Doctor Who: The Krotons

Doctor Who: The Krotons is an ambitious, four-part adventure from the long-standing franchise “Doctor Who,” first aired in 1969 by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Occupying a significant place in the Doctor Who pantheon, The Krotons is the only story penned by British science fiction writer Robert Holmes during the tenure of Patrick Troughton, the actor who played the second Doctor. It rests on the unique blend of science fiction, gothic horror, and British eccentricity for which Doctor Who has gained a worldwide reputation.

The narrative commences with the time-travelling TARDIS—phone box-like spacecraft controlled by the Doctor, landing in a desolate wasteland on an unknown planet. Accompanying the Doctor are his two adventurous companions, Roberta "Bobbi" Tovey, portrayed by Wendy Padbury, and the Scotsman Jamie McCrimmon, portrayed by the beloved Frazer Hines. As the story unfolds, they become intertwined in the destiny of the native race known as the Gonds, who two millennia ago became subservient to the machine-like Krotons. The Krotons are crystalline, metallic, robotic beings feeding on the mental energy of the Gonds, whom they keep in a slavish state of ignorance and terror.

The drama showcases the Doctor’s quintessential intelligence, wit, and humanity as it resonates throughout the tale, reflecting on the nature of freedom, oppression, and education. The Doctor musters all his wit and cunning to liberate the Gonds in an intricate, ever-evolving plan. Meanwhile, Jamie and Zoe not only support the Doctor but also become integral parts of the plot, unveiling their quick-thinking and resilience.

Despite being created in the late 1960s, Doctor Who: The Krotons bears impressive special effects, set designs and costumes, a testament to the prowess of the BBC's design teams. The grim landscape and the gloomy, atmospheric Gond city sharply contrast with the futuristic, crystalline aesthetic of the Kroton ship, reinforcing the divide between the Gonds and their overlords. The costumes alone are remarkable, especially the magnificently eerie designs of the Krotons themselves – a superb example of classic Doctor Who monsters.

In terms of performances, Patrick Troughton's Doctor is a complex, remarkable character who oscillates between outright alienness and warm familiarity, anchoring the story throughout its unfolding. Wendy Padbury's Zoe is intelligent and resourceful, often serving as the voice of reason, while Frazer Hines provides both comic relief and staunch loyalty as Jamie.

Notably, the music score, composed by Brian Hodgson, plays a vital role in setting the eerie and suspenseful tone for the story. The overall sound design further enhances the narrative, contributing to the building tension throughout the series. Offering a wide array of dramatic moments intermingled with a few humorous interludes, this production embodies the speculative, adventure-filled spirit of the Doctor Who franchise.

While Doctor Who: The Krotons is galvanized by classic sci-fi tropes and concepts, it maintains a distinctive aura of originality. The story-line is firmly grounded in a context of philosophical considerations about power and resistance, ignorance and enlightenment, freedom and control. The narrative does not shy away from portraying the nuanced dynamics between the oppressed and the oppressors, challenging viewers to consider the value and cost of freedom and knowledge.

Doctor Who: The Krotons caters to fans of the original series, particularly those keen on Patrick Troughton's era, without isolating newcomers to the franchise. It is a symbolic Doctor Who story, encapsulating many themes and conventions, which have since become synonymous with the show.

From its mysterious locations, compelling characters and fundamentally British charm, Doctor Who: The Krotons holds a captivating mix of drama, suspense, humour and heart; elements that any Doctor Who fan—and indeed, any fan of quality science fiction—would appreciate.