Brief Summary
This video summarizes Season 4 of Doctor Who, highlighting key stories, the introduction of new companions, and the evolution of iconic monsters like the Cybermen and Daleks. It covers the transition from the First Doctor to the Second, the introduction of Jamie McCrimmon, and the season's overall strengths and weaknesses, including memorable stories and less successful ones.
- Introduction of the Second Doctor and companion Jamie McCrimmon.
- Evolution of Cybermen and Daleks.
- Highlights of strong and weak stories within the season.
The Smugglers
The season begins with "The Smugglers," a historical story set in 17th-century Cornwall. The story is described as traditional and somewhat forgettable, resembling a paint-by-numbers historical narrative. It does, however, reference Captain Avery, who later appears in "Curse of the Black Spot."
The Tenth Planet
"The Tenth Planet" is a pivotal story, introducing the Cybermen and marking the regeneration of the First Doctor. The Cybermen in this story have a unique, slightly less robotic design, with surgical gauze and mobile life-support systems. The First Doctor's regeneration occurs due to his body wearing out after battling the Cybermen. Only the regeneration scene survives, partly due to its use in a Blue Peter episode.
The Power of the Daleks
"The Power of the Daleks" provides the first real look at the Second Doctor, who is portrayed as younger, happier, and more mischievous. Set on the planet Vulcan, the story involves the reanimation of Daleks found in a crashed rocket. The Daleks manipulate people and rise to power, similar to "Victory of the Daleks" but executed more effectively. This missing episode is highly desired by fans.
The Highlanders
"The Highlanders" is the last pure historical story for nearly twenty years and introduces Jamie McCrimmon, who becomes an iconic companion. Jamie, a piper from the Battle of Culloden, joins the TARDIS crew after being captured. Initially not intended as a companion, Jamie's character was so well-received that the ending was rewritten to include him. Jamie's chemistry with the Second Doctor is highlighted, with their improvisations adding to the show's dynamic.
The Underwater Menace
"The Underwater Menace" is described as the first embarrassing story of the era, dealing with Atlantis. The story involves fish people, a companion almost being turned into a fish person, and an insane scientist villain named Professor Zaroff. Zaroff's over-the-top acting is a notable aspect of the story.
The Moonbase
"The Moonbase" marks the return of the Cybermen with a more traditional look. Set on a moon base in 2070, the Cybermen unleash an epidemic as a precursor to their assault. The story follows a base-under-siege format, common in the Second Doctor era.
The Macra Terror
"The Macra Terror" features giant crabs that brainwash people into mining gas needed for the Macra's survival but fatal to humans. The Macra also appeared in the new series episode "Gridlock", but with significant differences in appearance and intelligence. The original Macra were intelligent and able to hold humans, while the "Gridlock" Macra were much larger, unintelligent, and hairy. The story is described as weird and great, set in a happy fascist world maintained through hypnosis.
The Faceless Ones
In "The Faceless Ones," Ben and Polly leave the TARDIS. The story is set around Gatwick Airport and involves the Chameleons, aliens who steal identities to survive after losing their own in an explosion. Ben and Polly depart after the second episode, with a goodbye scene recorded for the end of the story.
The Evil of the Daleks
"The Evil of the Daleks" introduces Victoria, a new companion who is orphaned by the Daleks. The story shares elements with "Daleks in Manhattan," where the Daleks force the Doctor to create a new type of Dalek by adding humanity to them. This leads to a battle between human Daleks and regular Daleks, supposedly wiping out the Daleks. The Daleks' apparent destruction was a genuine surprise, leading to Terry Nation's attempt to create a TV show starring them.
Season Four Overview
Season four is considered a solid season, better than season three. It includes dull stories like "The Smugglers" and "The Underwater Menace," as well as strong stories like "The Second Doctor," "Jamie," "The Macra Terror," and two of the best Dalek stories in the show's history. Overall, it is rated as above average.
