There’s something uniquely unsettling about the promise of salvation that hides an insidious trap, and The Claws of Axos exploits this premise to great effect. Broadcast in March and April 1971, this four-part serial delivers an adventure filled with intrigue, double-dealing, and the deceptive allure of alien visitors offering humanity its deepest desires. It’s the 57th adventure in Doctor Who, and it serves as both an indictment of human greed and a thrilling showcase for Jon Pertwee’s commanding presence as the Third Doctor.
The story begins with the arrival of the Axons, golden-skinned aliens who come bearing the miraculous gift of Axonite, a substance they claim can solve all of Earth’s energy problems. Naturally, it’s too good to be true. The Axons are not benevolent saviours but parasites seeking to drain Earth’s energy and reduce its inhabitants to husks. Their spaceship, a living organism with an otherworldly design, adds a layer of eerie tension to their deception. As the Axons manipulate the humans around them, the Doctor must outwit them, navigate UNIT politics, and contend with the ever-untrustworthy Master, who has his own reasons for aiding the alien invaders.
Jon Pertwee is at his sharpest in this story, his Doctor exuding intelligence, frustration, and a keen sense of danger. Pertwee’s portrayal strikes a balance between charm and gravitas, particularly in his confrontations with both the Axons and the human officials eager to exploit Axonite for their own ends. The Doctor’s exasperation with humanity’s inability to see beyond short-term gain feels particularly relevant, and Pertwee delivers these moments with biting wit and an undercurrent of sadness. The scenes where he appears to ally himself with the Master are a standout, showcasing the Doctor’s strategic brilliance and moral complexity.
Roger Delgado’s Master continues to be a highlight of the Pertwee era. His ability to manipulate events from behind the scenes while maintaining his air of cool detachment makes him a compelling and unpredictable presence. In The Claws of Axos, the Master’s self-interest leads him to work with both the Axons and the Doctor, creating a dynamic that is as tense as it is entertaining. Delgado’s chemistry with Pertwee remains magnetic, their exchanges brimming with mutual respect and disdain.
Katy Manning’s Jo Grant is given plenty of opportunities to shine, her determination and resourcefulness coming to the forefront as she navigates the chaos surrounding the Axons’ arrival. Jo’s genuine concern for others and her ability to think on her feet make her an engaging and relatable companion. Her moments of vulnerability are balanced by her courage, and Manning’s performance captures this duality beautifully.
The supporting cast, particularly the officials and scientists swayed by the Axons’ promises, provide a sobering commentary on human nature. Their willingness to overlook the potential dangers of Axonite in pursuit of power and prestige underscores the story’s critique of greed and shortsightedness. The Axons themselves, with their golden, almost angelic appearance, are a brilliant piece of misdirection, their outer beauty masking their monstrous intentions. The organic design of their ship and the surreal visuals inside it create an unsettling and memorable atmosphere.
One of the story’s greatest strengths is its pacing. The narrative moves briskly, balancing action, exposition, and character moments with precision. The escalating stakes and the Doctor’s increasingly desperate attempts to outmaneuver the Axons keep the tension high, while the interplay between the various factions—UNIT, the Axons, the Master, and the government—adds layers of complexity to the plot.
From a production standpoint, The Claws of Axos is a triumph of creativity. The Axons’ design, both in their humanoid form and as their grotesque true selves, is striking and effective. The use of colour and lighting, particularly inside the Axon ship, enhances the otherworldly and organic feel of the story. The visual effects, while dated by modern standards, are employed with a boldness and inventiveness that make them memorable.
Watching this story in 2025, I was struck by how its themes resonate in contemporary times. The Axons’ offer of Axonite and humanity’s blind eagerness to accept it reflect ongoing debates about resource exploitation, environmental sustainability, and the dangers of prioritising profit over caution. The story’s critique of greed and its exploration of the consequences of short-sighted decisions feel as timely now as they did in 1971.
Jon Pertwee’s performance anchors the story, his Doctor’s intelligence and moral conviction cutting through the chaos. Delgado’s Master provides a perfect foil, his manipulations adding depth and unpredictability to the narrative. The Axons themselves are a fascinating and formidable foe, their deception and ruthlessness making them a memorable addition to the series’ roster of alien adversaries.
The Claws of Axos exemplifies the Pertwee era’s strengths: its ability to blend action, social commentary, and compelling character dynamics into a cohesive and engaging adventure. It’s a story that entertains and provokes thought, showcasing the enduring appeal of Doctor Who and its capacity to reflect the concerns of its time while remaining timeless.
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