Broadcast in November and December 1980, State of Decay is the second installment in the E-Space trilogy and marks the 112th adventure in Doctor Who. Written by Terrance Dicks and directed by Peter Moffatt, this story blends Gothic horror with science fiction, creating an atmospheric tale that harkens back to earlier seasons while advancing the themes of Season 18. With its exploration of power, fear, and rebellion, State of Decay remains a standout example of the show’s ability to adapt and innovate.
The TARDIS materializes on an unnamed planet in E-Space, where a village lives under the oppressive rule of the Three Who Rule—a trio of vampiric overlords who reside in a foreboding tower. The Doctor, Romana, and their new stowaway companion Adric soon discover that these rulers are servants of the Great Vampire, a creature from ancient Time Lord legend. As the Doctor delves into the planet’s dark history, he realizes that defeating the Great Vampire is not only a moral imperative but also a fulfillment of the Time Lords’ ancient pledge to eradicate these monstrous beings.
Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor is in excellent form, blending his characteristic wit with a palpable sense of urgency. Baker’s performance conveys the Doctor’s horror at encountering a threat from Gallifreyan myth and his determination to confront it head-on. His interactions with the Three Who Rule are laced with tension and defiance, while his moments of reflection on the Time Lords’ role in the Great Vampire’s history add depth to his character. Baker’s ability to oscillate between levity and gravitas anchors the story, ensuring that its darker elements never feel overwhelming.
Lalla Ward’s Romana continues to impress, her intelligence and poise making her an essential partner in the Doctor’s investigations. Ward’s portrayal emphasizes Romana’s empathy and courage, particularly in her interactions with the oppressed villagers. Her growing frustration with their subjugation and her determination to inspire resistance highlight her role as a moral compass within the TARDIS team. Romana’s dynamic with Adric also begins to take shape here, her skepticism of his motives contrasting with her protective instincts.
Adric, played by Matthew Waterhouse, remains a polarizing figure, but State of Decay begins to explore his potential as a companion. Waterhouse’s performance captures Adric’s youthful impetuosity and his struggle to find his place among the Doctor and Romana. His decision to infiltrate the Three Who Rule’s court, motivated by a mix of bravery and a desire to prove himself, adds complexity to his character, even as his actions occasionally complicate the Doctor’s plans.
The supporting cast is uniformly strong, with standout performances from Rachel Davies, William Lindsay, and Thane Bettany as Camilla, Zargo, and Aukon—the Three Who Rule. Their portrayal of vampiric aristocracy exudes menace and decadence, their interactions dripping with an unsettling combination of charm and malice. The villagers, led by Kalmar (Arthur Hewlett) and Tarak (Clinton Greyn), bring a grounded, human element to the story, their fear and desperation serving as a stark contrast to the Doctor’s defiance.
The production design is a triumph, with the tower’s Gothic architecture and shadowy interiors creating an atmosphere of dread and mystery. The use of rich, dark colours and dramatic lighting enhances the story’s horror elements, while the scenes set in the villagers’ ramshackle hideout emphasize the stark divide between oppressors and oppressed. The Great Vampire itself, while only glimpsed in full through visual effects, is effectively conveyed as an immense and terrifying presence, its looming shadow a constant reminder of the stakes at play.
From a thematic perspective, State of Decay explores the cyclical nature of oppression and rebellion. The Doctor’s arrival serves as a catalyst for the villagers’ resistance, his defiance of the Three Who Rule inspiring them to reclaim their agency. The story also delves into the nature of legend and memory, with the Great Vampire’s resurgence echoing the Time Lords’ ancient battle against its kind. This intersection of myth and history adds a layer of richness to the narrative, reinforcing the idea that the past is never truly gone.
Revisiting State of Decay, it’s clear that its Gothic sensibilities and narrative depth make it a standout in the E-Space trilogy. The Doctor’s moral clarity, Romana’s compassion, and Adric’s burgeoning complexity provide a strong character foundation, while the Three Who Rule and the Great Vampire serve as compelling antagonists. The pacing is tight, with each episode building on the last to create a sense of mounting tension and inevitable confrontation.
The climax, which sees the Doctor using the villagers’ rocket to destroy the Great Vampire, is both thrilling and satisfying. The resolution emphasizes the power of collective action and the importance of confronting fear, leaving the villagers free to rebuild their society. The Doctor and Romana’s departure, with Adric now firmly part of the crew, sets the stage for the trilogy’s final chapter while leaving a sense of hope and renewal in their wake.
State of Decay is a masterful blend of horror, mythology, and character-driven drama, showcasing Doctor Who’s capacity for reinvention and its ability to tackle timeless themes. As the Doctor and his companions continue their journey through E-Space, this story stands as a reminder of the series’ enduring brilliance and its knack for turning the fantastical into the profoundly human.
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