As Season 18 progresses, Full Circle brings a breath of fresh air to Doctor Who, signaling the start of the E-Space trilogy. Broadcast in October and November 1980, this 111th adventure introduces new ideas, a new companion, and a shift in tone that feels distinct from what came before. Written by Andrew Smith, a newcomer to the series at just 18 years old, and directed by Peter Grimwade, Full Circle combines mystery, science fiction, and a layered exploration of societal evolution.
The TARDIS finds itself in E-Space, an alternate universe entered via a charged vacuum emboitment. The Doctor, Romana, and K-9 land on Alzarius, a marshy planet inhabited by a small community of humanoids living aboard a grounded Starliner. This society has long prepared for a mythical "journey to Terradon," their ancestral home, but their plans are disrupted by the mysterious Mistfall, an event that unleashes deadly creatures from the marshes. As the Doctor investigates, he uncovers secrets about the Starliner’s inhabitants and their true origins, leading to revelations that challenge their entire way of life.
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor, now fully immersed in the more subdued and thoughtful tone of Season 18, gives a performance rich in gravitas and curiosity. Baker’s Doctor feels like a scientist at work, meticulously piecing together the clues behind the strange phenomena on Alzarius. His interactions with the Starliner’s leaders, particularly the authoritarian Deciders, highlight the Doctor’s disdain for complacency and his drive to uncover the truth. At the same time, his scenes with Romana and the young Alzarian, Adric, show a softer, more nurturing side.
Lalla Ward’s Romana continues to shine, her intelligence and elegance grounding the story. Ward’s portrayal captures Romana’s growing frustration with the Doctor as they remain trapped in E-Space, but also her unwavering loyalty and determination to solve the mysteries of Alzarius. Romana’s empathy shines in her interactions with the younger characters, particularly Adric, whom she encourages to think for himself and question authority.
The introduction of Adric, played by Matthew Waterhouse, is a pivotal moment for the series. A young and impetuous character, Adric is presented as a mathematical prodigy with a rebellious streak. Waterhouse’s performance is earnest, though occasionally uneven, reflecting both the character’s potential and his inexperience. Adric’s motivations, torn between loyalty to his brother Varsh and a desire to prove himself, add a layer of complexity to his role in the story. His eventual decision to stow away on the TARDIS sets the stage for future adventures, though his relationship with the Doctor and Romana remains in its infancy here.
The supporting cast, particularly the Deciders (played by James Bree, George Baker, and Alan Rowe), embody the stifling bureaucracy that has kept the Starliner’s inhabitants in ignorance for generations. Their reluctance to face the truth about their origins—that they are not settlers awaiting a return to Terradon but the evolved descendants of the marsh creatures—serves as a pointed commentary on the dangers of institutional inertia and the suppression of knowledge. The contrast between the Deciders and the restless younger generation, represented by Adric and his friends, underscores the story’s themes of rebellion and renewal.
The production design and direction work together to create a vivid and immersive setting. The marshes of Alzarius, with their eerie fog and lurking dangers, evoke a sense of foreboding, while the sterile interiors of the Starliner reflect the rigidity of its society. Grimwade’s direction emphasizes the dichotomy between these environments, using visual contrasts to enhance the story’s central conflict.
From a thematic perspective, Full Circle delves into ideas of evolution, identity, and the fear of change. The revelation that the Starliner’s inhabitants are the descendants of the Marshmen, who in turn evolved from simpler organisms in Alzarius’s unique environment, is a bold narrative choice that challenges traditional notions of heritage and progress. The Doctor’s role as a catalyst for this discovery reinforces the series’ recurring message that truth, no matter how uncomfortable, is necessary for growth.
Rewatching Full Circle today, it’s striking how well the story balances its intricate plot with its character development. The Doctor’s investigative approach, Romana’s empathy, and Adric’s youthful defiance all contribute to a narrative that feels both personal and expansive. The pacing is tight, with each episode adding new layers to the mystery while maintaining a sense of urgency.
The climax, which sees the Marshmen invading the Starliner and the Doctor forcing the Deciders to confront the truth about their society, is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The resolution, which involves the Doctor and Romana helping the Starliner’s inhabitants begin a new chapter on Alzarius, reinforces the story’s themes of renewal and self-discovery. Adric’s decision to join the TARDIS crew adds a note of uncertainty, hinting at the challenges and adventures to come.
Full Circle is a standout story in Season 18, its blend of mystery, science, and character-driven drama showcasing Doctor Who’s capacity for reinvention. As the Doctor and Romana continue their journey through E-Space, this tale leaves a lasting impression of the series’ ability to tackle complex ideas with creativity and heart. It’s a story that feels as fresh and relevant today as it did on its original broadcast, a testament to the enduring brilliance of Doctor Who.
No comments:
Post a Comment