After the cinematic detour with Dr. Who and the Daleks, this Doctor Who marathon returns to the main television series with Galaxy 4. First broadcast in September 1965, this four-part serial opens the show’s third season and takes the TARDIS crew to an alien planet locked in a battle for survival. Unfortunately, three of the four episodes are missing from the BBC archives, but the 2021 Blu-ray release includes a beautifully animated version, which I watched for this rewatch.
Galaxy 4 is a story that explores appearances, morality, and the importance of cooperation, themes that remain as relevant today as they were in the 1960s. While its pacing is slower and its message more overt than some of the show’s classics, the serial is a solid and thought-provoking entry in the Hartnell era.
The Story: A Planet on the Brink
The TARDIS lands on a dying planet whose sun is about to explode in just two days. The Doctor, Vicki, and Steven encounter two warring factions: the humanoid, seemingly benevolent Drahvins, led by the cold and calculating Maaga, and the reptilian Rills, who remain hidden and communicate through their robotic servants, the Chumbleys.
At first, the Drahvins appear to be the victims of the conflict, and Maaga claims that the Rills attacked them. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Drahvins are far from innocent, while the Rills, despite their fearsome appearance, are peaceful and willing to help the TARDIS crew escape the planet’s imminent destruction.
The Doctor and his companions must navigate this moral quagmire, eventually siding with the Rills to secure their own survival while exposing the Drahvins’ deceit.
The Doctor: A Steady Hand Amid Chaos
William Hartnell’s Doctor is at his most measured and thoughtful in Galaxy 4. He approaches the conflict with curiosity and skepticism, refusing to take the Drahvins’ claims at face value. His scientific mind and moral compass guide the narrative, and his interactions with the Rills are some of the serial’s most compelling moments.
Hartnell brings a quiet gravitas to the Doctor’s role as a mediator, emphasizing the character’s growing role as a protector of peace and justice. His decision to help the Rills escape, despite the Drahvins’ hostility, reflects the Doctor’s core values and sets the tone for much of what the character would represent in the decades to come.
Vicki and Steven: A Balanced Team
Vicki and Steven continue to develop as a strong companion duo, each bringing their unique strengths to the table:
Vicki shines in her ability to empathize with others, even when they appear threatening. Her open-mindedness allows her to connect with the Chumbleys and the Rills, emphasizing the story’s theme of looking beyond appearances. Maureen O’Brien delivers a warm and thoughtful performance, reinforcing Vicki’s role as the emotional heart of the TARDIS crew.
Steven is more skeptical and action-oriented, serving as a foil to Vicki’s optimism. Peter Purves balances Steven’s brashness with moments of humor and vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with the Drahvins. His loyalty to the Doctor and Vicki remains a cornerstone of his character.
Together, Vicki and Steven provide a dynamic counterpoint to the Doctor’s steady leadership, showcasing their growth as companions while underscoring the teamwork that defines the TARDIS crew.
The Drahvins and the Rills: A Study in Contrasts
The Drahvins and the Rills are central to the story’s exploration of morality and prejudice:
The Drahvins, led by the icy Maaga (played with sinister precision by Stephanie Bidmead), are outwardly human but deeply flawed. Their rigid hierarchy and willingness to sacrifice their own kind for survival reveal their moral bankruptcy, challenging the audience’s initial assumptions about their benevolence.
The Rills, on the other hand, are physically alien and initially frightening, but they are revealed to be compassionate and intelligent beings. Their robotic servants, the Chumbleys, add a layer of charm and innovation to the story, further emphasizing the Rills’ nonviolent nature.
This juxtaposition between appearance and morality is one of the serial’s strengths, offering a timeless message about the dangers of prejudice and the value of empathy and understanding.
The Animation: Breathing New Life into a Lost Story
Watching the 2021 animated reconstruction of Galaxy 4 is a fascinating experience. The animation is clean and expressive, capturing the essence of the original while adding dynamic visuals that enhance the story’s impact. The animators use creative angles and lighting to heighten the tension, particularly in the scenes involving the Rills and the planet’s impending destruction.
The decision to animate the missing episodes alongside the surviving footage of “Air Lock” creates a cohesive viewing experience, allowing the story to flow seamlessly. For me, this reconstruction not only preserves Galaxy 4 but also elevates it, making it more accessible and engaging for a modern audience.
Themes of Cooperation and Understanding
At its core, Galaxy 4 is a story about the importance of cooperation and the dangers of judging others based on appearances. The Doctor and his companions must navigate the prejudices and agendas of the Drahvins and the Rills, ultimately choosing to ally with those who embody compassion and integrity, regardless of how they look.
The serial’s emphasis on moral choices and its critique of hierarchical and authoritarian systems resonate strongly today, offering a timeless reminder of the value of empathy and collaboration.
Rewatching in 2024: A Personal Perspective
Revisiting Galaxy 4 through its animated reconstruction, I was struck by how relevant its themes remain. The tension between the outwardly human Drahvins and the alien Rills feels like a deliberate challenge to preconceived notions about good and evil.
The slower pacing and overt moral messaging might feel dated to some, but I found these elements gave me time to reflect on the story’s deeper meanings. The animation brought a vibrancy to the narrative that helped overcome the limitations of the original production, making it easier to appreciate the serial’s ambition and creativity.
Legacy and Influence
While Galaxy 4 is not as iconic as other Hartnell-era stories, it holds an important place in Doctor Who history. Its exploration of morality and appearances would influence later stories, such as The Silurians (1970) and The Zygon Invasion (2015), which similarly challenge the audience’s assumptions about alien life.
The serial also highlights the versatility of the Doctor and his companions, showing their ability to navigate complex moral dilemmas and make difficult choices. This emphasis on character and theme underscores the enduring appeal of Doctor Who as a series that entertains while provoking thought.
Final Thoughts
Rewatching Galaxy 4 as part of this marathon has been a rewarding experience. While it may not be the most action-packed or fast-paced serial, its thoughtful exploration of morality and prejudice, combined with its strong character work and compelling animation, make it a standout entry in the Hartnell era.
It’s a story that challenges assumptions, celebrates empathy, and reminds me of why Doctor Who continues to captivate audiences after all these years. As the TARDIS moves forward to new adventures, Galaxy 4 serves as a poignant reminder of the show’s ability to blend science fiction with timeless themes and unforgettable characters.
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