The Time Warrior

Scientists have been mysteriously vanishing from a top secret scientific research complex. It transpires that a Sontaran named Linx, trapped in the Middle Ages, is using crude time travel technology to kidnap scientists from the 20th Century to help repair his spacecraft.

Season 11 brings a new title sequence and a new companion in this great little opener from Robert Holmes. The story itself is simple, but it takes the Doctor into Earth’s past (Atlantis excluded) for the first time in the colour era, which is noteworthy in itself. Again, his script is laced with great dialogue and characterisation, bolstered by an excellent supporting cast. David Daker stops just short of going over the top as Irongron and is ably supported by John J Carney as Bloodaxe. Even the scientists are given a memorable character in the shape of Donald Pelmear’s dotty Rubeish.

Then, of course, there’s Kevin Lindsay’s portrayal of Linx the Sontaran , a brilliant combination of a nicely modulated performance and fantastic make up. Even when the Sontarans returned in 2008, the new makeup was not a radical departure from the original look. The rest of the production values are first rate, with great location work being deployed. Alan Bromly’s direction is sound, although not spectacular and there are some odd editing choices.

Jon Pertwee is wonderfully playful as the Doctor, saying a line that probably describes the programme better than any other- he is serious about ‘what I do. Not necessarily about the way I do it!’ Of course, this story is also notable for introducing the character of Sarah Jane Smith. Of all the companions the Doctor has had, it is Sarah Jane who has stuck in the public’s mind more than any other, a fact reflected in her return to Doctor Who and her being accorded her own spin-off series. Elisabeth Sladen makes an instant impact in the role. It is interesting that she was deliberately introduced to combat sexism- the ‘women’s lib’ aspect is slightly overdone, but not painfully so, and it is unfortunate that the Doctor seems to make fun of it at times (although this, in no way, suggests that the Doctor himself is against it). The empowerment of women is more subtly displayed in the character of Lady Eleanor, astutely described by Barry Letts as a ‘goody Lady Macbeth’ and is always shown as being a stronger character than her husband.

This story is tremendous fun throughout and is well worth a look.

NEXT: Invasion of the Dinosaurs