The Faceless Ones delivers an intriguing mix of mystery, science fiction, and suspense as the Doctor and his companions uncover a sinister alien plot in a bustling 1960s airport. Originally broadcast in April and May 1967, this six-part serial saw the departure of Ben and Polly and introduced the enigmatic Chameleons as a new alien threat.
For this rewatch, I experienced the 2020 animated release, which combines the two surviving episodes with animated reconstructions of the missing four. Presented in both color and black-and-white, the animation revitalizes this lost classic, bringing its tension and intrigue to modern audiences.
The Story: Disappearing Passengers and Alien Intrigue
The TARDIS materializes on the runway of Gatwick Airport, where the Doctor, Ben, Polly, and Jamie become embroiled in a mystery involving missing passengers. The travelers quickly discover that an airline, Chameleon Tours, is kidnapping young people and replacing them with alien duplicates as part of a desperate plan to save the Chameleons’ dying race.
With Ben and Polly separated early in the story, the Doctor, Jamie, and a new ally, Samantha Briggs, take center stage in unraveling the Chameleons’ plot and saving the abducted passengers.
Patrick Troughton: At the Height of His Powers
Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor shines in The Faceless Ones, blending humor, intelligence, and a touch of mischief as he investigates the mystery. His ability to switch between playfulness and gravitas allows him to navigate the story’s twists and turns with ease, keeping the audience engaged at every step.
One standout moment is the Doctor’s confrontation with the Chameleon leaders, where his quick thinking and moral authority force them to reconsider their plans. Troughton’s performance exemplifies the Doctor’s blend of compassion and defiance, solidifying his role as a protector of the vulnerable.
The Companions: Saying Goodbye to Ben and Polly
- Ben Jackson (Michael Craze) and Polly Wright (Anneke Wills) have a relatively limited presence in this story, as they are written out early and reappear only in the final episode. Their departure is understated yet poignant, as they decide to stay in 1966 London—their original time—when the adventure concludes.
- Jamie McCrimmon (Frazer Hines) steps into a leading role alongside the Doctor, showcasing his bravery, humor, and loyalty. His growing confidence as a companion adds depth to his character, and his interactions with Samantha highlight his charm and resourcefulness.
Samantha Briggs: A Memorable Ally
Pauline Collins delivers a standout performance as Samantha Briggs, a plucky Liverpudlian searching for her missing brother. Samantha’s determination and courage make her a strong ally to the Doctor and Jamie, and her chemistry with the cast adds a dynamic energy to the story.
Samantha was reportedly considered as a potential companion, and it’s easy to see why—her quick wit and independent spirit would have made her an excellent addition to the TARDIS crew.
The Chameleons: A Chilling Threat
The Chameleons are a unique and unsettling villain, their ability to duplicate human forms adding an element of paranoia to the narrative. Their plan to abduct and replace humans, driven by their race’s survival needs, offers a morally complex motivation that elevates them beyond typical villains.
The scenes of Chameleons reverting to their grotesque, featureless forms are particularly effective, emphasizing their desperation and alien nature. The animation enhances these moments, creating a visually striking depiction of their transformations.
Themes of Identity and Survival
The Faceless Ones explores themes of identity, survival, and morality. The Chameleons’ reliance on stolen identities raises questions about the lengths to which a species should go to ensure its survival, while the Doctor’s resistance highlights the importance of preserving individuality and humanity.
The story’s focus on airport culture and the transient nature of travel adds another layer to its exploration of identity, as passengers come and go, often unnoticed, in a bustling and impersonal environment.
The Animation: Revitalizing a Lost Classic
The 2020 animated reconstruction of The Faceless Ones is a triumph, blending vibrant visuals with fluid motion to bring the story to life. The animation captures the mid-1960s aesthetic of Gatwick Airport, from its bustling terminals to the sleek Chameleon Tours planes.
The decision to present the story in color and widescreen enhances its visual appeal, while the character expressions and action sequences are brought to life with dynamic precision. The animation also emphasizes the eerie nature of the Chameleons, particularly during their transformations and duplications.
Revisiting in 2025: A Personal Perspective
Rewatching The Faceless Ones through its animated release was an engaging experience, allowing me to fully appreciate its suspenseful storytelling and compelling themes. Patrick Troughton’s Doctor continues to captivate with his intelligence and charm, while Jamie’s growing confidence and Samantha’s spirited determination add depth to the narrative.
The animation brings a fresh vibrancy to the story, ensuring that its tension and atmosphere resonate with modern audiences.
Legacy and Significance
The Faceless Ones marks an important transitional moment in Doctor Who, as it bids farewell to Ben and Polly while establishing Jamie as a central figure in the TARDIS team. Its exploration of identity and its use of an airport setting as a backdrop for alien intrigue showcase the series’ ability to adapt and innovate.
The Chameleons remain one of the show’s more unique alien threats, their morally complex motivations and unsettling appearance leaving a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting The Faceless Ones has been a thrilling exploration of one of Doctor Who’s most inventive and suspenseful stories. Its blend of mystery, action, and character-driven drama makes it a standout entry in the Second Doctor’s era.
Next, I’ll be revisiting The Evil of the Daleks, another missing serial brought back to life through animation, where the Doctor and Jamie face a sinister Dalek experiment with far-reaching consequences.
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