Few Doctor Who stories feel as expansive and politically charged as Frontier in Space. First broadcast in February and March 1973, this six-part adventure immerses viewers in a galaxy on the brink of interstellar war, with the Doctor and Jo Grant navigating a complex web of deceit, fear, and manipulation. As the 67th adventure in the series, it serves as both a thrilling standalone tale and a prelude to the Dalek-dominated epic that follows.
The narrative begins with the Doctor and Jo materialising aboard a spaceship caught in a political maelstrom. The Earth and Draconian Empires, two interstellar superpowers, are on the verge of war, each blaming the other for attacks that threaten the fragile peace. However, the Doctor quickly discovers that these incidents are the work of a third party: the Master. With his usual cunning, the Master manipulates events to fan the flames of conflict, hoping to weaken both empires for his ultimate allies, the Daleks.
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor thrives in this story’s grand, politically charged setting. His portrayal is commanding and deeply empathetic, particularly in scenes where he tries to broker peace between the Earth and Draconian representatives. Pertwee’s Doctor is a consummate diplomat, blending charm and wit with a sharp moral compass. His ability to cut through the layers of propaganda and fear to uncover the truth underscores his intellectual and emotional depth, and his confrontations with the Master are as electric as ever.
Katy Manning’s Jo Grant continues to shine as a companion who is as resourceful as she is brave. Jo’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing dangers of the story—from imprisonment to interrogations—underscores her growth throughout the series. Manning imbues Jo with warmth and determination, and her chemistry with Pertwee remains a cornerstone of the show. Her resilience, particularly in moments where she is separated from the Doctor, provides an emotional anchor for the narrative.
Roger Delgado’s Master delivers a masterclass in manipulation and malevolence. Delgado’s performance is as magnetic as ever, blending charm and menace with ease. The Master’s schemes in this story are grandiose yet chillingly plausible, his ability to exploit fear and mistrust making him a deeply effective antagonist. Delgado’s dynamic with Pertwee is one of the story’s highlights, their verbal sparring brimming with tension and mutual respect.
The Draconians, introduced in this story, are a standout addition to the series’ roster of alien races. Their elaborate design and nuanced portrayal elevate them beyond mere antagonists. The Draconians are depicted as a proud and honourable species, their political intrigues and cultural depth adding richness to the narrative. The scenes between the Doctor and the Draconian Emperor, where mutual respect and understanding begin to bridge the divide, are particularly powerful.
From a production standpoint, Frontier in Space is ambitious and largely successful. The various spaceships, planetary settings, and alien designs create a believable and immersive galaxy. The prison sequences, while repetitive at times, highlight the oppressive systems that fuel the story’s tensions. The direction by Paul Bernard ensures that the sprawling narrative remains cohesive, balancing moments of action with quieter, character-driven scenes.
Rewatching Frontier in Space in 2025, I was struck by how prescient its themes remain. The story’s exploration of fear, propaganda, and the fragility of peace resonates deeply in an age of political division and misinformation. The Doctor’s insistence on dialogue and mutual understanding as the antidote to conflict feels both timely and timeless, a reminder of the show’s enduring capacity to reflect and critique the world around it.
The pacing of the story, while deliberate, allows for a gradual build-up of tension that keeps the viewer engaged. The interplay between the Doctor, Jo, and the various factions adds complexity to the narrative, while the looming threat of the Daleks provides a chilling undercurrent. The final moments, which reveal the Daleks’ involvement, set the stage for the explosive events of Planet of the Daleks, creating a sense of anticipation that lingers long after the credits roll.
Frontier in Space exemplifies the Pertwee era’s ability to blend thought-provoking themes with compelling storytelling. Its exploration of political intrigue, fear, and manipulation remains as relevant today as it was in the 1970s. With strong performances, ambitious world-building, and a narrative that challenges and entertains, it stands as a testament to the enduring brilliance of Doctor Who.
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