Broadcast in February 1983, Terminus is the 126th adventure in Doctor Who and the second installment in the Black Guardian Trilogy. Written by Stephen Gallagher and directed by Mary Ridge, this story delves into themes of decay, disease, and corporate neglect, set aboard a colossal and crumbling space station. While ambitious in scope and ideas, Terminus struggles with pacing and execution, yet it remains a thought-provoking entry in the Fifth Doctor’s era.
The TARDIS crew finds themselves aboard Terminus, a derelict space station used as a quarantine facility for sufferers of the Lazar Disease. As they navigate the station’s labyrinthine corridors, they uncover a conspiracy involving the manipulative company running Terminus and the ancient, mythic potential of the station’s power source. Meanwhile, Turlough’s internal conflict deepens as he continues to act under the influence of the Black Guardian, creating tension within the TARDIS team.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor is once again the moral center of the story, his compassion for the Lazar sufferers driving much of the narrative. Davison portrays the Doctor’s frustration and determination with subtlety, emphasizing his role as an advocate for the forgotten and downtrodden. His interactions with the other characters, particularly Nyssa and Turlough, highlight his ability to bring disparate individuals together in the face of overwhelming odds.
Sarah Sutton’s Nyssa takes on a pivotal role in Terminus, her scientific expertise and empathy making her a key figure in unraveling the mysteries of the station. Nyssa’s decision to remain on Terminus to help cure the Lazar Disease marks her departure from the TARDIS, and Sutton delivers a heartfelt performance that captures the character’s growth and selflessness. Her departure is handled with understated poignancy, leaving a significant impact on the Doctor and her fellow companions.
Mark Strickson’s Turlough continues to wrestle with his allegiance to the Black Guardian, his internal struggle adding an element of suspense to the story. While his actions are often self-serving, glimpses of his underlying humanity hint at the potential for redemption. Janet Fielding’s Tegan brings her usual wit and determination, though her role is somewhat sidelined compared to her companions. Nevertheless, her dynamic with Turlough adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the narrative.
The guest cast includes Liza Goddard as Kari and Dominic Guard as Olvir, two space pirates whose presence adds a touch of roguish charm to the story. Their interactions with the TARDIS crew provide moments of levity amidst the grim setting. The Vanir, the gaunt enforcers of Terminus, are haunting figures, their servitude to the corporation embodying the dehumanizing effects of exploitation. The Garm, a towering lupine creature tasked with operating the station’s power core, is an intriguing but underutilized presence, its role steeped in mythology but lacking narrative depth.
Visually, Terminus excels in creating an oppressive and decayed atmosphere. The station’s industrial design, with its dark corridors and dilapidated machinery, reinforces the themes of neglect and entropy. However, the limited budget is evident in some of the effects, with the Garm’s design and certain sequences failing to fully convey the story’s grander ambitions. Mary Ridge’s direction emphasizes the claustrophobia and despair of the setting, though the slow pacing detracts from the story’s momentum.
Thematically, Terminus explores the intersection of corporate greed, systemic neglect, and the human cost of exploitation. The Lazar Disease serves as a metaphor for marginalized communities abandoned by society, while the station’s mythic role in potentially causing the universe’s creation adds an ambitious layer of existential intrigue. Nyssa’s decision to stay behind to aid the Lazar sufferers underscores the importance of compassion and action in the face of systemic failures.
Reflecting on Terminus in 2025, its strengths lie in its thematic ambition and character moments. Nyssa’s departure is a poignant highlight, and the exploration of Turlough’s moral conflict adds depth to the ongoing Black Guardian Trilogy. However, the story’s slow pacing and uneven execution prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Despite these flaws, its exploration of societal issues and its emotional resonance ensure its place as a significant, if imperfect, chapter in the series.
The climax, which sees the Doctor averting a catastrophic meltdown and Nyssa choosing to dedicate herself to curing the Lazar Disease, is bittersweet. The Doctor’s quiet farewell to Nyssa, coupled with the hopeful possibility of renewal aboard Terminus, leaves a lingering sense of loss and hope. As the TARDIS departs, the story’s message about the power of individual action in the face of systemic neglect remains poignant.
Terminus is a story of contrasts: ambition and limitation, despair and hope, decay and renewal. Its flaws are evident, but its strengths—particularly its thematic depth and Nyssa’s character arc—ensure its lasting impact within the Fifth Doctor’s tenure.
No comments:
Post a Comment