Broadcast in early 1970, this seven-part serial marks the second story of Jon Pertwee’s era and is notable for its bold storytelling, moral complexity, and willingness to explore themes that feel as relevant today as they did over fifty years ago. Watching Doctor Who and the Silurians again in 2025 is a reminder of how the show’s legacy of tackling big ideas started early and continues to resonate.
This story introduces the titular Silurians, an ancient, intelligent species that predates humanity and has lain dormant underground for millions of years. When their hibernation is disturbed by a nuclear research facility in the English countryside, the Silurians awaken and seek to reclaim the Earth, believing it still belongs to them. It’s a premise that immediately raises questions about ownership, coexistence, and the consequences of human hubris—questions that the serial doesn’t shy away from addressing.
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor is in fine form here, bringing a mix of charm, intellect, and moral authority to the proceedings. Pertwee’s portrayal emphasizes the Doctor’s role as a mediator and peacemaker, and his efforts to bridge the gap between humanity and the Silurians provide the emotional core of the story. I’ve always admired Pertwee’s ability to convey both warmth and steel, and this story showcases those qualities beautifully. The Doctor’s frustration with the humans’ short-sightedness and the Silurians’ aggression is palpable, and Pertwee’s performance captures the Doctor’s anguish at the tragedy unfolding around him.
One of the story’s great strengths is its nuanced depiction of both the humans and the Silurians. The Silurians are not presented as outright villains but as a species trying to reclaim what they see as their rightful home. Their leader is open to negotiation, but internal divisions within their ranks mirror the conflicts among the humans, particularly between the Doctor, who advocates for peace, and the military, represented by the Brigadier, who sees the Silurians as a threat to be neutralised. This moral ambiguity adds depth to the narrative and forces the audience to grapple with uncomfortable questions about conflict, prejudice, and the potential for coexistence.
The supporting cast is excellent, with Nicholas Courtney’s Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart providing a stark contrast to the Doctor’s idealism. The Brigadier’s pragmatic approach and ultimate decision to destroy the Silurians’ base, effectively committing genocide, is a chilling moment that lingers long after the credits roll. Watching it again, I was struck by how daring it was for the show to end on such a sombre note, leaving the audience to grapple with the consequences of the Brigadier’s actions and the Doctor’s visible despair.
Caroline John’s Liz Shaw also shines in this story, her scientific expertise and sceptical nature making her an invaluable ally to the Doctor. Liz’s role as a capable and intelligent companion is a refreshing change from the more traditional “assistant” dynamic of earlier eras. Her scenes with the Doctor highlight their mutual respect and shared commitment to uncovering the truth, and her attempts to navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by the Silurians’ awakening add another layer of complexity to the narrative.
The production design deserves special mention, particularly the Silurians themselves. While the costumes might seem dated by modern standards, there’s an earnestness to their design that works within the story’s context. The use of practical effects and atmospheric lighting helps create a sense of unease and otherworldliness, particularly in the scenes set within the Silurians’ underground lair. The direction by Timothy Combe is effective, balancing moments of tension and introspection with bursts of action and suspense.
Watching Doctor Who and the Silurians in 2025, I couldn’t help but reflect on how its themes of environmental destruction, colonialism, and fear of the other remain painfully relevant. The humans’ inability to see past their immediate fears and the Silurians’ internal conflicts that prevent them from presenting a united front feel all too familiar in today’s world. The story’s refusal to offer easy answers is one of its greatest strengths, and it’s a testament to the series’ willingness to tackle challenging subject matter even within the constraints of family television.
Jon Pertwee’s era has often been described as more grounded and action-oriented, and while Doctor Who and the Silurians certainly delivers on both counts, it’s the story’s emotional and intellectual depth that makes it stand out. Pertwee’s Doctor is not a man of violence but a thinker and a diplomat, and his attempts to broker peace between the two species underline the tragedy of the story’s conclusion. The Doctor’s sadness and anger at the Brigadier’s actions are a powerful reminder of the character’s moral core and his unwavering belief in the potential for understanding and cooperation.
Doctor Who and the Silurians is not a story that offers easy answers or a tidy resolution. Instead, it asks difficult questions and forces us to confront the darker aspects of human nature, making it one of the most thought-provoking and impactful entries in the series’ history.
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