The Monster of Peladon

"There is evil here."

Writer: Brian Hayles
Format: TV
Broadcast: 23rd March - 27th April 1974
Season: 11.04

Featuring: Third Doctor, Sarah Jane

Synopsis

When the TARDIS lands 50 years after its first visit to Peladon, the Doctor and Sarah discover a troubled planet ruled by the late King's daughter. Peladon is at the centre of war - and the Galactic Federation desperately needs a mineral found in the mines. But why is the ghost of Aggedor killing miners and why can't everyone be trusted? Queen Thalira needs the Doctor's help to find out...

Verdict

The Monster of Peladon was a very good story and a great return to Peladon for the Third Doctor! This time he was in the company of Sarah Jane Smith and she brought a different dynamic to what is a brilliant setting. I liked the arrival to the planet as they weren't quite in the Citadel but the Doctor had managed to get the TARDIS to take them close enough. The pace was quite gradual and it probably didn't need the six parts but that allowed for significant story development amongst the natives of Peladon or members of the Galactic Federation without the presence of the Ice Warriors who didn't arrive until the very end of part three. It was fantastic to have Alpha Centauri back again and it was intriguing to see her now following my viewing of her cameo in Empress of Mars. It's such a great link and just shows the rich history and ability of this glorious show. The little references to The Curse of Peladon were also most welcomed and it was intriguing to set this story some fifty years after those events. It was clear that King Peladon had passed but now his daughter Thalira ruled. She didn't quite have the same presence or authority as her father, and that was probably down to Ortron. He was a good character and his loyalty to Peladon whilst asserting his authority over the Queen was intriguing and a good plot-line. Gebek was a superb character and the way he was able to lead over the miners was terrific. I really liked his speech towards the story's conclusion where he convinces them that Aggedor was with them as they rebelled against the Ice Warrior's stranglehold on the planet. The Ice Warriors themselves were actually quite useless in this serial which I was surprised about but they added a humorous element and their presence was threatening so I still very much enjoyed them. Azaxyr though was an excellent villain and I really liked how he was a traitor and was actually on the side of Galaxy Five. His partnership with Eckersley was an unexpected but very good surprise that I was a big fan of indeed. They made an interesting alliance and the technician was merely hoping to get rich by becoming leader of Earth. The use of Aggedor by the Doctor was very good and I thought the role of the miners in overthrowing the Ice Warriors was great. The amount of death that occurred though was quite something and seeing the scattered bodies was quite a sight! Overall, a great little serial!

Rating: 8/10