Doctor Who: Terror of the Autons

Doctor Who: Terror of the Autons is a classic serial from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which originally aired on BBC One in four weekly parts from January 2 to January 23, 1971. This serial marked the debut of several key elements and characters in the Doctor Who universe and is fondly remembered by fans of the classic incarnation of the show.

The serial is set on Earth and sees the return of the Doctor's arch-enemy, the Master, played with charismatic menace by Roger Delgado. This is the Master's first appearance in the Doctor Who franchise, and he quickly establishes himself as a formidable adversary. With a suave demeanor and a talent for hypnosis and disguise, the Master's introduction is just the beginning of a long-standing rivalry with the Doctor.

The titular Autons, humanoid plastic figures animated by a Nestene consciousness, also make a comeback in this serial after their initial appearance in an earlier Doctor Who story, "Spearhead from Space." In Terror of the Autons, these sinister creatures pose a greater threat under the control of the Master. The Autons are some of Doctor Who's most eerily memorable monsters, with their expressionless faces and concealed weaponry making them a relentless force of plastic terror.

At the center of the story is the third Doctor, portrayed with a perfect blend of wit, action, and intellectual brilliance by Jon Pertwee. The Doctor is a Time Lord, a being capable of traveling through time and space in his TARDIS, a craft which externally resembles a British police box due to its malfunctioning "chameleon circuit." The third Doctor, exiled to Earth and working with the military organization UNIT (United Nations Intelligence Taskforce), tackle threats both extraterrestrial and terrestrial. His charm and courage make him a beloved hero to fans, and his resourcefulness is often put to the test against the wicked schemes of the Master.

The Doctor is aligned with his companion Josephine "Jo" Grant, played by Katy Manning. Jo is introduced for the first time in this serial as a plucky and eager UNIT assistant, often underestimated due to her lack of experience. However, her bravery, loyalty, and quick thinking prove invaluable to the Doctor throughout their adventures.

Alongside Jo Grant, the Doctor's close ally Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, played by Nicholas Courtney, returns to provide military support and skepticism, often clashing with the Doctor's unconventional methods. The Doctor is also assisted by UNIT's scientific advisor, Dr. Liz Shaw, and Captain Mike Yates.

The narrative of Terror of the Autons involves the Master's diabolical plan to take over Earth, utilizing the power of the Autons as well as his sophisticated alien technology. The story touches upon the themes of technology and artificiality, with everyday objects manipulated into tools of conquest or assassination. The Master's creativity in evil and his clever use of commonplace items enhance the suspense and horror elements of the serial, demonstrating to viewers that danger can lurk within the most ordinary and benign of surroundings.

Throughout the serial, the Doctor and his companions have to confront these dangers in public places, which adds a layer of realism to the fantastical plot. With stakes that are both personal and global, Terror of the Autons creates a sense of urgency and peril that grips the audience as the threats grow ever closer to home.

The production values of this era of Doctor Who reflect the limited budget and technology of early 1970s television. However, the inventive use of sets, miniatures, costume design, and special effects lends a charming 'homemade' quality to the series that many fans cherish. The enduring appeal of Terror of the Autons, and classic Doctor Who as a whole, lies not in the visual spectacle, but in the storytelling, character development, and the creativity that overcomes the technical limitations of the time.

In addition to the thrilling narrative and memorable villains, the serial also explores the relationship dynamics between the Doctor and his new companion, along with the evolving friction and respect between the Doctor and the Brigadier. These interpersonal elements contribute to the serial's character depth and present relatable human experiences against the backdrop of extraordinary science fiction adventures.

Terror of the Autons is a notable entry in the Doctor Who saga for its introduction of the Master and further development of the Auton mythology. The influence of this serial is seen in later Doctor Who episodes and story arcs, as well as in the continued fascination with the Doctor's titular role as a keeper of peace and protector of time where the presence of the Master guarantees drama, tight plots, and a play on the viewer's deepest fears about the transformation of the mundane into the malevolent. This serial is a must-watch for fans eager to delve into the rich history of the long-running series and to experience the origins of some of the series' most enduring conflicts and characters.