First broadcast in March 1985, Timelash is the 141st adventure in Doctor Who and one of the most infamous serials of the classic era. Written by Glen McCoy and directed by Pennant Roberts, it attempts to blend political intrigue, time travel paradoxes, and literary history, but it is often remembered more for its lackluster production values, uninspired plotting, and uneven performances. While Timelash does have some interesting ideas, it remains one of the weaker stories of Colin Baker’s tenure.
The plot sees the Doctor and Peri arrive on the planet Karfel, a world ruled by the despotic Borad. The society operates under a strict hierarchy, with dissenters sentenced to the eponymous Timelash—a shimmering, time corridor that banishes its victims to an unknown fate. The Doctor soon realizes that Karfel’s history is linked to a previous visit he made in his Third incarnation, though this adventure was never depicted on screen. When Peri is taken hostage and a reluctant hero from Earth—Herbert, later revealed to be H.G. Wells—is drawn into the conflict, the Doctor must expose the Borad’s true nature and free Karfel from his tyrannical rule.
Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor is a highlight in an otherwise underwhelming story. His commanding presence and quick wit elevate the material, and despite the story’s flaws, Baker delivers a performance that reinforces the Doctor’s intelligence and unwavering determination. However, his interactions with the supporting cast sometimes feel forced, as if even he is struggling to find depth in the material.
Nicola Bryant’s Peri is once again relegated to a damsel-in-distress role, spending much of the story either captured or reacting to events rather than influencing them. The dynamic between Peri and the Doctor still leans toward abrasive, but there are glimpses of a more protective and caring side to their relationship. Unfortunately, the script offers her little room to shine.
Paul Darrow’s performance as Tekker is one of Timelash’s most discussed elements. Known for his portrayal of Avon in Blake’s 7, Darrow goes full pantomime villain here, delivering his lines with such exaggerated theatricality that it becomes unintentionally comical. While his scenery-chewing performance adds some entertainment value, it undercuts any attempt at serious drama, making it difficult to take the character’s scheming seriously.
The Borad, played by Robert Ashby, is a more compelling villain in concept than execution. His grotesque, half-reptilian appearance is one of the story’s better effects, and his motivation—seeking to mutate the Karfelon people into creatures like himself—is suitably sinister. However, he lacks the presence and complexity needed to make him a truly memorable adversary. His final fate, being thrown into the Timelash and ending up in Earth’s Loch Ness, feels like an odd and hastily written conclusion.
The inclusion of H.G. Wells as a character, played by David Chandler, is an ambitious idea that ultimately feels underdeveloped. While the notion of the Doctor inadvertently inspiring Wells’ future works is a fun concept, his portrayal as an overly excitable and somewhat naive adventurer feels out of place. The story fails to capitalize on the potential of his involvement, and his presence ultimately adds little to the narrative beyond a forced literary connection.
Visually, Timelash is one of the most criticized productions of the classic era. The sets, particularly the Timelash corridor itself, are visibly low-budget and uninspired, relying on tinsel and reflective materials that fail to convey any sense of scale or menace. The Karfelon society, with its sterile aesthetic and lackluster costumes, lacks the depth and world-building seen in stronger Doctor Who serials. The absence of any significant location filming also contributes to the story’s artificial feel, making it appear more like a stage play than an immersive science-fiction adventure.
Thematically, Timelash explores tyranny, rebellion, and the consequences of unchecked power. The Borad’s genetic experiments and authoritarian rule create a backdrop of oppression, but the story’s execution prevents these themes from being explored in a meaningful way. The Doctor’s moral stance against cruelty and dictatorship remains consistent, but the clumsy storytelling and underwhelming villain detract from any deeper philosophical engagement.
Rewatching Timelash in 2025, it remains a difficult story to fully appreciate. While there are occasional bright spots—Colin Baker’s commanding performance, the eerie design of the Borad, and the idea of an unseen Third Doctor adventure—the overall execution leaves much to be desired. The story drags in places, the dialogue is often stilted, and the production values, even for Doctor Who’s notoriously limited budget, feel especially underwhelming.
The climax, which involves the Doctor outwitting the Borad and using deception to defeat him, is satisfying in concept but lacks dramatic weight in execution. The resolution feels rushed, and the final moments, where H.G. Wells eagerly prepares to document his experience, feel more like an afterthought than a natural conclusion to the story.
Timelash is often cited as one of the weakest serials of the Sixth Doctor’s era, and while that reputation is not entirely undeserved, it is not entirely without merit. There are flashes of strong ideas beneath the surface, but they are buried beneath poor production choices, underdeveloped characters, and an overall lack of tension. Ultimately, it stands as an example of a story that had potential but failed to deliver in execution.
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