Planet of the Spiders, first broadcast in May and June 1974, is a monumental story in Doctor Who history. It’s not just the conclusion to the 74th adventure, but also the final bow for Jon Pertwee’s beloved Third Doctor. This six-part serial blends action, mysticism, and emotional depth, bringing Pertwee’s tenure to a poignant close while laying the groundwork for the show’s future.
The narrative begins with the Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith investigating mysterious occurrences tied to psychic powers and a sinister meditation centre. Their journey takes them to the alien planet Metebelis III, home to a colony of giant, intelligent spiders who seek dominion over the universe. At the heart of their plans is the powerful blue crystal the Doctor had taken from Metebelis III in a previous adventure. The Doctor’s quest to return the crystal and face his ultimate fears sets the stage for a story of redemption, sacrifice, and renewal.
Jon Pertwee delivers a masterful performance, showcasing the Third Doctor’s defining qualities: his bravery, wit, and deep sense of responsibility. Pertwee’s portrayal is particularly affecting in the story’s quieter moments, where the Doctor grapples with the consequences of his actions and the weight of his impending regeneration. The Doctor’s final confrontation with the Great One, a terrifyingly powerful spider, is both a literal and symbolic culmination of his journey, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to doing what is right, no matter the cost.
Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith continues to be a standout companion, her courage and empathy grounding the story’s more fantastical elements. Sarah’s relationship with the Doctor is at its most poignant here, as she provides both support and perspective during his final adventure. Sladen’s ability to convey both strength and vulnerability makes Sarah Jane an integral part of the narrative, and her emotional reaction to the Doctor’s regeneration underscores the depth of their bond.
The supporting cast adds richness to the story, with standout performances from John Dearth as Lupton, a power-hungry man manipulated by the spiders, and Kevin Lindsay as the warm-hearted hermit K’anpo Rimpoche, a Time Lord mentor figure to the Doctor. The juxtaposition of Lupton’s selfishness and K’anpo’s wisdom underscores the story’s themes of personal growth and the consequences of ambition.
The production design effectively conveys the alien and unsettling nature of Metebelis III, with its stark landscapes and menacing spiders. While the effects for the spiders themselves may appear dated by modern standards, their eerie presence and the chilling voices provided by the actors ensure they remain a memorable threat. The use of mysticism and psychic powers adds a unique dimension to the story, blending science fiction with spiritual undertones.
Rewatching Planet of the Spiders in 2025, the emotional resonance and thematic depth is palpable. The story’s exploration of fear, redemption, and the inevitability of change feels timeless, particularly in the context of the Doctor’s regeneration. The narrative’s slower moments allow for introspection and character development, providing a fitting farewell to Pertwee’s era.
And so, we bid adieu to Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, an incarnation that brought a unique blend of elegance, action, and moral clarity to Doctor Who. His tenure saw the series embrace a more Earth-centric, action-oriented approach, with the Doctor frequently working alongside UNIT to combat alien threats. Pertwee’s Doctor was a man of action and intellect, equally at home solving scientific mysteries as he was engaging in daring escapes and martial arts.
What truly set Pertwee apart was his commanding presence and deep humanity. He imbued the Doctor with a sense of responsibility and compassion that resonated with audiences, making his stories as emotionally engaging as they were thrilling. Whether he was dismantling authoritarian regimes, standing up to the Master, or comforting a frightened companion, Pertwee’s Doctor exemplified the best of what the character could be.
Ranking the Pertwee Seasons
Season 7: A masterful debut season, showcasing ambitious and mature storytelling with classics like Spearhead from Space and Inferno.
Season 10: A celebration of the show’s legacy, highlighted by The Three Doctors and the political intrigue of Frontier in Space.
Season 8: The introduction of the Master and a series of tightly crafted adventures made this a standout year.
Season 9: Solid storytelling with gems like The Sea Devils and Day of the Daleks, though slightly uneven in places.
Season 11: While marked by Pertwee’s farewell, the stories occasionally lacked the sharpness of earlier seasons.
Looking Ahead
As the Third Doctor regenerates into the Fourth, Doctor Who is about to enter one of its most iconic and transformative eras. With Tom Baker’s arrival, the series begins to take bold new directions, embracing a blend of gothic horror and high-concept science fiction. Knowing what is ahead, I'm excited to move forward with this rewatch marathon, but grateful to have revisited the Pertwee era, one which leaves behind a legacy of innovation and heart, setting the stage for the continued evolution of the Doctor’s journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment