So much of series three of Doctor Who remains missing, believed wiped. In fact, 28 out of the 45 episodes, including today's viewing delight, Mission to the Unknown, which is also one of the most unique entries in the Doctor Who canon. Originally broadcast on October 9, 1965, this one-off episode is the only Doctor Who story to be produced without the Doctor or his companions. It acts as a prologue to the twelve-part epic The Daleks’ Master Plan, setting the stage for one of the most ambitious narratives of the Hartnell era.
For this rewatch, I’m experiencing the 2019 fanmade recreation of the episode, created by students and staff at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). This incredible labor of love brings Mission to the Unknown back to life, offering a faithful recreation of the original broadcast that captures both its tone and spirit.
The Story: A Grim Prelude
Set in the distant future, Mission to the Unknown introduces us to the galactic struggles of the Space Security Service and the Daleks’ grand plans for conquest. The episode follows Marc Cory, a Space Security agent, who lands on the planet Kembel to investigate reports of Dalek activity. Cory quickly discovers that the Daleks are amassing an alliance of alien races as part of their plans for universal domination.
Unfortunately for Cory and his team, the mission is doomed. His crew succumbs to the planet’s deadly Varga plants—creatures that turn victims into mindless killers—and Cory himself is exterminated by the Daleks before he can warn Earth of the impending threat.
The story’s grim, fatalistic tone sets it apart from most other Doctor Who episodes, and its willingness to focus on entirely new characters emphasizes the vast scale of the universe and the looming danger of the Daleks.
The Daleks: A Growing Threat
Mission to the Unknown underscores the Daleks’ evolution from one-off villains to a galaxy-spanning menace. Their alliance with other alien races and their manipulation of the Varga plants demonstrate their cunning and strategic brilliance. This episode lays the groundwork for The Daleks’ Master Plan, emphasizing the scale and danger of their ambitions.
The Varga plants, while simple in design, add an element of horror to the story. Their transformation of humans into mindless killers serves as a chilling metaphor for the loss of agency under Dalek control, and their inclusion enhances the sense of dread that permeates the episode.
The Original Broadcast
The original broadcast of Mission to the Unknown was a bold experiment. By omitting the Doctor and his companions, the episode expands the scope of Doctor Who, demonstrating that its universe can sustain stories beyond the TARDIS crew. Written by Terry Nation, the episode functions as a narrative risk that pays off by adding depth and tension to The Daleks’ Master Plan.
With Mission to the Unknown missing from the BBC archives, it meant that for decades fans could only experience the story through its surviving audio and a few production stills, leaving its full impact to the imagination. Until...
The 2019 Fanmade Recreation
In 2019, the University of Central Lancashire undertook an extraordinary project to recreate Mission to the Unknown in its entirety. Led by lecturer Andrew Ireland and produced with the assistance of students and staff from the university, the recreation was designed to be as faithful as possible to the original broadcast.
The project involved meticulous attention to detail, from the costumes and sets to the performances and direction. Using the original audio as a guide and drawing on production stills and research into the era’s style, the team recreated the episode in black and white, matching the aesthetic and pacing of 1960s Doctor Who.
The recreation was later made available for free on YouTube, where it has been embraced by fans as a remarkable tribute to the Hartnell era. Watching it today is a unique experience, blending nostalgia with an appreciation for the dedication and talent that went into its creation.
The Recreation: A Personal Perspective
Watching the UCLan recreation of Mission to the Unknown is an awe-inspiring experience. The attention to detail is extraordinary, and the commitment to authenticity shines through in every frame. The black-and-white cinematography, the retro-futuristic set design, and the period-accurate performances all capture the essence of 1960s Doctor Who.
The performances are particularly noteworthy. Marco Simioni as Marc Cory delivers a compelling portrayal of a man determined to expose the truth, even as he faces insurmountable odds. The Daleks are as menacing as ever, their cold, mechanical voices contrasting sharply with Cory’s desperation.
What struck me most was the sense of community and passion behind the project. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Doctor Who that a group of fans and students could come together to recreate a lost piece of television history with such care and respect.
Themes of Isolation and Sacrifice
Mission to the Unknown is a story about isolation and sacrifice. Cory’s doomed mission highlights the cost of resistance in the face of overwhelming power, and his efforts to warn humanity serve as a poignant reminder of the bravery required to confront tyranny.
The episode also emphasizes the vastness of the Doctor Who universe. By focusing on characters outside the TARDIS crew, it expands the scope of the series and underscores the interconnectedness of its stories.
Legacy and Significance
While Mission to the Unknown may seem like a curious anomaly within the Doctor Who canon, its impact is undeniable. It introduces key elements of The Daleks’ Master Plan, establishes the Daleks as a universal threat, and demonstrates the series’ ability to tell stories beyond the confines of the TARDIS.
The 2019 recreation adds a new chapter to its legacy, ensuring that this unique episode remains accessible to modern audiences. It’s a shining example of how fan dedication and collaboration can preserve and celebrate the history of Doctor Who.
Final Thoughts
Rewatching Mission to the Unknown, both in its original context and through the lens of its fanmade recreation, has been a fascinating experience. The episode’s bold storytelling, atmospheric tension, and grim tone make it a standout in the Hartnell era, while the recreation is a testament to the enduring love and creativity of the Doctor Who fan community.
It’s a story that reminds me of the limitless potential of Doctor Who, not just as a television series but as a shared cultural phenomenon. Even without the Doctor, the universe of the show continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate.
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