Broadcast in February 1982, Kinda marks the 118th adventure in Doctor Who and stands as a bold and introspective entry in the series. Written by Christopher Bailey and directed by Peter Grimwade, this story ventures into psychological and philosophical territory, exploring themes of colonialism, mental health, and the duality of human nature. With its surreal imagery and allegorical depth, Kinda challenges expectations and delivers an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
The story is set on the planet Deva Loka, where the TARDIS crew finds themselves embroiled in the tensions between an Earth colonial survey team and the peaceful Kinda people. The survey team, led by the increasingly unstable Sanders, seeks to explore and exploit Deva Loka, while the Kinda harbor a secret: the terrifying entity known as the Mara, a malevolent force capable of possessing the minds of others. As the Doctor and his companions navigate this volatile situation, they must confront not only the external threat of the Mara but also the internal struggles that define each character.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor continues to establish himself as a compassionate and cerebral figure. In Kinda, Davison’s portrayal emphasizes the Doctor’s role as a mediator and a thinker, seeking to understand the cultural and spiritual complexities of the Kinda rather than imposing his own perspective. His calm demeanor and incisive observations provide a stabilizing presence amidst the chaos, reinforcing his position as a Doctor who values empathy and intellect over brute force.
Janet Fielding’s Tegan takes center stage in this story, her character arc dominated by her possession by the Mara. Fielding delivers a compelling performance, capturing Tegan’s vulnerability and inner turmoil as she becomes the unwitting host for the malevolent entity. The scenes set within Tegan’s dreamscape are particularly striking, blending surreal visuals with psychological tension to depict her struggle against the Mara’s influence. This exploration of Tegan’s psyche adds layers to her character, making her journey all the more resonant.
Sarah Sutton’s Nyssa takes a reduced role in this adventure, her character sidelined early on due to an illness caused by the planet’s environment. While this decision allows the narrative to focus on Tegan and the Doctor, it does feel like a missed opportunity to further develop Nyssa’s character. Matthew Waterhouse’s Adric, meanwhile, is given moments to shine as he navigates the complexities of the survey team’s politics, though his impulsiveness occasionally leads to conflict with the Doctor and his companions.
The supporting cast is uniformly strong, with standout performances from Simon Rouse as the increasingly deranged Hindle and Nerys Hughes as the compassionate scientist Todd. Hindle’s descent into paranoia and authoritarianism serves as a chilling commentary on the fragility of the human psyche when faced with isolation and fear. Hughes’s Todd provides a counterbalance, her open-mindedness and curiosity embodying the best qualities of scientific exploration.
The Kinda people themselves are depicted with a sense of quiet dignity, their culture and spiritual practices contrasting sharply with the survey team’s technological hubris. The portrayal of the Kinda’s rituals and their connection to the Mara adds an ethereal quality to the story, though some aspects of their representation lean into archetypal depictions of indigenous cultures, a choice that warrants critical reflection from a contemporary perspective.
Visually, Kinda is one of the most ambitious stories of its era. The dream sequences, with their abstract and symbolic imagery, create a haunting atmosphere that lingers throughout the narrative. The design of the Mara, represented as a giant snake in its physical form, is a striking and memorable visual, even if the practical effects occasionally show their limitations. The lush, forested setting of Deva Loka provides a vivid backdrop, emphasizing the story’s themes of nature and harmony.
Thematically, Kinda delves into the dangers of colonialism, the power of collective belief, and the duality of human nature. The clash between the survey team and the Kinda highlights the destructiveness of imposing external values on a peaceful society, while the Mara’s manipulation of fear and desire serves as a metaphor for the darker aspects of the human psyche. The story’s resolution, which involves the Doctor and the Kinda using their shared understanding to banish the Mara, underscores the importance of empathy and collaboration in overcoming existential threats.
Revisiting Kinda in 2025, its ambition and depth remain striking. The story’s willingness to tackle complex themes and its reliance on character-driven drama set it apart as a standout in the Fifth Doctor’s era. While some elements of its execution may feel dated, its core messages and emotional resonance ensure its enduring relevance.
The climax, which sees Tegan confronting the Mara within the dreamscape and the Kinda reclaiming their agency, is both poignant and thought-provoking. The Doctor’s role as a catalyst for understanding rather than a traditional hero reinforces the series’ capacity for nuanced storytelling. As the TARDIS departs Deva Loka, the lingering presence of the Mara hints at the challenges yet to come, adding a sense of foreboding to the series’ ongoing narrative.
Kinda is a bold and unconventional story that exemplifies Doctor Who’s ability to push boundaries and explore the human condition. Its blend of psychological depth, cultural commentary, and surreal imagery makes it a memorable and thought-provoking chapter in the Fifth Doctor’s journey. As the TARDIS crew prepares for their next adventure, the lessons of Kinda resonate as a reminder of the series’ enduring power to inspire and challenge its audience.
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