Synopsis: The Doctor is consulting on a massive drilling project allowing him to syphon off energy to use on his TARDIS console. People start dying.
So apparently The Doctor is keeping the TARDIS console in a garage, and using a sonic screwdriver as a garage door opener. Meanwhile, once again we have a science project happening where the lead is an arrogant asshole who won’t listen to reason or take responsible safety precautions. While Sir Keith, the funder is trying to bring in consultants to ensure safety and responsibility. Showing its British class-structure.
The Doctor flies the TARDIS console into a parallel universe, where an evil Brigade Leader Lethbridge-Stewart is leading a scientific team for the Republican Security Force. It must be evil if Queen Lizzy is deposed.
The Doctor is captured by Lethbridge-Stewart, and ends up fighting for his freedom, while also observing the parallel universe’s drilling having the same problems that he will have on Earth Prime.
This is the first seven-parter that doesn’t feel like it drags… too much. It seems to work. This was the end of season 7. Instead of the usual 40-odd episodes, the seasons now have only 20-odd episodes. It’s a lot less Doctor Who, but it’s a lot more manageable. Troughton and Hartnell never had it so easy.
This theme of scientists who are too caught up on their own grandeur to see what they’re doing is played out. For some odd reason this, and a distaste of computers are a recurring theme in Doctor Who and sci-fi in general. It’s riduculous beyond belief.
Jon Pertwee attempts to become an action star in his role as The Doctor. He does a lot of martial arts, car chases, and just a lot of jumping around. It’s an interesting take on The Doctor, something that 50 years later is still unique to Pertwee.