Returning to Doctor Who’s rich blend of adventure and science fiction, The Underwater Menace immerses us in the lost city of Atlantis, where the Doctor and his companions confront an eccentric scientist with a perilous plan. Originally broadcast in early 1967, this four-part serial combines ambitious ideas with bold visuals and an unforgettable villain.
For this rewatch, I experienced the 2023 release, which beautifully restores The Underwater Menace by combining its two surviving episodes with animated reconstructions of the missing episodes. The result is a vibrant and engaging version of the serial that captures both its energy and its charm.
The Story: Atlantis Reborn and Threatened
The TARDIS lands on a volcanic island that turns out to be the remnants of Atlantis. The Doctor, Ben, Polly, and new companion Jamie McCrimmon are quickly captured and taken to an underwater city where they meet Professor Zaroff, a brilliant but unhinged scientist. Zaroff has promised to raise Atlantis above the sea, but his true plan is far more destructive—he intends to drain the ocean into the Earth’s core, triggering the planet’s destruction.
The Doctor and his companions must navigate the treacherous corridors of the Atlantean society, rallying the oppressed fish-people and exposing Zaroff’s madness to prevent catastrophe.
Patrick Troughton: Playful, Inventive, and Heroic
In this third story of his era, Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor solidifies his eccentric yet compassionate character. His ability to outwit enemies with humor and ingenuity is on full display, particularly in his interactions with Zaroff, whom he matches in intensity but surpasses in intelligence and moral clarity.
The Doctor’s whimsical disguises, quick thinking, and determination to protect Atlantis highlight Troughton’s mastery of blending lightheartedness with gravitas. His performance anchors the story, bringing coherence to its more outlandish elements.
The Companions: A Cohesive Team
- Ben Jackson (Michael Craze) is resourceful and practical, taking an active role in the resistance against Zaroff. His determination and bravery make him a vital member of the team.
- Polly Wright (Anneke Wills) demonstrates empathy and quick thinking, particularly in her interactions with the fish-people. Polly’s modern perspective provides a counterbalance to the fantastical setting.
- Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines), still adjusting to life in the TARDIS, begins to find his footing here. His loyalty and courage are evident, and his growing dynamic with the rest of the team enriches the group dynamic.
Together, the companions work seamlessly with the Doctor, forming a cohesive and compelling ensemble.
Professor Zaroff: A Memorable Villain
Joseph Furst’s portrayal of Professor Zaroff is one of the most flamboyant in Doctor Who history. Zaroff’s descent into madness is both unsettling and captivating, with his over-the-top delivery (“Nothing in the world can stop me now!”) becoming iconic.
Zaroff’s character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and hubris, embodying the serial’s critique of blind faith in progress and the misuse of scientific power.
The Fish-People and the World of Atlantis
The fish-people, hybrid beings enslaved by Zaroff and the Atlanteans, are central to the story’s themes of oppression and resistance. Their eventual rebellion adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the power of unity against tyranny.
The underwater city of Atlantis is brought to life with a mix of surviving visuals and animation. The sets and costumes, though reflective of the era’s limitations, convey a sense of grandeur and otherworldliness. The animation enhances this atmosphere, allowing for a richer depiction of Atlantis and its aquatic inhabitants.
Themes of Power and Resistance
The Underwater Menace explores themes of power, exploitation, and resistance. Zaroff’s manipulation of the Atlanteans mirrors real-world concerns about authoritarianism and the dangers of placing too much trust in charismatic leaders.
The fish-people’s rebellion underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action, while the Doctor’s determination to stop Zaroff reflects his enduring commitment to justice and the protection of life.
The Animation: Completing the Puzzle
The 2023 animated reconstruction of the missing episodes is a triumph, seamlessly blending with the surviving material. The animation captures the energy and eccentricity of the story, particularly in the sequences involving Zaroff and the fish-people.
The animation’s vibrant color palette and fluid movement enhance the visual appeal, making this version of The Underwater Menace the most accessible and engaging to date.
Revisiting in 2025: A Personal Perspective
Rewatching The Underwater Menace in its 2023 restored form was a lively and rewarding experience. The combination of surviving footage and animation allowed me to appreciate the story’s charm and creativity, while Patrick Troughton’s performance continued to impress with its inventiveness and emotional depth.
Zaroff’s theatrical villainy, the companions’ teamwork, and the fish-people’s rebellion made for a memorable narrative, even if the story occasionally veered into the absurd.
Legacy and Significance
The Underwater Menace represents a transitional period in Doctor Who, as the series increasingly embraced the Second Doctor’s playful energy and began exploring more ambitious and fantastical stories. Its themes of resistance and the perils of unchecked ambition remain relevant, while its bold visuals and performances make it a unique entry in the show’s history.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting The Underwater Menace has been a delightful journey into one of the more eccentric corners of the Doctor Who universe. Its mix of high-stakes drama, whimsical touches, and memorable characters make it a distinctive entry in the Second Doctor’s era.
The next adventure I’ll be revisiting is The Moonbase, another tale of the Second Doctor and the return of one of his most iconic adversaries: the Cybermen.
No comments:
Post a Comment