Season 21, Episode 6 | 4 parts | First broadcast: 8–16 March 1984 | Writer: Robert Holmes | Director: Graeme Harper
Cast
- Peter Davison as the Doctor
- Nicola Bryant as Peri Brown
- Christopher Gable as Sharaz Jek
- John Normington as Morgus
- Robert Glenister as Salateen
Summary
Landing on the desolate planet Androzani Minor, the Doctor and Peri are caught in the crossfire of a ruthless conflict over the valuable, life-extending mineral spectrox, fought between a scarred, obsessive recluse and a corrupt corporate magnate secretly running gun-smuggling operations. As both the Doctor and Peri are poisoned by a deadly spectrox toxaemia with no apparent cure, the Doctor is driven to increasingly desperate lengths to save his companion’s life, whatever the cost to his own.
Interesting Facts
- This story marks Peter Davison’s final regular serial as the Doctor, culminating in his regeneration into the Sixth Doctor at the climax.
- It is widely regarded by fans and critics as one of the finest stories of the entire classic series, praised for its taut plotting and dark tone.
- Director Graeme Harper became the first person to direct for the show who had grown up watching it as a fan, bringing a modern visual dynamism to the production.
- At the climax, the Doctor sacrifices the last of an antidote to save Peri rather than himself, regenerating with illusory visions of his past companions urging him to survive.