Brief Summary
This video summarizes Season 8 of Doctor Who, highlighting the introduction of Jo Grant as the new companion, the recurring presence of the Master, and the season's overall themes and stories. The season is noted for its improved accessibility compared to Season 7, with shorter stories and a greater sense of community among the characters.
- Introduction of Jo Grant as the new companion.
- The Master's constant presence as a recurring villain.
- Season 8 is more accessible and feels more like Doctor Who than the previous season.
Intro
The video starts with a reminder that some early Pertwee stories exist only as less-than-perfect black and white copies due to the destruction of original color episodes. The Doctor Who Restoration Team developed a method to recreate the original color by scanning these black and white copies.
Season 8 Overview
Season 8 of Doctor Who aired from January to June 1971, comprising 25 episodes across five stories. Liz Shaw is replaced by Jo Grant, who is characterized as an iconic but somewhat unintelligent companion. The regular cast expands with Captain Yates and the introduction of the Master, the first recurring Time Lord antagonist. The Master's character, played by Roger Delgado, is charming and ruthless.
Terror of the Autons
"Terror of the Autons" is a four-episode story and a direct sequel to "Spearhead from Space." It marks the last appearance of the Autons in the TV show until the 2005 series. The Master arrives on Earth, aiming to destroy the world by awakening the Nestene Consciousness and controlling the Autons. This story features redesigned UNIT uniforms and a new laboratory for the Doctor, along with terrifying new Auton forms.
The Mind of Evil
"The Mind of Evil" is a six-part story where UNIT gets involved in international espionage. The story revolves around a machine designed to cure criminality by removing negative impulses, but it can also manifest fears. The Master attempts to instigate World War III by hijacking a missile, leading to the Doctor's capture. The Doctor mentions being a friend of Chairman Mao.
The Claw of Axos
"The Claw of Axos" is a four-part story referenced in the new series. A ship lands offering a material called axinite, which can do anything, but they are all parts of one larger Axon being. The axinite sucks energy from Earth. The Doctor fixes his TARDIS, but the Time Lords have programmed it to always return to Earth.
Colony in Space
"Colony in Space" marks the Time Lord's decline in competence. The Time Lords have lost a Doomsday weapon and forgotten their secret service, relying on the Doctor to retrieve it. This story is Pertwee's first off-world adventure and the beginning of the end of UNIT's ensemble feel. The Master is behind everything.
The Dæmons
"The Dæmons" is a five-part story and one of the most beloved in the Pertwee era. Demons are revealed to be horned aliens that influenced human myths. The Master summons Azal, hoping to control or destroy Earth. UNIT confronts a gargoyle. The story has a similar feel to "The Wicker Man."
Season 8 Final Thoughts
Season 8 is more accessible than Season 7, with shorter stories and a more prominent sense of community. Roger Delgado's portrayal of the Master is a highlight. The recurring characters provide a sense of community that the show hadn't had before this era, and wouldn't have again until 2005.
