Broadcast in March 1983, Enlightenment concludes the Black Guardian Trilogy and serves as the 127th adventure in Doctor Who. Written by Barbara Clegg and directed by Fiona Cumming, this story combines cosmic grandeur with intimate character drama, exploring themes of temptation, choice, and the nature of power. It stands as a unique and visually stunning entry in the Fifth Doctor’s era.
The story begins with the TARDIS landing aboard a 17th-century sailing ship, only for the Doctor, Tegan, and Turlough to discover they are actually on a spaceship competing in a race through space. The Eternals, enigmatic beings who feed on the thoughts and emotions of mortals, are the orchestrators of this contest. At its heart lies the prize of enlightenment, a concept both tantalizing and mysterious. Meanwhile, the Black Guardian continues his efforts to corrupt Turlough, pushing him ever closer to betraying the Doctor.
Peter Davison delivers one of his finest performances as the Fifth Doctor, balancing his compassion for the humans involved with his wariness of the Eternals’ detachment from morality. Davison’s Doctor thrives in moments of intellectual sparring, particularly with Striker, the stoic and unsettling Eternal captain. His quiet strength anchors the story amidst its philosophical musings and high-stakes drama.
Janet Fielding’s Tegan once again proves herself as a resourceful and courageous companion. Her skepticism of the Eternals and her fiery determination to protect those around her make her a vital part of the story’s emotional core. Mark Strickson’s Turlough, however, takes center stage as he grapples with the Black Guardian’s manipulations. Strickson’s nuanced performance captures Turlough’s inner conflict, his desperation palpable as he teeters on the edge of betrayal. The resolution of his arc—a refusal to kill the Doctor and a rejection of the Black Guardian’s influence—is deeply satisfying, marking a turning point for the character.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, with Keith Barron’s Captain Striker and Lynda Baron’s Captain Wrack standing out as memorable Eternals. Striker’s icy detachment contrasts sharply with Wrack’s flamboyant menace, their differing approaches highlighting the diversity within the Eternals’ ranks. The human crew, including Christopher Brown’s Marriner, add a layer of relatability to the narrative, their awe and fear of the Eternals reflecting the audience’s perspective.
Visually, Enlightenment is a triumph. The juxtaposition of period aesthetics with futuristic elements creates a striking and memorable setting, from the grandeur of the sailing ships to the eerie, star-filled void of space. Fiona Cumming’s direction emphasizes the story’s surreal and dreamlike qualities, enhancing the otherworldly nature of the Eternals and their environment. The final scenes aboard Wrack’s ship, with its opulent yet ominous design, provide a fitting backdrop for the story’s climactic confrontation.
Thematically, the story delves into the allure of power and the importance of free will. The concept of enlightenment is explored not as a tangible prize but as a state of understanding and self-realization. Turlough’s journey embodies this theme, his choice to reject the Black Guardian’s offer representing a triumph of conscience over self-interest. The Eternals, with their immortality and reliance on mortal thoughts, serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of detachment and the emptiness of existence without purpose.
Revisiting Enlightenment in 2025, its strengths remain as striking as ever. The interplay between cosmic spectacle and intimate character moments ensures that the story resonates on multiple levels. The resolution of Turlough’s arc, coupled with the Doctor’s unwavering moral compass, provides an emotional and thematic payoff that elevates the narrative beyond its high-concept premise.
The climax, which sees the Doctor and Turlough thwarting Wrack’s plan to destroy the competing ships, is both thrilling and symbolic. The Doctor’s insistence on preserving life, even in the face of cosmic forces, reinforces his role as a protector of the vulnerable. Turlough’s final act of defiance against the Black Guardian—casting away the crystal that symbolizes his pact—is a moment of catharsis, freeing him from the shadow of manipulation and allowing him to fully integrate into the TARDIS crew.
Enlightenment is a masterpiece of character-driven storytelling, its exploration of temptation, redemption, and the human condition ensuring its place as a standout in the Fifth Doctor’s era. Its blend of visual splendor, philosophical depth, and emotional resonance makes it a story that lingers in the mind long after the TARDIS departs.
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