As I began rewatching The Invasion, I was immediately struck by the story’s ambitious scope and its significance in the evolution of Doctor Who. Originally broadcast in November and December 1968, this eight-part serial stands as a monumental adventure that bridges the series’ monster-driven past with its more grounded, Earth-based future. It introduces UNIT (the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce) and its iconic leader, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, while delivering a chilling Cyberman invasion narrative.
During this 365 day marathon, I have split a few of the stories down the middle, including today's offering from season 6. For this retrospective, I experienced the animated reconstructions of episodes 1 and 4, which seamlessly integrate into the surviving live-action episodes. Watching these first four chapters, I was captivated by the unfolding mystery, the growing tension, and the nuanced performances of the cast. I'm approaching today's retrospective format a little differently, episode by episode...
Episode 1: A Mysterious Landing
The serial opens with the TARDIS materializing in modern-day England, where the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe find themselves in the countryside. Right away, the tone feels different—grounded, ominous, and infused with intrigue. As the trio encounters a private military convoy and a mysterious electronics company, International Electromatics, the seeds of the plot are expertly sown.
What I appreciated most about this opening episode was its pacing. The story takes its time to establish the world and its characters, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout. Patrick Troughton is in top form here, balancing his playful eccentricity with moments of sharp intellect as he begins piecing together the mystery.
The animated reconstruction of this episode does a fantastic job of capturing the mood and setting. The shadowy corridors of International Electromatics and the tension-filled encounters with its employees feel authentic, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail in the animation.
Episode 2: Unraveling the Threat
In the second episode, the plot begins to thicken as the Doctor and Jamie infiltrate International Electromatics to uncover its secrets. Kevin Stoney’s portrayal of Tobias Vaughn, the villainous head of the company, is masterful. Vaughn exudes charm and menace in equal measure, making him one of the most compelling antagonists in Doctor Who’s history.
One of the highlights of this episode is Zoe’s standout moment, as she uses her intelligence and determination to solve a series of complex problems. Wendy Padbury’s performance adds a refreshing dynamic to the narrative, proving once again why Zoe is such a valuable addition to the TARDIS team.
The visual effects, particularly the Cyberman technology glimpsed in Vaughn’s operations, are subtly introduced, heightening the suspense without giving too much away. By the end of the episode, the scale of the threat becomes apparent, leaving me eager to see how the Doctor will confront it.
Episode 3: Enter UNIT
The third episode marks a pivotal moment in Doctor Who’s history with the introduction of UNIT and the return of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, played by Nicholas Courtney. Seeing the Doctor and the Brigadier reunite is a joy, their dynamic brimming with mutual respect and a hint of friendly rivalry.
What stands out here is the shift in tone as the Doctor’s investigation becomes a joint effort with UNIT. The inclusion of military operations, tactical planning, and espionage elements gives the story a larger-than-life feel. The contrast between the Doctor’s unorthodox methods and UNIT’s structured approach creates an engaging dynamic that enriches the narrative.
The surviving footage of this episode is expertly restored, and the interplay between the characters feels authentic and grounded, pulling me further into the world of the story.
Episode 4: A Growing Menace
The animated reconstruction of episode 4 delivers one of the story’s most atmospheric chapters. As the Doctor and his allies delve deeper into Vaughn’s operations, the Cybermen’s presence begins to loom larger. The tension is palpable as the Doctor uncovers more about Vaughn’s partnership with these iconic villains.
The animation brings a visual flair to this episode, particularly in the depiction of Vaughn’s underground facilities and the Cybermen’s hidden forces. These scenes are rendered with care, maintaining the suspense and sense of foreboding that define the story’s tone.
Jamie and Zoe continue to shine in this episode, their bravery and resourcefulness making them indispensable to the Doctor’s efforts. I particularly enjoyed the moments where Zoe’s quick thinking and Jamie’s courage complement each other, showcasing the strength of their partnership.
Revisiting Episodes 1-4 in 2025: A Personal Perspective
Watching the first half of The Invasion was an exhilarating experience. The story’s blend of mystery, action, and character development kept me engaged throughout. Patrick Troughton’s Doctor is as captivating as ever, his sharp intellect and boundless curiosity driving the narrative forward.
Kevin Stoney’s Tobias Vaughn stands out as a villain who is both charismatic and terrifying, his complex motivations adding depth to the story. The introduction of UNIT and the Brigadier feels like a natural evolution for the series, setting the stage for Doctor Who’s future adventures on Earth.
The animated episodes are a triumph, seamlessly blending with the surviving footage to create a cohesive and immersive viewing experience. They capture the atmosphere and tension of the original broadcast, ensuring that this classic story can be enjoyed in its entirety.
Final Thoughts on Episodes 1-4
The first half of The Invasion sets the stage for a thrilling and ambitious story that combines the best elements of science fiction and espionage. Its introduction of UNIT and the growing Cyberman threat create a sense of scale and urgency that promises an epic conclusion.
Tomorrow, I’ll continue this retrospective with episodes 5-8, where the stakes are raised and the full extent of Vaughn’s plan—and the Cybermen’s invasion—is revealed.
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