actually done or was just an idea discussed behind the scenes and or delivered to the public as some public relations move.  :unsure:

I think perhaps I need to stop endlessly re-reading those About Time books as bedtime reading.  :lol:  I fill my head full of so many ideas about the series that my overall understanding is decreasing rather than increasing.  :unsure:

Yes, it was briefly "repaired" in "Attack of the Cybermen" featuring Colin.  Although he was able to override the police box form, the 6th Doctor still had little control of the results.  They still tended to look conspicuous, like a grand pipe organ when they materialized in Foreman's Scrapyard.  Before it aired, word got out (maybe intentionally as a publicity stunt) and viewers feared the police box would be gone for good.  Of course, by the end of the serial, the Doctor meatphorically said, "Forget this," and the iconic blue box returned.

And that was only 23 years into the program.  No, the police box has become far, FAR too important a "brand recognition" symbol for the show, particular since the lead character changes every few years.  The prop may be replaced every so often and as a result a few details and proportions may get "tweaked", but the overall form will remain.

Sincerely,

Bill