Originally intended as the grand finale of Season 17 in 1979, Shada occupies a unique place in the annals of Doctor Who. Written by Douglas Adams and directed by Pennant Roberts, the production was abandoned due to industrial action at the BBC. For decades, it existed as an unfinished fragment of what might have been. Resurrected in 1992 with new linking narration from Tom Baker, but I will be rewatching the 2021 version which was completed using animation to fill in the missing live-action scenes, giving fans a chance to experience the full adventure.
The story begins in Cambridge, where the Doctor and Romana visit the eccentric Professor Chronotis, a retired Time Lord living quietly among humanity. Chronotis unwittingly sets events in motion when he lends a student a mysterious Gallifreyan book capable of immense destruction. This draws the attention of Skagra, a megalomaniacal alien intent on unlocking the secrets of Shada, a forgotten Time Lord prison. The Doctor and Romana must race to stop Skagra from gaining control of the Time Lords’ most dangerous prisoners and achieving his dream of universal domination.
It really was Tom Baker’s imperial phase as the Fourth Doctor, he delivers a performance that seamlessly blends eccentricity, warmth, and gravitas. Baker’s charisma anchors the story, whether he’s bantering with Romana, unraveling the mystery of Shada, or confronting the unrelenting Skagra. His natural chemistry with Lalla Ward’s Romana elevates their scenes, capturing the playful and intellectual bond between the two Time Lords.
Lalla Ward’s Romana is as poised and resourceful as ever, her intelligence and wit shining in every scene. Romana’s calm demeanor contrasts beautifully with the Doctor’s exuberance, and her quick thinking proves vital in unraveling Skagra’s plans. Ward’s performance highlights Romana’s growth throughout Season 17, making her a dynamic and engaging presence in this unfinished-now-completed tale.
The supporting cast adds charm and depth to the narrative. Denis Carey’s Professor Chronotis is delightfully scatterbrained, his absentmindedness masking a deeper wisdom. Christopher Neame’s Skagra is an elegant and menacing villain, his plan to absorb the knowledge of the universe through his sinister sphere making him a formidable adversary. His flamboyant wardrobe and cold arrogance make him a memorable addition to Doctor Who’s rogues’ gallery.
The story’s setting is another highlight, with Cambridge providing a picturesque backdrop that contrasts with the vast, futuristic landscapes of Shada. The scenes set in the university feel grounded and relatable, while the journey to Shada itself—with its haunting, time-worn corridors—evokes the best of Doctor Who’s ability to blend the ordinary and the extraordinary. The animation, while not flawless, effectively bridges the gap between the live-action sequences, ensuring a cohesive viewing experience.
Douglas Adams’s script is a testament to his wit and imagination. Shada brims with clever dialogue, inventive ideas, and moments of profound humanity. Themes of redemption, the pursuit of knowledge, and the misuse of power permeate the narrative, giving it a resonance that goes beyond its comedic and adventurous surface. The interplay between the characters and the existential stakes of Skagra’s plan create a story that feels both intimate and epic.
Revisiting Shada is an absolute joy, a treasure from the Fourth Doctor’s era. The humor, the larger-than-life characters, and the ambitious storytelling embody the spirit of late 1970s Doctor Who. The animation, while a necessary compromise, complements the original material, preserving the charm and vision of Adams’s script.
The climax, which sees the Doctor outwitting Skagra and ensuring the safety of Shada, is both satisfying and thematically rich. The resolution ties together the story’s various threads, leaving a sense of closure that was absent from its incomplete state. The final moments, with the Doctor and Romana bidding farewell to Professor Chronotis, are tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia for what might have been.
It's wonderful that, despite once languishing incomplete on a shelf, Shada can stand proudly alongside the best of Doctor Who. Its completion in 2021 allows it to finally take its place in the series’ history, a testament to the creativity and resilience of the show and its fandom. As the Doctor and Romana move on to their next adventure, Shada leaves behind a legacy of humor, heart, and the enduring power of imagination.
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