As we enter February, we arrive at adventure 29 in this 365 day marathon; The Tenth Planet. Written by Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis, and first broadcast in October 1966, this is such a landmark story in Doctor Who history, The four-part serial not only introduces the Cybermen, one of the show’s most iconic villains, but serves as the farewell for William Hartnell’s First Doctor, with the final part culminating in the Doctor’s first regeneration, transitioning the series into a new era with Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor.
Revisiting The Tenth Planet today through its restored DVD release, including an animated reconstruction of the missing fourth episode, highlights the story’s boldness, thematic depth, and its pivotal place in Doctor Who lore.
The Story: A Dying Planet and a New Threat
The TARDIS lands in December 1986 at the Snowcap Base, a polar military installation monitoring a manned space mission. The Doctor, Ben, and Polly arrive as the base detects a mysterious new planet entering Earth’s orbit. The planet is Mondas, Earth’s long-lost twin, whose inhabitants, the Cybermen, plan to drain Earth’s energy to restore their world.
The Cybermen, emotionless and relentless, infiltrate the base, threatening to destroy humanity in their quest for survival. As the Doctor grows increasingly weak, Ben and Polly take on more active roles, helping to rally the base’s personnel against the Cybermen’s invasion. The climax sees Mondas absorbing too much energy and disintegrating, but not before the Doctor collapses in the TARDIS, triggering his regeneration.
The Doctor: A Final Stand
William Hartnell’s performance in The Tenth Planet is a poignant farewell to the First Doctor. Though visibly frail, Hartnell imbues the Doctor with his trademark wit, defiance, and moral authority. The Doctor’s insights into the Cybermen’s plans and his warnings about their ruthless logic reflect his wisdom and experience, while his weakened state underscores his vulnerability.
Hartnell’s final scenes are filled with quiet dignity, culminating in his collapse in the TARDIS. His cryptic line, “It’s far from being all over,” is a fitting farewell, encapsulating the Doctor’s enduring spirit even as his body succumbs to the toll of his adventures.
Ben and Polly: Rising to the Occasion
- Ben Jackson (Michael Craze) takes a proactive role in this story, confronting the Cybermen and helping to rally the Snowcap Base personnel. His bravery and quick thinking make him a vital part of the resistance against the Cybermen.
- Polly Wright (Anneke Wills) shows compassion and determination, forming a bond with the Cybermen’s victims and advocating for peace. Her modern sensibilities and empathy provide a counterbalance to the tension and conflict.
Together, Ben and Polly prove themselves capable companions, stepping up as the Doctor falters and helping to drive the story forward.
The Cybermen: A Haunting Debut
The Cybermen, appearing for the first time in The Tenth Planet, are chilling and tragic antagonists. Their partially robotic appearance and hollow voices emphasize their loss of humanity, while their cold logic and lack of emotion make them a formidable threat.
The concept of the Cybermen—a race that replaced their organic components with machinery to survive—serves as a powerful critique of technological overreach and the loss of individuality. Their unsettling design and behavior set the stage for their enduring presence as one of the Doctor’s most iconic foes.
Themes of Survival and Change
At its core, The Tenth Planet is a story about survival and transformation. The Cybermen’s desperate attempts to save Mondas mirror the Doctor’s own struggle to continue his adventures despite his failing body. The parallels between these narratives emphasize the costs and consequences of survival, whether through technological augmentation or regeneration.
The story also explores themes of sacrifice and renewal, as Mondas’ destruction and the Doctor’s regeneration signal the end of one era and the beginning of another.
The Animated Episode 4: Completing the Vision
The original fourth episode of The Tenth Planet is missing, but the animated reconstruction included on the DVD release provides a faithful and visually striking interpretation of the climax. The animation captures the tension and drama of the final confrontation with the Cybermen, as well as the emotional weight of the Doctor’s regeneration.
The regeneration sequence itself, recreated using surviving footage of Hartnell’s transformation into Patrick Troughton, remains one of the most iconic moments in Doctor Who history. The animation enhances the episode’s impact, ensuring that the story can be experienced in its entirety.
William Hartnell: The First Doctor’s Legacy
William Hartnell’s tenure as the Doctor laid the foundation for everything Doctor Who would become. His portrayal of the Doctor as a mysterious, irascible, yet deeply compassionate figure established the character’s core identity, balancing intellect, humor, and moral authority.
Hartnell’s performance evolved over his three years on the show, transforming the Doctor from a somewhat aloof traveler into a protector of the vulnerable and a champion of justice. His chemistry with companions like Susan, Ian, Barbara, and later Ben and Polly, brought warmth and humanity to the series, creating relationships that defined the heart of Doctor Who.
Hartnell’s departure in The Tenth Planet was not just the end of an era but the beginning of the series’ greatest innovation: the concept of regeneration. By allowing the Doctor to transform into a new incarnation, the show ensured its longevity and adaptability, making Hartnell’s farewell a turning point in television history.
Revisiting in 2024: A Personal Perspective
Rewatching The Tenth Planet was an emotional and rewarding experience. The story’s exploration of change and renewal felt particularly poignant as Hartnell bid farewell to the role he originated. The Cybermen’s debut added tension and intrigue, while Ben and Polly’s dynamic injected fresh energy into the narrative.
The animated reconstruction of episode four brought the story to life in a way that honored its legacy while enhancing its accessibility. Witnessing the First Doctor’s final moments and his transformation into the Second Doctor reaffirmed the enduring brilliance of Doctor Who’s central premise.
Legacy and Significance
The Tenth Planet is a milestone in Doctor Who history, introducing the Cybermen and the concept of regeneration, both of which would become defining elements of the series. Its themes of survival, transformation, and renewal continue to resonate, reflecting the show’s ability to adapt and evolve.
William Hartnell’s departure marked the end of the First Doctor’s era but paved the way for Doctor Who’s future. His performance and legacy remain integral to the series’ identity, reminding us of the timeless appeal of a character who is always the same yet ever-changing.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting The Tenth Planet has been a bittersweet journey, celebrating the First Doctor’s final adventure while embracing the promise of the Second Doctor’s era. The story’s bold ideas, compelling characters, and emotional depth make it a fitting farewell to William Hartnell and a powerful introduction to the concept of regeneration.
As the Doctor’s journey continues, The Tenth Planet stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Doctor Who, a series that, like the Doctor himself, is always capable of renewal and reinvention.
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