First broadcast in January and February 1984, Frontios is the 132nd adventure in Doctor Who. Written by Christopher H. Bidmead and directed by Ron Jones, this four-part serial takes the Fifth Doctor and his companions into one of the bleakest settings of the era. It explores themes of survival, leadership, and the fragility of human civilization, blending classic science fiction with unsettling horror elements. While sometimes overshadowed by its ambitious scope and grim tone, Frontios remains a compelling story that showcases the Doctor’s resourcefulness in extreme circumstances.
The TARDIS materializes on the distant planet Frontios, where the last remnants of humanity struggle to survive under constant meteorite bombardments. The colony is on the brink of collapse, and tensions run high as food supplies dwindle and leadership falters. However, the true threat lies beneath the surface—an ancient race known as the Tractators, whose grotesque, insect-like forms and sinister control over gravity pose a horrific danger to the struggling survivors.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor is thrown into one of his most challenging situations, caught between helping the desperate colonists and maintaining his moral code in the face of ruthless adversaries. His compassionate yet firm approach to dealing with the frightened and disillusioned survivors highlights his ability to inspire hope, even in the darkest times. The Doctor’s initial reluctance to interfere, followed by his growing determination to uncover the mystery of the Tractators, is a testament to Davison’s nuanced performance.
Tegan, played by Janet Fielding, consistently delivers a strong-willed and pragmatic presence. Her no-nonsense approach and sharp instincts make her an essential ally as the colony’s leadership deteriorates. Mark Strickson’s Turlough, on the other hand, plays a more significant role in Frontios than in many of his previous stories. His connection to the Tractators, and the revelation of his past trauma linked to their species, adds unexpected depth to his character. His fear and reluctance to confront them create an internal conflict that is rare for a companion, making his arc one of the story’s strongest elements.
The guest cast includes William Lucas as the embattled leader Captain Revere and Jeff Rawle as Plantagenet, his troubled successor. Rawle’s performance captures the weight of responsibility placed upon a leader struggling to maintain order amidst chaos. The dynamics between the colonists, from the medical officer Norna (Lesley Dunlop) to the scheming Brazen (Peter Gilmore), add layers of political and social tension, reflecting the very human struggle of maintaining order in a crumbling society.
The Tractators themselves are among Doctor Who’s more unsettling alien creations. Their concept—burrowing creatures capable of manipulating gravity—carries a Lovecraftian horror element that works effectively in the script. However, their practical execution suffers from the production constraints of the time. While their movement is somewhat lumbering, their eerie, whispering communication and grotesque appearances compensate for their physical limitations. The scene where Turlough recalls his species’ past torment at the hands of the Tractators is particularly chilling, giving these creatures an added layer of menace.
Visually, Frontios benefits from its claustrophobic set design and oppressive atmosphere. The underground tunnels of the Tractators feel genuinely unsettling, and the surface of the planet, with its barren landscapes and debris-ridden environment, convincingly conveys the desperation of the colony. The lighting and sound design contribute to the growing sense of dread, heightening the impact of key moments.
Thematically, Frontios explores leadership under crisis, the responsibilities of power, and the resilience of the human spirit. The conflict between logic and superstition among the colonists mirrors real-world struggles in times of desperation. The Doctor’s repeated insistence that humanity should strive for hope rather than succumb to fear encapsulates the show’s enduring optimism, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Rewatching Frontios in 2025, it remains a gripping if occasionally uneven tale. Its slower pacing in the early episodes allows the tension to build effectively, though some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing. The contrast between the Doctor’s idealism and the colony’s harsh realities makes for compelling drama, even if the Tractators’ practical effects occasionally undermine their menace.
The climax, which sees the Doctor outmaneuvering the Tractators and restoring stability to the colony, is satisfying, albeit somewhat abrupt. The TARDIS’s near-destruction—scattered throughout the colony before being pieced back together—adds a unique challenge, emphasizing just how perilous this adventure is for the Doctor and his companions.
Frontios stands as an ambitious, unsettling entry in Doctor Who’s history, blending horror with sociopolitical commentary. While its execution is sometimes flawed, its strong performances and thematic depth ensure its place as a memorable chapter in the Fifth Doctor’s journey.
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