The Mind of Evil, the second story of Season 8, is a tale that blends espionage, psychological horror, and political intrigue into a gripping six-part adventure. First broadcast in early 1971, it’s the 56th adventure in Doctor Who and a story that dives deep into the darker side of human nature while showcasing the Third Doctor’s adaptability and moral conviction.
The story centres on a revolutionary new device known as the Keller Machine, designed to neutralise criminal behaviour by extracting negative impulses from the brain. What begins as a promising technological advancement quickly spirals into chaos as the machine develops a mind of its own, feeding off fear and manifesting terrifying hallucinations for its victims. Simultaneously, the Master is manipulating events from the shadows, orchestrating a daring plot involving a nerve gas missile and a prison riot to further his schemes for global chaos.
Jon Pertwee’s performance as the Doctor is commanding and layered. This story gives him ample opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of his portrayal, from his indignation at the Keller Machine’s ethical implications to his quick thinking and resourcefulness in the face of mounting threats. Pertwee’s Doctor is at his most heroic here, tackling the dual threats of the Master and the Keller Machine with intelligence, compassion, and a touch of arrogance that never fails to entertain. His disdain for the bureaucratic shortsightedness of those in charge is palpable, adding a sharp edge to his interactions.
Roger Delgado’s Master, as always, is a standout. Delgado imbues the character with charm and menace, his suave demeanour making his manipulative schemes all the more chilling. In this story, the Master’s plan to hold the world hostage using the nerve gas missile showcases his grandiosity and cunning, while his interactions with the Doctor continue to highlight their fascinating dynamic. The rivalry between the two Time Lords is electric, blending moments of mutual respect with an underlying tension that keeps their confrontations riveting.
Katy Manning’s Jo Grant is given plenty of moments to shine, her courage and quick thinking proving invaluable in the face of danger. Jo’s development as a companion is evident here, as she balances moments of vulnerability with displays of remarkable bravery. Her loyalty to the Doctor and her willingness to step into perilous situations make her an engaging and relatable figure.
The supporting cast, particularly Michael Sheard as Dr. Summers and William Marlowe as Mailer, add depth and intensity to the narrative. The prison setting, with its oppressive atmosphere and simmering tensions, serves as a compelling backdrop for much of the action. The Keller Machine itself is a masterstroke of psychological horror, its ability to exploit its victims’ deepest fears resulting in some genuinely unsettling sequences. The Doctor’s own confrontation with the machine, where he is haunted by the screams of the Daleks, is a chilling and poignant reminder of the character’s past traumas.
What makes The Mind of Evil particularly compelling is its ability to weave multiple narrative threads into a cohesive whole. The prison riot, the Keller Machine’s escalating threat, and the Master’s overarching scheme all converge in a climax that is both thrilling and satisfying. The pacing is deliberate but never sluggish, allowing the tension to build organically while giving the characters room to breathe and develop.
The production values, as with much of the Pertwee era, are impressive. The direction by Timothy Combe ensures that the story’s darker themes are effectively realised, while the use of location filming adds a sense of realism and immediacy. The Keller Machine’s design, with its pulsating core and ominous presence, is a striking visual element that complements the story’s unsettling tone.
From a 2025 perspective, The Mind of Evil remains a powerful and relevant story. Its exploration of fear, control, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technological advancement resonates in an era grappling with the implications of AI and other disruptive innovations. The themes of power and manipulation, embodied by both the Master and the Keller Machine, feel particularly timely, reflecting societal anxieties about the misuse of authority and the loss of autonomy.
And, on the subject of technological advancements, The Mind of Evil only existed in the BBC archives as black and white telerecordings after the original colour video tapes were wiped. For the serial's DVD release in 2013, a mixture of hand-colourised key-frames in conjunction with manual and automated colour interpolation for episode one, and the decoding of chroma dot signals recorded in the monochrome film for episodes two to six was employed to recolourise it again. I'm pleased they did as it allows us to view the episode in pretty much the same way as the audiences in 1971 would have done.
The Mind of Evil is a standout entry in the Third Doctor’s era, a story that challenges and entertains in equal measure. Its blend of psychological depth, thrilling action, and compelling character dynamics makes it a classic that exemplifies the strengths of Doctor Who. As the series continues to explore new territory, this adventure serves as a reminder of the show’s ability to tackle complex themes while remaining thoroughly engaging.
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