The waters surrounding the United Kingdom have always held an air of mystery, making them the perfect setting for The Sea Devils. First broadcast in February and March 1972, this six-part adventure is the 62nd story in Doctor Who and a masterful blend of naval intrigue, alien menace, and moral complexity. It also marks the return of the Master, who once again proves to be a formidable and unpredictable adversary.
The story begins with the Doctor and Jo Grant visiting a high-security prison where the Master, following his capture in The Daemons, is being held. However, it quickly becomes clear that the Master is far from rehabilitated. He’s using his imprisonment as a cover to manipulate events, seeking to awaken the Sea Devils, an aquatic cousin of the Silurians, to wage war against humanity. The Doctor, caught between the Sea Devils’ justified grievances and the escalating aggression of the military, must navigate a delicate and dangerous balance to prevent a catastrophic conflict.
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor is in top form throughout this story. His portrayal combines action-hero charisma with intellectual depth, making him an ideal mediator between the opposing forces. Pertwee’s love of gadgets and vehicles is on full display, particularly in the iconic hovercraft chase and his use of naval technology. Yet, it’s his moral conviction and empathy that stand out, especially in his efforts to reason with the Sea Devils and prevent unnecessary bloodshed. His frustration with humanity’s tendency toward violence is palpable, and Pertwee conveys this with both subtlety and intensity.
Katy Manning’s Jo Grant once again proves her worth as a companion. Her resourcefulness and courage shine in moments of peril, particularly when she’s separated from the Doctor and must rely on her wits to survive. Manning brings warmth and humanity to the story, her interactions with both the Doctor and the naval personnel adding emotional depth to the narrative. Jo’s growing confidence and adaptability make her an engaging and inspiring presence.
Roger Delgado’s Master is at his most cunning and manipulative here. His charm and menace are perfectly balanced, making him a captivating foil for the Doctor. Delgado’s ability to turn even mundane interactions into moments of tension or dark humour adds an extra layer to the story. The Master’s alliance with the Sea Devils is as opportunistic as it is dangerous, and his ability to sow discord while maintaining an air of sophistication underscores why he remains one of the show’s most iconic villains.
The Sea Devils themselves are a fascinating addition to Doctor Who’s roster of alien species. Their design, with their reptilian features and aquatic armour, is both memorable and fitting for their underwater origins. The story’s parallels to The Silurians are deliberate, but The Sea Devils takes a slightly different approach, focusing more on action and spectacle while still exploring themes of coexistence and misunderstanding. The Sea Devils’ grievances are rooted in a genuine sense of loss and betrayal, making them more than just antagonists but a tragic reflection of humanity’s failure to learn from its mistakes.
The naval setting is one of the story’s greatest strengths, lending a sense of scale and authenticity. The collaboration with the Royal Navy adds an element of realism rarely seen in Doctor Who, with the use of actual ships, submarines, and personnel creating a vivid and immersive backdrop. The underwater sequences, though limited by the technology of the time, are ambitious and effective in conveying the Sea Devils’ environment.
From a production standpoint, The Sea Devils is a triumph. The direction by Michael Briant ensures that the pacing remains tight, balancing moments of suspense, action, and character development. The music, composed by Malcolm Clarke using the BBC Radiophonic Workshop’s experimental techniques, adds an eerie and otherworldly quality to the story, perfectly complementing its tone.
Watching The Sea Devils in 2025, I was struck by how its themes resonate with contemporary issues. The story’s exploration of territorial disputes, environmental stewardship, and the consequences of fear-driven aggression feels remarkably relevant. The Doctor’s insistence on dialogue and understanding as opposed to violence serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and reason in resolving conflict.
The interplay between the Doctor, Jo, and the Master provides a strong emotional core to the story, while the Sea Devils’ tragic plight adds a layer of complexity that elevates the narrative. Pertwee’s Doctor, with his blend of charisma, intellect, and moral conviction, anchors the story, while Delgado’s Master injects a sense of danger and unpredictability. The naval setting and the ambitious production design ensure that The Sea Devils remains a visually and thematically compelling entry in the series.
The Sea Devils exemplifies Doctor Who’s ability to combine action-packed storytelling with thoughtful exploration of complex themes. It’s a story that entertains, challenges, and lingers in the mind long after the final credits roll, showcasing the enduring brilliance of the Pertwee era.
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