The quiet Welsh mining village of Llanfairfach may seem like an unlikely setting for an epic Doctor Who adventure, but The Green Death turns this seemingly quaint location into a battleground for ecological justice. First broadcast in May and June 1973, this six-part story (the 69th in the series) combines social commentary, corporate greed, and environmental activism with a deeply personal farewell to one of the series’ most beloved companions.
The Doctor and Jo Grant arrive in Llanfairfach, where mysterious deaths linked to a local mine draw their attention. The mine, run by Global Chemicals, is at the heart of an ecological disaster. The company’s waste is creating toxic green slime that mutates creatures into monstrous forms, including the iconic giant maggots. Meanwhile, Jo becomes entangled with Professor Clifford Jones and his team of environmental activists, who are determined to expose the corporation’s wrongdoing.
Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor is as captivating as ever, his passion for justice and scientific inquiry driving the narrative. Pertwee’s performance here is a masterclass in balancing the Doctor’s larger-than-life persona with moments of vulnerability and introspection. His disdain for Global Chemicals’ cavalier attitude toward the environment is palpable, and his clashes with the company’s sinister representative, Stevens, are charged with tension. Pertwee’s natural charisma shines through in every scene, particularly during his humorous attempts to infiltrate the mine in disguise.
Katy Manning’s Jo Grant is the emotional heart of this story, and her character’s growth over three seasons reaches a poignant culmination. Jo’s decision to side with Clifford Jones and his environmental cause is emblematic of her maturing independence and dedication to making a difference. Manning’s chemistry with Stewart Bevan (playing Clifford) is natural and endearing, their budding romance adding a layer of warmth and humanity to the story. Jo’s farewell to the Doctor is understated yet profoundly moving, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the depth of their bond.
The supporting cast adds richness and complexity to the narrative. Jerome Willis’ Stevens is a chilling antagonist, his outwardly calm demeanor masking a ruthless willingness to sacrifice anything—or anyone—for profit. The character’s interactions with BOSS, the megalomaniacal computer controlling Global Chemicals, introduce a sinister technological element to the story. BOSS’s blend of cold logic and unsettling personality makes it a memorable and unconventional villain.
The environmental themes of The Green Death remain strikingly relevant in 2025. The story’s critique of corporate greed, its warning about unchecked technological advancement, and its advocacy for ecological responsibility feel as urgent today as they did in the 1970s. The plight of the miners and the activists’ efforts to expose the truth mirror ongoing global struggles for environmental justice, lending the story a timeless quality.
From a production standpoint, The Green Death is both ambitious and effective. The giant maggots, while somewhat dated by modern standards, are a triumph of practical effects, their grotesque design and unsettling movements contributing to the story’s tension. The Welsh countryside provides a stark contrast to the sterile interiors of Global Chemicals, visually reinforcing the story’s themes of natural versus artificial.
Rewatching The Green Death in 2025, I was struck by how seamlessly it blends its various elements. The environmental message, corporate intrigue, and character-driven drama are woven together with finesse, creating a narrative that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking. The pacing, while measured, allows the story to develop its themes and characters fully, building to a satisfying and emotional conclusion.
This story also marks a turning point for the Doctor, as Jo’s departure signals the end of an era. Their final scene together is a masterstroke of subtlety, with the Doctor quietly slipping away as Jo celebrates her new life with Clifford. It’s a bittersweet moment that captures the essence of their relationship: mutual respect, deep affection, and an unspoken understanding that change is inevitable.
The Green Death is a quintessential Doctor Who adventure that embodies the series’ ability to entertain, educate, and inspire. Its powerful message, compelling performances, and emotional depth ensure its place as one of the most memorable stories of the Pertwee era.
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