365 Days of Doctor Who: Rewatching The Moonbase - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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365 Days of Doctor Who: Rewatching The Moonbase

The Moonbase is a pivotal serial in Doctor Who’s history, showcasing the Second Doctor’s growing confidence and leadership while reintroducing the Cybermen as one of his most formidable foes. First broadcast in February and March 1967, this four-part story takes place on Earth’s moon in the year 2070, where the TARDIS crew becomes embroiled in a tense battle for control of a strategic weather station.

For this rewatch, I experienced the DVD release, which combines the surviving episodes 2 and 4 with newly animated reconstructions of the missing episodes 1 and 3. This blend of live-action and animation offers a comprehensive and visually engaging way to revisit the story’s suspenseful narrative and iconic moments.


The Story: A Deadly Virus and the Cybermen’s Return

The TARDIS lands on the moon, where the Doctor, Polly, Ben, and Jamie discover a weather control station vital to Earth’s survival. The station’s crew is battling a mysterious illness that has incapacitated many of its members, leaving the base vulnerable. The Doctor quickly deduces that the illness is linked to the arrival of the Cybermen, who plan to take over the base and use its technology to destroy Earth.

As the Cybermen infiltrate the base, the Doctor and his companions must work with the remaining crew to uncover the source of the illness, thwart the Cybermen’s plans, and save the planet from destruction.


Patrick Troughton: The Doctor as Protector and Strategist

Patrick Troughton’s performance in The Moonbase solidifies his interpretation of the Doctor as a clever and compassionate protector. His determination to outwit the Cybermen is matched by his deep concern for the station’s crew, whom he treats with empathy and respect.

The Doctor’s scientific expertise comes to the forefront as he works to identify and counteract the virus, showcasing his intellect and resourcefulness. Troughton’s ability to blend moments of light humor with gravitas adds depth to his portrayal, emphasizing the Doctor’s unique blend of wisdom and eccentricity.


The Companions: Unity in Adversity

  • Polly Wright (Anneke Wills) takes on a proactive role, devising a clever solution to counter the Cybermen. Her idea to create a chemical cocktail to attack the Cybermen’s plastic components demonstrates her ingenuity and courage.
  • Ben Jackson (Michael Craze) supports Polly’s plan and works tirelessly to defend the base, showcasing his physicality and unwavering loyalty.
  • Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines), still recovering from an injury sustained in The Underwater Menace, spends much of the story confined to the sickbay. However, his bravery and humor shine through, adding levity to the tense atmosphere.

Together, the companions form a cohesive and resourceful team, complementing the Doctor’s leadership and playing crucial roles in the fight against the Cybermen.


The Cybermen: Evolving Terror

The Moonbase marks the Cybermen’s second appearance in Doctor Who and introduces significant updates to their design. Sleeker and more menacing, the Cybermen are portrayed as coldly logical and unrelenting, their monotone voices and mechanical movements adding to their sense of inhumanity.

The story emphasizes the Cybermen’s adaptability and intelligence, as they exploit the station’s vulnerabilities and use psychological tactics to sow fear and distrust among the crew. Their plan to control Earth’s weather system and destroy humanity underscores their ambition and ruthlessness.


Themes of Science and Survival

At its core, The Moonbase explores themes of science, survival, and the ethical responsibilities of technology. The Doctor’s reliance on scientific investigation to solve problems contrasts with the Cybermen’s emotionless manipulation of technology for destructive ends.

The story also examines the human spirit’s resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, as the crew of the Moonbase bands together to resist the Cybermen’s invasion. The Doctor’s ability to inspire cooperation and ingenuity underscores his role as a catalyst for hope and action.


The Animation: Bridging the Gaps

The newly animated episodes 1 and 3 are a triumph, seamlessly integrating with the surviving live-action episodes to create a cohesive viewing experience. The animation captures the stark, futuristic design of the Moonbase and the eerie presence of the Cybermen, enhancing the story’s atmosphere.

The decision to animate in black and white preserves the visual continuity of the serial, while the detailed character expressions and dynamic movements bring new energy to the missing episodes. The animation’s crisp visuals highlight the tension and scale of the story, ensuring that the impact of key moments is fully realized.


Revisiting in 2025: A Personal Perspective

Rewatching The Moonbase in its restored form was a thrilling experience. The story’s balance of suspense, action, and character-driven drama kept me engaged from start to finish, while the animation allowed me to fully appreciate the narrative’s complexity and ambition.

Patrick Troughton’s Doctor continues to captivate with his intelligence and empathy, while the companions’ teamwork adds depth to the story. The Cybermen’s return is both chilling and impactful, solidifying their status as one of the Doctor’s greatest adversaries.


Legacy and Significance

The Moonbase is a significant milestone in Doctor Who, showcasing the Second Doctor’s strengths as a leader and solidifying the Cybermen as iconic villains. Its exploration of scientific ethics and the human spirit’s resilience resonates strongly, offering a timeless message about the importance of ingenuity and cooperation in the face of adversity.

The serial also marks a turning point in the show’s evolution, as it embraces a more science fiction-focused narrative while retaining the character-driven storytelling that defines Doctor Who.


Final Thoughts

Revisiting The Moonbase has been an exciting journey into one of the Second Doctor’s most iconic adventures. Its combination of suspenseful storytelling, strong performances, and innovative animation makes it a standout entry in the series’ history.

Next, I’ll be revisiting The Macra Terror, another missing serial brought back to life through animation, where the Doctor and his companions encounter the mysterious and monstrous Macra.

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