Season 20, Episode 5 | 4 parts | First broadcast: 1–9 March 1983 | Writer: Barbara Clegg | Director: Fiona Cumming
Cast
- Peter Davison as the Doctor
- Janet Fielding as Tegan Jovanka
- Mark Strickson as Vislor Turlough
- Keith Barron as Captain Striker
- Lynda Baron as Captain Wrack
Summary
The TARDIS materialises aboard what appears to be an Edwardian sailing ship, only to reveal it as one of several sailing vessels racing through the solar system itself, crewed by immortal, godlike Eternals who use human “Ephemerals” as playthings in their eternal contest for the prize of Enlightenment. As the ruthless Captain Wrack schemes to win by any means necessary, the Doctor must contend with both the Black Guardian’s final manipulation of Turlough and the terrifying indifference of beings who see mortal life as mere amusement.
Interesting Facts
- This story concludes the season-long Black Guardian Trilogy, resolving Turlough’s manipulation and his ultimate rejection of the Guardian’s offer.
- Its imaginative concept of sailing ships racing through space was achieved with elaborate, award-winning set and costume design for a modest television budget.
- The story explores themes of mortality and meaning through the alien Eternals’ detached, game-playing relationship with human life.
- Writer Barbara Clegg became one of the few women to write for classic Doctor Who, delivering one of the era’s most acclaimed scripts.
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