The Monster of Peladon

The Curse of Peladon was an excellent story and was granted this sequel for Jon Pertwee's last season. Things seem to be on track for a successful sequel- rather than rehashing the same themes as the original, the sequel explored the consequences of them, the first time this had been done since The Ark. Unfortunately, things aren't that simple.

The Curse of Peladon had an economical narrative that was well paced over four episodes. The Monster of Peladon, despite having more plot, is still blatantly padded to six episodes. Time and time again, the narrative is broken to have a fight scene and the Doctor keeps escaping and getting captured, with Ortron finding a new reason every time to have the Doctor put to death. This is a pity, as the basic plot is quite sophisticated- joining the federation has meant prosperity for the Pel aristocracy, but no change for the masses. The advent of a war with Galaxy 5 has meant more work for the miners, causing discontent that may result in revolution. However, when hostile forces, in the shape of rebel Ice Warriors arrive, the Pels unite against them. This development doesn't quite work, although there is no reason why it shouldn't have.

The design work is variable. Elements used for The Curse of Peladon work well, but the new elements are less successful. The Vegan miner Nexos looks like a cross between Azal and a chicken and the Pel miners look like blaxploitation badgers. There are only a few sets, something which is unwise in a 150 minute story. Lennie Mayne is too good a director to be totally overcome and it is thanks to him that the story doesn't completely collapse.

Hayles's script lacks the efficiency and great dialogue of the original story.The characterisation is also far weaker, and the guest cast is variable. Frank Gatliff is good as Ortron and Alan Bennion again radiates menace as the Ice Lord. Rex Robinson is not a brilliant actor, but his gruff charisma makes Gebek very likeable. However, Nina Thomas comes short with her portrayal as Queen Thalira and Ralph Watson fails to rescue the rather poorly written part of Ettis. However, the main casting failure is Donald Gee as Eckersley, a thoroughly lazy performance by someone who is clearly at least a competent actor.

Despite the cringe inducing 'women's lib' scene, Elisabeth Sladen is fantastic as Sarah Jane- her grief over the apparent loss of the Doctor is perfectly conveyed and she does, for the first time, her 'about to be shot' performance, something Sladen can do like no-one else. Pertwee is clearly putting his all into it and is great throughout.

Other commentators have repeatedly stated how bad the story is. In my opinion, the story isn't actually bad. It just fails.

NEXT: Planet of the Spiders