Planet of Fire (Season 21, Episode 5)

Season 21, Episode 5 | 4 parts | First broadcast: 23 February – 2 March 1984 | Writer: Peter Grimwade | Director: Fiona Cumming

Cast

  • Peter Davison as the Doctor
  • Mark Strickson as Vislor Turlough
  • Nicola Bryant as Peri Brown
  • Anthony Ainley as the Master
  • Peter Wyngarde as Timanov

Summary

After rescuing a drowning botany student named Peri Brown, the Doctor and Turlough are drawn to the volcanic world of Sarn, where a rigid, fire-worshipping society is manipulated by the last surviving Trion of Turlough’s own exiled people and, unbeknownst to them, a shrunken and desperate Master hiding among the flames. As old secrets about Turlough’s exile and the Master’s own survival come to a head, the story marks a turning point for the Doctor’s TARDIS crew.

Interesting Facts

  • This story introduces companion Peri Brown, played by Nicola Bryant, who joins the Doctor from this point onward.
  • It marks the departure of Turlough, who is reunited with his own people and returns home to the planet Trion.
  • The shapeshifting android Kamelion makes his second and final regular appearance, having been little used since his introduction the previous season.
  • Filmed on location in Lanzarote, its volcanic landscapes gave the story an unusually striking, sun-drenched visual backdrop for the series.

References

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