The Wheel in Space launches Doctor Who into a suspenseful tale of isolation, survival, and alien menace aboard a deep-space station. Originally broadcast in April and May 1968, this six-part serial is the 43rd adventure in the series and introduces a new companion, Zoe Heriot, who brings a unique dynamic to the TARDIS team. It also sees the return of the Cybermen, whose calculated plan threatens not only the Wheel but also Earth itself.
For this rewatch, I experienced the 2017 reconstruction, which combines existing clips, Tele-snaps, and surviving episodes to bring this lost classic to life. The reconstruction preserves the atmosphere and tension of the original broadcast while allowing modern audiences to fully engage with the story.
The Story: Isolation and Infiltration
The TARDIS materializes on a drifting spaceship, where the Doctor and Jamie quickly discover a crisis. The ship’s crew is missing, and its systems are malfunctioning. After narrowly escaping danger, they are rescued and taken to the Wheel, a space station responsible for monitoring a vital star sector.
However, all is not well aboard the Wheel. The station’s crew is dealing with technical malfunctions, mysterious deaths, and the growing threat of Cybermen infiltrating their ranks. As the Cybermen’s plan to use the Wheel to launch an invasion of Earth becomes clear, the Doctor must rally the crew and devise a strategy to stop them before it’s too late.
Patrick Troughton: A Strategic and Compassionate Doctor
Patrick Troughton’s Doctor excels in The Wheel in Space, balancing his playful eccentricity with sharp intellect and deep compassion. His ability to connect with the Wheel’s crew, despite their initial skepticism, underscores his role as both a unifier and a strategist.
One of Troughton’s standout moments comes when the Doctor confronts the Cybermen’s methods, exposing their cold logic and ruthlessness. His determination to protect the crew and prevent Earth’s destruction highlights his unwavering commitment to safeguarding life.
Jamie McCrimmon: Loyalty and Action
Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines) continues to be the Doctor’s steadfast ally, bringing courage and quick thinking to the forefront. His ability to navigate the Wheel’s challenges and protect his friends demonstrates his resourcefulness and loyalty. Jamie’s interactions with the crew, particularly Zoe, add a touch of humor and humanity to the story.
Zoe Heriot: A Brilliant New Companion
The Wheel in Space introduces Zoe Heriot, a highly intelligent astrophysicist and mathematician who initially struggles to reconcile her logical mindset with the unpredictable nature of the Doctor’s world. Played by Wendy Padbury, Zoe’s sharp intellect and scientific expertise make her an invaluable addition to the TARDIS team.
Zoe’s initial skepticism about the Doctor and Jamie gives way to admiration and curiosity, culminating in her decision to join their travels at the story’s conclusion. Her blend of logic and curiosity promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the TARDIS crew.
The Cybermen: Cold and Calculating
The Cybermen return in The Wheel in Space as a relentless and calculating threat. Their ability to infiltrate the Wheel and manipulate its systems underscores their adaptability and intelligence. The scenes of Cybermen emerging from hidden compartments and sabotaging the Wheel’s defenses are particularly chilling, emphasizing their methodical approach to domination.
The Cybermen’s plan to use the Wheel’s powerful transmitter to guide their invasion fleet adds a layer of strategic complexity to their menace, making them formidable adversaries for the Doctor and his allies.
Themes of Isolation and Cooperation
At its core, The Wheel in Space explores themes of isolation and cooperation. The crew’s initial distrust of the Doctor and Jamie reflects their vulnerability and fear, while their eventual collaboration underscores the importance of unity in overcoming external threats.
Zoe’s journey from detached logic to emotional engagement mirrors the story’s broader themes, emphasizing the value of balancing intellect with empathy and teamwork.
The Reconstruction: Preserving the Atmosphere
The 2017 reconstruction combines surviving footage, Tele-snaps, and audio recordings to recreate the missing episodes. This approach captures the story’s suspense and claustrophobic atmosphere, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the narrative’s tension and character dynamics.
The use of existing clips to highlight key moments, such as the Cybermen’s infiltration and Zoe’s pivotal scenes, enhances the reconstruction’s effectiveness, making it a compelling way to revisit this lost serial.
Revisiting in 2025: A Personal Perspective
Rewatching The Wheel in Space was an engaging and thought-provoking experience. The story’s exploration of isolation, teamwork, and the challenges of space exploration felt timeless, while the introduction of Zoe added an exciting new dimension to the TARDIS team.
Patrick Troughton’s Doctor continues to impress with his combination of intellect and compassion, while Jamie’s loyalty and courage remain a cornerstone of the series. The Cybermen’s calculated menace and the Wheel’s claustrophobic setting created a gripping narrative, making this serial a standout in the Second Doctor’s era.
Final Thoughts: A Promising New Era
The Wheel in Space is a compelling blend of suspense, character development, and science fiction, setting the stage for the adventures to come. Zoe’s introduction as a new companion signals a fresh dynamic for the TARDIS team, while the Cybermen’s return reinforces their status as iconic adversaries.
The Wheel in Space stands as a testament to Doctor Who’s ability to combine thrilling storytelling with meaningful character moments. It's a fitting end to season 5 of Doctor Who; a year which has outperformed its predecessor and is currently my favourite season to date.
Next, I’ll be revisiting The Dominators, the opening story of Season 6, where the Doctor and his companions face a new alien threat on a pacifist planet.
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