As I continue this year-long journey through Doctor Who, The Keys of Marinus offers a striking change of pace. First broadcast in April and May 1964, this six-part adventure is an ambitious, whirlwind tale that takes the TARDIS crew across a variety of landscapes in search of mysterious keys. Written by Terry Nation—fresh off his success with The Daleks—this story presents a serialized structure that feels like a precursor to the “quest” narratives of later years.
Rewatching The Keys of Marinus today, it’s a fascinating study in experimentation, both narratively and visually. While its episodic structure and imaginative concepts are commendable, its execution is uneven, creating a mix of inspired moments and frustrating missteps.
The Quest Begins
The story starts with the TARDIS landing on Marinus, a planet covered by acid seas and strange glass beaches. The Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara soon encounter Arbitan, the keeper of the Conscience of Marinus—a supercomputer designed to ensure justice and peace across the planet. However, the machine is now useless without its five “keys,” which have been scattered across Marinus to prevent misuse by the villainous Voord.
Reluctantly drawn into the quest to retrieve the keys, the TARDIS crew embarks on a series of adventures that take them to different, self-contained settings, each with its own challenges. This episodic structure gives the serial a unique, anthology-like feel, with each episode offering something new.
Episodic World-Building
Each segment of the quest showcases a distinct location and tone, making The Keys of Marinus feel like several mini-adventures stitched together:
The City of Morphoton: The crew encounters a seemingly utopian city controlled by hypnotic brain creatures. This episode highlights the dangers of illusion and the crew’s resourcefulness in breaking free from mind control.
The Screaming Jungle: Here, they navigate a jungle filled with dangerous plants and a crumbling temple. This setting leans heavily on atmosphere, though the execution feels rushed.
The Snows of Terror: A grim episode in a snowy wasteland introduces Vasor, a duplicitous trapper. The crew’s moral challenges here add tension, though the pacing is uneven.
The Hidden Lab: This setting shifts gears to science fiction horror, with experiments gone awry and the crew battling dangerous traps.
The Trial in Millennius: The final key is in a city where Ian is accused of murder, leading to a courtroom drama. This episode stands out for its change of pace, focusing on intrigue and deduction rather than action.
The TARDIS Crew in Action
The quest format allows each member of the TARDIS crew to shine. Ian and Barbara once again prove their adaptability and courage. Ian, in particular, takes on a leadership role, while Barbara’s sharp instincts and determination save the day more than once.
Susan, unfortunately, has less to do in this story. Her character is relegated to moments of peril, often serving as a catalyst for the others to act. While this is a missed opportunity to develop her further, Carole Ann Ford does her best with the material.
The Doctor, notably absent for two episodes due to William Hartnell’s scheduled break, returns in the latter half with renewed vigor. His wit and ingenuity come to the fore during the courtroom scenes, where he relishes the role of investigator and advocate for Ian’s innocence. These moments hint at the Doctor’s future as a champion of justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Production Ambitions and Limitations
The Keys of Marinus is one of the most ambitious productions of early Doctor Who, and it shows. The variety of settings, from the crystalline beauty of Morphoton to the snowy wilderness, demonstrates the creative vision of the production team. However, the limited budget often hampers the execution. Some sets and effects—like the Voord’s costumes—fall flat, undermining the story’s ambitious scope.
That said, the serial’s willingness to embrace diversity in its settings and themes is commendable. It’s clear that the team was pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved on 1960s television, and their efforts often pay off, particularly in the atmospheric design of the jungle and the chilling courtroom drama.
Themes and Tensions
At its core, The Keys of Marinus explores themes of power, control, and morality. The Conscience of Marinus, positioned as a tool for justice, raises questions about the dangers of centralised authority. The idea that peace can only be maintained through manipulation and control feels eerily prescient, resonating with contemporary debates about technology and surveillance.
The episodic nature of the story also allows for varied thematic exploration. From the seductive dangers of illusion in Morphoton to the ethical dilemmas in Millennius, each setting offers a distinct perspective on the human (and alien) condition. While the execution is sometimes uneven, the ambition behind these themes is undeniable.
From 1964 to Today
Viewed through a modern lens, The Keys of Marinus is a mixed bag. Its episodic structure, while innovative, can feel disjointed, with some segments lacking the depth or resolution they deserve. The pacing is also uneven, with certain episodes dragging while others rush through key moments.
However, the serial’s creativity and ambition remain impressive. It’s easy to see how The Keys of Marinus paved the way for later Doctor Who adventures that embraced variety and experimentation. Its willingness to tackle different genres and tones within a single story is a hallmark of the series’ enduring appeal.
Legacy and Influence
The Keys of Marinus may not be as iconic as The Daleks, but it occupies an important place in Doctor Who history. It demonstrates the show’s potential for expansive storytelling, even within the constraints of early television production. The quest format would be revisited and refined in later years, with stories like The Key to Time (1978-79) drawing direct inspiration from this serial.
The serial also highlights the collaborative nature of the TARDIS crew, emphasizing their reliance on one another in the face of ever-changing challenges. This sense of camaraderie and mutual respect would become a defining feature of the show, enduring through countless regenerations and companions.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting The Keys of Marinus has been a reminder of Doctor Who’s capacity for reinvention. While it’s far from perfect, its ambition and creativity shine through, offering a glimpse into the show’s boundless potential. It’s a story that dares to dream big, even if it occasionally stumbles in the execution.
In conclusion, then, The Keys of Marinus stands as a testament to the series’ willingness to take risks and explore new territory. For all its flaws, it remains an engaging and imaginative chapter in the Doctor Who saga—one that continues to inspire and intrigue, even six decades later.
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