Broadcast in March 1983, The King’s Demons is the 128th adventure in Doctor Who and serves as the two-part finale for the Fifth Doctor’s Season 20. Written by Terence Dudley and directed by Tony Virgo, this story blends historical intrigue with science fiction, featuring the return of the Master and introducing a new companion, Kamelion. While its brevity and pacing leave little room for depth, its charm and lighter tone make it an enjoyable, if minor, entry in the Fifth Doctor’s era.
The story opens with the TARDIS materializing in 13th-century England, where King John is hosting a lavish banquet. The Doctor, Tegan, and Turlough quickly realize that something is amiss: King John’s presence is historically inaccurate, as he is meant to be miles away signing the Magna Carta. It is soon revealed that the “King” is actually a robot, controlled by the Master as part of a convoluted plan to destabilize Earth’s history.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor is as charismatic and resourceful as ever, blending wit and sharp observation to unravel the Master’s schemes. Davison’s performance captures the Doctor’s delight in exposing duplicity and his disdain for the Master’s meddling. His interactions with the pseudo-King John and the Master’s robotic pawn, Kamelion, are highlights, showcasing the Doctor’s ability to outwit his adversaries with intelligence rather than brute force.
Janet Fielding’s Tegan brings her trademark feistiness, serving as the Doctor’s sounding board and offering sharp retorts to the unfolding chaos. Mark Strickson’s Turlough, meanwhile, is given less to do, but his cynicism adds a grounded perspective to the high-stakes drama. Together, the companions provide a lively counterbalance to the Doctor’s ingenuity.
Anthony Ainley’s Master is once again a scene-stealer, reveling in his theatrical villainy. His use of Kamelion, a shape-shifting robot capable of impersonating others, is a clever twist, even if his ultimate plan—to disrupt the signing of the Magna Carta—feels underdeveloped. Ainley’s chemistry with Davison is as engaging as ever, their verbal sparring continuing to be a cornerstone of the Fifth Doctor’s tenure.
The introduction of Kamelion adds a fascinating, if underexplored, element to the series. Voiced by Gerald Flood, Kamelion is an intriguing concept: a sentient robot capable of altering its appearance to mimic others. However, the limitations of the prop’s design and the technical challenges of its operation mean that Kamelion’s potential is largely unrealized in this story. Nonetheless, his inclusion sets the stage for future development, even if his appearances in the series remain sporadic.
Visually, The King’s Demons benefits from its historical setting. The medieval sets and costumes are lavish and authentic, immersing viewers in the period. The banquet scenes, with their mix of courtly revelry and underlying tension, provide a vibrant backdrop for the unfolding drama. However, the story’s limited runtime leaves little room to fully explore the historical or science fiction elements, resulting in a narrative that feels rushed.
Thematically, the story touches on the fragility of history and the consequences of interference. The Master’s plan, while convoluted, underscores the importance of pivotal moments in shaping the future. The Doctor’s role as a guardian of history is reaffirmed, his actions ensuring that the natural course of events remains intact.
Revisiting The King’s Demons in 2025, it remains a charming but slight entry in the series. Its brevity and reliance on familiar tropes prevent it from reaching the heights of other Fifth Doctor adventures, but its humor, performances, and historical setting make it an entertaining diversion. The interplay between the Doctor, the Master, and the companions provides enough spark to carry the story, even if its stakes feel relatively low.
The climax, which sees the Doctor liberating Kamelion from the Master’s control and ensuring history stays on course, is satisfying in its simplicity. The TARDIS’s newest passenger offers a tantalizing glimpse of future possibilities, though Kamelion’s potential remains untapped in this initial outing.
The King’s Demons may not be a standout in Doctor Who’s long history, but it serves as an enjoyable epilogue to Season 20. Its blend of historical intrigue, light-hearted humor, and strong character moments ensures its place as a charming, if modest, entry in the Fifth Doctor’s journey.
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