Doctor Who: Frontios

Doctor Who: Frontios is an intriguing science fiction drama television show that first aired on BBC in 1984. It is part of the iconic long-running series 'Doctor Who', and is an arc which encompasses the third story of the 21st season. The show retains the classic Doctor Who premise while introducing fresh characters and plot lines to maintain its novelty.

The narrative is set in an unfathomable future on an eerie, dystopian planet called Frontios, located at the edge of the known universe. The planet is intended as a settlement for the last remnants of the human race who are struggling for survival against mysterious external attacks that have been causing massive catastrophic incidents across the planet.

As is typical of the Doctor Who genre, amidst the formidable chaos, the Tardis, Doctor Who's renowned time and space-traversing machine, makes an unexpected, bumpy landing. The Doctor, played by Peter Davison, is joined by his trusted companions - the effervescent Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) and the enigmatic Vislor Turlough (Mark Strickson). The trio is thrust into a remarkably hostile environment, where the rules of time and space behave erratically.

The plot of Frontios thickens when it is revealed that the Tardis is experiencing major malfunctioning as well, depicting unprecedented behavior and plunging them further into the tragedy unfolding on Frontios. It appears the planet's struggles and the Tardis' malfunction might be more intertwined than what meets the eye. This concern forms the backbone of the suspense that propels the plot forward.

This Doctor Who series is well-regarded for how it bravely tackles themes of darkness, despair, hope, and survival. Frontios holds back no punches as it introduces chillingly terrifying antagonists whose identity remains shrouded in mystery but whose presence is indubitably felt in the unfolding horror. Amidst the adversity, a distinctly human and relatable struggle for survival emerges on Frontios, a testament to the mettle of the human spirit.

Doctor Who: Frontios masterly combines elements of science fiction, adventure, mysterious horror, and suspense while it explores the dark recesses of the universe. It provides audiences with a narrative that is both unsettling and captivating, fueling a desire to follow the Doctor and his companions as they grapple with the unknown. The show puts the Doctor and his companions through their paces, as they are pitched against forces that threaten not only their lives but also their understanding of reality.

This television series showcases Peter Davison in his fifth and final season as the Doctor. Often academic and somewhat distant, the Doctor in this story displays a great deal of empathy and tenacity. As the story progresses, he increasingly uses his wits and unconventional problem-solving skills to come to the aid of a besieged human race. The companions Tegan and Turlough contribute significantly to the plot, with their characters given due depth and their roles instrumental to the story.

Doctor Who: Frontios is characterized by its iconic vintage production style. The design of the series retains a classic 80s aesthetic, appealing to fans of retro science fiction. Yet, it effectively manages to depict the overpowering desolate atmosphere of Frontios and the celestial terror that the colonists face. The show uses eerie lighting, ominous soundscapes, and dramatic performances to create an unforgettable viewing experience.

On the whole, Doctor Who: Frontios is a thrilling addition to the Doctor Who series. It exploits the strength of its science fiction premise but also glosses it with an undercurrent of raw, human drama. Further, it challenges the beloved protagonists with horrifying circumstances, forcing them to question their convictions while trying to reach a resolution. The viewer is kept on the edge of their seat, hungry for resolution but apprehensive about what that might entail, making the show an enthralling watch till the end. Despite being a production from the 1980s, this series is timeless in its appeal to fans of Doctor Who and to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted science fiction.