When Terror of the Zygons first aired in August and September 1975, it marked the beginning of Doctor Who’s thirteenth season with a chilling and atmospheric tale set in the Scottish Highlands. Adventure 80 in the series sees the Fourth Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith, and Harry Sullivan confront one of the show’s most iconic alien species, the shape-shifting Zygons, in a story that combines folklore, ecological themes, and extraterrestrial menace.
The narrative begins with the Doctor, Sarah, and Harry summoned back to Earth by UNIT to investigate a series of mysterious attacks on North Sea oil rigs. These incidents are revealed to be the work of the Zygons, who have crash-landed on Earth and are using their advanced technology and shape-shifting abilities to prepare for an invasion. With their Loch Ness Monster-like Skarasen as both a weapon and a guardian, the Zygons aim to overthrow humanity and claim the planet for themselves.
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is in peak form here, balancing his eccentric charm with a sharp, no-nonsense approach to uncovering the Zygons’ plans. Baker’s performance brims with energy, particularly in moments where the Doctor’s wit and intellect are pitted against the Zygon leader, Broton. His empathy for humanity and disdain for the Zygons’ manipulative tactics are evident throughout, reinforcing the Doctor’s role as a protector of Earth. Baker’s interplay with UNIT and his companions adds a layer of warmth and camaraderie that offsets the story’s darker tones.
Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith continues to be a standout companion, her investigative instincts and bravery driving much of the action. Sarah’s quick thinking and courage shine in her interactions with both the Zygons and the human characters caught in their schemes. Sladen’s chemistry with Baker is as strong as ever, their banter and mutual trust providing emotional depth to the story. Her scenes with the Brigadier and Harry further highlight her adaptability and resourcefulness.
Ian Marter’s Harry Sullivan, in his final regular appearance, delivers a solid performance that underscores his dependability and good-natured humour. Harry’s role as a medical officer and his straightforward approach to problem-solving complement the Doctor’s eccentricity and Sarah’s ingenuity. Marter’s chemistry with both Sladen and Baker remains a highlight, and his departure at the end of the story is handled with a quiet poignancy that reflects his character’s understated heroism.
The Zygons themselves are a triumph of design and concept. Their organic, biomechanical aesthetic and unsettlingly humanoid features create an eerie and memorable presence. Their ability to shape-shift adds a layer of paranoia and tension, as anyone could be a disguised Zygon. Broton, their leader, is particularly menacing, his cold pragmatism and disdain for humanity making him a formidable antagonist. The Skarasen, while less convincing due to budgetary constraints, adds a sense of mythic scale to the Zygons’ plans.
The Scottish Highlands provide a stunning backdrop for the story, with the rugged landscapes and misty lochs enhancing the sense of isolation and danger. The juxtaposition of these natural settings with the Zygons’ alien technology creates a striking visual contrast that underscores the story’s themes of invasion and disruption. The direction by Douglas Camfield ensures that the pacing remains taut, balancing moments of suspense with bursts of action and character-driven drama.
From a thematic perspective, Terror of the Zygons explores the clash between tradition and progress, as represented by the oil rigs and the local villagers’ superstitions about the Loch Ness Monster. The story also delves into themes of identity and trust, as the Zygons’ ability to mimic humans forces the Doctor and his allies to question appearances and motivations. These elements add depth to a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
Reflecting on Terror of the Zygons during this rewatch, I was reminded of its status as a near-perfect blend of horror, science fiction, and adventure. The story’s atmosphere, bolstered by an evocative score and strong performances across the board, remains as compelling today as it was in 1975. The Zygons’ debut leaves a lasting impression, establishing them as one of the series’ most iconic alien races.
The resolution, which sees the Doctor and UNIT thwarting the Zygons’ invasion and returning the Skarasen to its watery lair, is both satisfying and bittersweet. Harry’s decision to stay behind and return to civilian life adds an emotional note, marking the end of an era for the TARDIS team. While his departure is understated, it underscores the series’ ability to evolve and embrace change.
Terror of the Zygons exemplifies Doctor Who’s capacity to blend rich storytelling with atmospheric world-building. Its combination of ecological themes, alien intrigue, and strong character dynamics ensures its place as a classic entry in the series. As the Doctor and Sarah continue their travels, this story stands as a testament to the show’s enduring brilliance and versatility.
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