Revenge of the Cybermen holds a unique place in Doctor Who history, being the first Cybermen story to grace television screens since 1968’s The Invasion. Broadcast in April and May 1975, this four-part adventure serves as both a return to the chilling menace of the Cybermen and a bridge to new directions for the series. It also concludes the loose narrative arc of the Nerva Beacon, seen earlier in The Ark in Space and The Sontaran Experiment, giving it a sense of narrative continuity within Tom Baker’s debut season.
The Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith, and Harry Sullivan find themselves back on Nerva Beacon, now functioning as a beacon for space traffic rather than an ark for humanity. However, the station is not as they left it. A mysterious plague has decimated the crew, and the survivors are living under the shadow of the Cybermen, who plan to use Nerva as part of their plot to destroy Voga, the fabled planet of gold. As the Doctor unravels the mystery, he discovers that Voga’s unique properties hold the key to defeating the Cybermen once again.
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is as dynamic and engaging as ever. His performance in Revenge of the Cybermen balances his irreverent wit with moments of fiery resolve, particularly when confronting the Cybermen’s ruthless schemes. Baker brings an energy to the role that keeps the narrative moving even when the pacing lags, and his interactions with Sarah Jane and Harry highlight the warmth and camaraderie of this particular TARDIS team.
Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith continues to shine as a courageous and resourceful companion. Her ability to adapt to the increasingly dire situations aboard Nerva and on Voga showcases her intelligence and tenacity. Sladen’s chemistry with Baker is a highlight, particularly in scenes where Sarah’s sharp observations and quick thinking prove vital to the Doctor’s plans.
Ian Marter’s Harry Sullivan once again provides a grounded and likable presence. Harry’s mix of bravery and humour offers a relatable counterpoint to the Doctor’s eccentricity and Sarah’s incisiveness. Marter’s performance ensures that Harry remains an integral part of the story, his earnestness and ingenuity shining through in critical moments.
The Cybermen themselves are presented with a combination of menace and vulnerability. While their cold, calculating nature remains intact, their reliance on Voga’s destruction as a means of survival introduces a layer of desperation to their character. This nuance adds depth to their motivations, though their dialogue occasionally veers into melodrama. The Cyberleader, played with chilling authority by Christopher Robbie, captures their implacable threat while also highlighting the cracks in their facade of invincibility.
Voga, the planet of gold, serves as a fascinating setting for the story’s climax. Its subterranean tunnels and glittering landscapes provide a visually striking contrast to the sterile corridors of Nerva. The Vogans themselves, a species divided between factions of isolationists and warriors, add an element of political intrigue that enriches the narrative. The dynamic between these factions mirrors the broader themes of survival and sacrifice that permeate the story.
The production design, while occasionally constrained by budgetary limitations, manages to convey the stark contrast between Nerva’s claustrophobic confines and Voga’s cavernous depths. The Cybermen’s utilitarian design remains iconic, though the effects used to depict their vulnerability to gold—a substance that clogs their respiratory systems—can feel dated. Despite these limitations, the story’s ambition and atmosphere shine through.
From a thematic perspective, Revenge of the Cybermen explores the fragility of alliances and the cost of survival. The Vogans’ internal strife and the Cybermen’s reliance on destruction as a means of maintaining their dominance underscore the futility of conflict driven by fear and desperation. The Doctor’s efforts to broker peace and outwit the Cybermen reinforce the series’ enduring message of hope and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on Revenge of the Cybermen during this rewatch, I found myself appreciating its ambition despite its occasional missteps. The story’s exploration of the Cybermen’s vulnerabilities and the moral complexities of Voga’s fractured society lend it depth, even if the pacing and execution sometimes falter. The interplay between the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry remains a highlight, grounding the narrative in their shared resilience and camaraderie.
Revenge of the Cybermen may not reach the heights of the best Cybermen stories, but it stands as an engaging and thought-provoking entry in the series. Its blend of suspense, action, and moral inquiry captures the spirit of Doctor Who, ensuring its place as a memorable chapter in the Fourth Doctor’s journey.
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