Pyramids of Mars stands as one of the most atmospheric and tightly crafted stories in Doctor Who’s history. First broadcast in October and November 1975, this 82nd adventure takes the Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith into a gothic world of ancient curses and extraterrestrial menace. With its gripping narrative, haunting visuals, and superb performances, Pyramids of Mars continues to resonate as a quintessential example of the show’s brilliance.
The TARDIS brings the Doctor and Sarah Jane to an English estate in 1911, where strange occurrences point to the awakening of Sutekh, a godlike alien imprisoned for millennia. Sutekh’s influence stretches across time and space, and his agents—including the sinister Marcus Scarman—are working to free him. If they succeed, Sutekh’s destructive power will devastate the universe. The Doctor must unravel the mystery of Sutekh’s tomb and stop his release before it’s too late.
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is at his most commanding and enigmatic in this story. Baker expertly balances the Doctor’s playful eccentricity with a gravitas that underscores the stakes of the narrative. His interactions with Sutekh, particularly during their chilling mind-to-mind confrontations, reveal the Doctor’s vulnerabilities and the depths of his resolve. Baker’s portrayal of the Doctor as a time-traveling protector who is not above making hard decisions gives the story its emotional weight and dramatic tension.
Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith continues to be a perfect foil for the Doctor. Sarah’s quick thinking and courage are pivotal, especially in moments where she challenges the Doctor’s apparent fatalism about Sutekh’s power. Sladen’s naturalistic performance ensures that Sarah remains relatable, even as the story’s cosmic scale expands. Her interactions with the supporting characters, particularly Dr. Warlock and the possessed Marcus Scarman, highlight her empathy and tenacity.
The supporting cast delivers uniformly excellent performances. Bernard Archard’s portrayal of Marcus Scarman, under Sutekh’s thrall, is both chilling and tragic. The cold detachment with which Scarman carries out Sutekh’s orders contrasts sharply with the warmth and humanity of his brother, Lawrence Scarman, played by Michael Sheard. Lawrence’s futile attempts to reach Marcus add a poignant layer to the story, emphasizing the personal costs of Sutekh’s manipulations.
The production design of Pyramids of Mars is a triumph. The Egyptian-inspired motifs, combined with the gothic setting of the Scarman estate, create a rich and immersive visual tapestry. Sutekh’s robotic mummies, with their lumbering movements and implacable menace, remain one of the show’s most memorable monster designs. The scenes set within Sutekh’s tomb and the intricate traps guarding it further enhance the story’s sense of danger and ancient mystery.
Gabriel Woolf’s vocal performance as Sutekh is nothing short of mesmerizing. Woolf imbues the character with a quiet, simmering rage that makes Sutekh’s power feel all the more terrifying. His dialogue, delivered with a chilling calm, captures the godlike arrogance and nihilistic hatred that drive his character. Sutekh’s sheer presence elevates the story, making him one of the most compelling antagonists in the series’ history.
From a thematic perspective, Pyramids of Mars explores the interplay between myth and science, the nature of power, and the consequences of hubris. The story’s blending of Egyptian mythology with extraterrestrial lore adds a layer of intellectual intrigue, while the Doctor’s struggle against Sutekh underscores the show’s recurring theme of resisting oppression in all its forms. The narrative’s emphasis on personal sacrifice and the weight of responsibility further enriches its emotional impact.
Revisiting Pyramids of Mars, I was struck anew by its pacing and economy of storytelling. Every scene feels purposeful, building tension and deepening the characters’ arcs. The balance between gothic horror and science fiction creates an atmosphere that is both timeless and uniquely evocative. The resolution, which sees the Doctor manipulating time to thwart Sutekh’s escape, is as clever as it is satisfying, reinforcing the Doctor’s ingenuity and moral fortitude.
The story’s visual and narrative strengths are complemented by its haunting score, which underscores the eerie majesty of Sutekh’s power and the desolation of his imprisonment. The use of practical effects and set design, though limited by the era’s technology, achieves a level of immersion that remains impressive today.
Pyramids of Mars is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and character-driven drama. Its compelling narrative, richly realized setting, and memorable performances ensure its place as one of the finest examples of Doctor Who’s enduring appeal. As the Doctor and Sarah move on to new adventures, this story leaves an indelible mark, reminding us of the show’s capacity to blend intellect, emotion, and spectacle into a truly unforgettable experience.
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