Season 17, Episode 5 | 4 parts | First broadcast: 22 December 1979 – 12 January 1980 | Writer: Anthony Read | Director: Kenny McBain
Cast
- Tom Baker as the Doctor
- Lalla Ward as Romana
- Graham Crowden as Soldeed
- Simon Gipps-Kent as Seth
Summary
Following a stricken spaceship ferrying young hostages as tribute to the neighbouring power of Skonnos, the Doctor and Romana uncover a scheme by the decaying Skonnan empire’s scientist Soldeed, who worships and serves a horned, bull-headed alien creature called the Nimon in exchange for promises of restored glory. As the true, parasitic nature of the Nimon’s “gifts” comes to light, the Doctor must stop the creature’s plan to drain Skonnos dry as it has done to countless worlds before, echoing the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
Interesting Facts
- The story is a deliberate, fairly overt science-fiction retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus, the Minotaur and the labyrinth.
- Graham Crowden’s flamboyant, scenery-chewing performance as Soldeed has become a well-known cult favourite among fans, celebrated for its theatrical excess.
- It was the last regular serial produced before Doctor Who’s declining budget and effects resources became a significant point of media criticism into the following season.
- Lalla Ward and Tom Baker were married shortly after this production, having grown close while working together as the Doctor and Romana.
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