Adventure 23 in this marathon brings us to The Ark, a four-part serial first broadcast in March 1966. Written by Paul Erickson and Lesley Scott, this story is a mix of science fiction, social commentary, and a surprising narrative twist that makes it one of the more inventive entries in the Hartnell era. Set aboard a massive space ark transporting the remnants of humanity and their alien companions, the Monoids, this story explores themes of colonialism, dependence, and the consequences of unchecked power.
For this rewatch, I listened to the original audio of all four episodes, enriched by Peter Purves’ linking narration, which brought the story to life with vivid descriptions and emotional nuance. The Ark remains an intriguing and ambitious story that, despite some flaws, delivers a compelling narrative with timeless themes.
The Story: A Journey Through Time
The TARDIS lands aboard a vast space ark in the distant future, where humanity has fled Earth to escape its destruction. The ark carries both humans and their servants, the Monoids, on a 700-year voyage to a new home planet, Refusis II.
The Doctor, Steven, and new companion Dodo Chaplet inadvertently introduce a common cold virus to the ark’s population, leading to a devastating outbreak. While the Doctor and his companions help the humans and Monoids develop a cure, the TARDIS crew departs—only to return moments later, from their perspective, to discover that 700 years have passed. In this future timeline, the Monoids have overthrown the humans, taking control of the ark and planning to dominate Refusis II.
The second half of the story focuses on the Doctor and his companions working to restore harmony between the humans and Monoids while uncovering the mysterious secrets of Refusis II.
The Doctor: A Force for Reconciliation
William Hartnell’s Doctor is at his most compassionate and resourceful in The Ark. His guilt over the unintended consequences of the cold virus drives him to find a cure, showcasing his growing sense of responsibility toward those he encounters.
In the second half of the story, the Doctor acts as a mediator, urging both the humans and the Monoids to overcome their mutual distrust and work together. Hartnell’s performance is commanding and heartfelt, particularly in scenes where he confronts the Monoids’ leader or negotiates with the Refusians, the invisible inhabitants of Refusis II.
Dodo and Steven: Finding Their Roles
Dodo Chaplet, played by Jackie Lane, continues to find her footing as a companion in this story. Her introduction of the cold virus highlights her naivety, but she grows into a more confident and compassionate character as the serial progresses. Dodo’s optimism and straightforwardness provide a refreshing counterbalance to the Doctor’s gravitas and Steven’s pragmatism.
Steven Taylor, played by Peter Purves, is the action hero of the story, using his resourcefulness to outwit the Monoids and rally the humans. Steven’s unwavering loyalty to the Doctor and his ability to think on his feet make him an indispensable member of the TARDIS crew.
Together, Dodo and Steven bring energy and humanity to the story, helping to ground its ambitious narrative.
The Monoids: From Servants to Masters
The Monoids, humanoid aliens with bowl-cut hairstyles and expressive single eyes, are central to the story’s exploration of power dynamics and rebellion. Initially subservient to the humans, the Monoids overthrow their masters after 700 years, driven by resentment and a desire for freedom.
While the Monoids’ rise to power offers a compelling allegory for colonialism and class struggle, their portrayal lacks depth. The Monoids are largely depicted as one-dimensional villains in the second half of the story, with little exploration of their motivations or internal conflicts. This limits the emotional impact of their rebellion and diminishes the story’s critique of oppression.
The Refusians: Invisible Hosts
The Refusians, the invisible inhabitants of Refusis II, serve as a counterpoint to the Monoids and humans. Their nonviolent and cooperative approach highlights the potential for harmony and mutual respect.
While their invisibility is an interesting concept, it also limits their impact on the story. Much of their role is conveyed through dialogue and sound effects, leaving their presence more abstract than tangible. Despite this, their moral authority and willingness to help mediate the conflict lend a hopeful tone to the story’s resolution.
Themes of Power, Responsibility, and Unity
At its core, The Ark is a story about the consequences of power imbalances and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. The Monoids’ rise to power and subsequent descent into tyranny reflect the dangers of unchecked resentment and authoritarianism, while the humans’ initial arrogance underscores the pitfalls of assuming superiority over others.
The Doctor’s role as a mediator emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation in resolving conflicts. The story’s ultimate message—that unity and mutual respect are the keys to survival—resonates strongly, even in today’s world.
A Surprising Narrative Structure
One of the most notable aspects of The Ark is its two-part structure. The first two episodes focus on the immediate consequences of the cold virus, while the final two episodes take place 700 years later, offering a rare glimpse into the long-term effects of the TARDIS crew’s actions.
This structure is both innovative and ambitious, providing a sense of scale and consequence that is rare in early Doctor Who. However, it also creates a tonal shift that may feel jarring to some viewers, as the story transitions from a contained medical drama to a broader exploration of rebellion and redemption.
Revisiting in 2024: A Personal Perspective
Listening to The Ark as an audio drama highlighted its strengths and weaknesses. Peter Purves’ narration does an excellent job of filling in the visual gaps, allowing me to appreciate the scale and ambition of the story.
I found the Monoids’ arc compelling in concept, but their lack of nuance in the second half of the story left me wanting more. Similarly, the Refusians’ invisibility, while intriguing, made their presence feel more symbolic than tangible. Despite these flaws, the story’s themes and the Doctor’s moral leadership kept me engaged throughout.
Legacy and Significance
The Ark is a unique entry in the Doctor Who canon, notable for its narrative structure and thematic ambition. Its exploration of power dynamics and responsibility offers a thought-provoking allegory for colonialism and social inequality, even if its execution is uneven.
The story also represents an important moment for the TARDIS crew, as Dodo begins to find her place alongside the Doctor and Steven. This evolving dynamic sets the stage for future adventures, showcasing the series’ ability to adapt and grow.
Final Thoughts
Rewatching The Ark has been a fascinating experience. Its ambitious narrative, thought-provoking themes, and strong character work make it a standout story of the Hartnell era, even if some elements fall short of their potential.
As a meditation on power, unity, and the consequences of our actions, The Ark remains a relevant and compelling piece of Doctor Who history. Its innovative structure and exploration of moral complexity remind me of why this show continues to captivate audiences, offering both entertainment and reflection in equal measure.
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