Broadcast in December 1978 and January 1979, The Power of Kroll is the fifth story in the Key to Time arc and the 102nd adventure in Doctor Who. Written by Robert Holmes and directed by Norman Stewart, this story transports the Fourth Doctor and Romana to the swampy moon of Delta Magna, where they confront ecological tensions, colonial exploitation, and the largest monster the series has ever seen. While not the most celebrated entry in the arc, The Power of Kroll offers a mix of moral dilemmas, social commentary, and classic monster movie thrills.
The narrative begins as the Doctor and Romana arrive on Delta Magna’s third moon, searching for the fifth segment of the Key to Time. They find themselves amidst a conflict between the native Swampies, who revere the colossal creature Kroll as a god, and the humans of a methane refinery who are exploiting the moon’s resources. As tensions escalate, Kroll awakens, threatening to destroy everything in its path. The Doctor must navigate the political and ecological complexities of the situation while uncovering the true nature of Kroll and its connection to the Key.
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor remains as engaging as ever, bringing both humour and gravitas to the story. Baker’s performance emphasizes the Doctor’s moral compass, particularly in his interactions with the refinery crew and the Swampies. His disdain for exploitation and his efforts to mediate the conflict highlight the Doctor’s role as a protector of the oppressed. Baker also injects levity into the narrative, his quick wit providing a counterbalance to the story’s darker themes.
Mary Tamm’s Romana exudes both elegance and intelligence, shining through in her scenes. Romana’s growing confidence in dangerous situations is evident, and her rapport with the Doctor deepens as they work together to navigate the challenges of Delta Magna. Tamm’s portrayal captures Romana’s blend of sophistication and practicality, making her a compelling and capable companion.
The supporting cast is varied, with John Abineri’s Ranquin standing out as the fervent leader of the Swampies. Abineri’s performance conveys Ranquin’s unshakable belief in Kroll’s divinity, adding depth to the character’s motivations. Neil McCarthy’s Thawn, the ruthless refinery commander, serves as a stark contrast, embodying the arrogance and greed of colonial exploitation. The interplay between these factions underscores the story’s exploration of cultural conflict and ecological imbalance.
Kroll itself is the central spectacle of the story, a gargantuan squid-like creature brought to life through a mix of practical effects and model work. While the visual effects have not aged perfectly, the sheer scale of Kroll is impressive, and its role as both a literal and symbolic force of nature adds gravitas to the narrative. The creature’s connection to the Key to Time provides an intriguing twist, tying its immense power to the larger arc.
The swampy setting of Delta Magna’s moon is effectively realized, with the use of location filming adding a sense of authenticity to the story. The murky waters and dense vegetation create an atmosphere of isolation and danger, emphasizing the characters’ vulnerability. Norman Stewart’s direction makes the most of the environment, blending action and suspense to maintain tension throughout.
From a thematic perspective, The Power of Kroll examines the exploitation of natural resources and the displacement of indigenous peoples. The conflict between the Swampies and the refinery crew mirrors real-world struggles over land and power, while Kroll’s destructive awakening serves as a metaphor for nature’s retaliation against human greed. The Doctor’s efforts to broker peace and prevent further harm reflect the series’ enduring commitment to ethical storytelling.
Rewatching The Power of Kroll today, it’s clear that the story’s strengths lie in its ambitious scale and its underlying messages. While some aspects of the production, particularly the effects and pacing, may feel dated, the narrative’s core remains engaging and thought-provoking. The Doctor and Romana’s dynamic continues to be a highlight, their partnership bringing both warmth and intellect to the unfolding drama.
The resolution, which sees the Doctor using Kroll’s power to extract the fifth segment of the Key to Time, is both clever and satisfying. The departure of the TARDIS team leaves behind a sense of hope, as the Swampies are freed from their dependence on Kroll and the refinery’s operations are halted. This ending reinforces the story’s themes of renewal and balance.
The Power of Kroll may not reach the heights of other entries in the Key to Time arc, but it remains a fascinating and ambitious tale that reflects Doctor Who’s ability to tackle complex issues within the framework of a science fiction adventure. As the Doctor and Romana move closer to completing their quest, this story serves as a reminder of the series’ capacity to entertain, provoke, and inspire.
No comments:
Post a Comment