Broadcast in February 1982, The Visitation marks the 119th adventure in Doctor Who. Written by Eric Saward and directed by Peter Moffatt, this story is a quintessential historical sci-fi adventure, blending historical events with alien invasion. With its atmospheric settings, memorable villains, and tightly paced narrative, The Visitation exemplifies the strengths of the Fifth Doctor’s era.
The TARDIS crew arrives in 17th-century England, near the village of Heathrow. What begins as a routine trip to return Tegan to her own time soon evolves into a deadly confrontation with a Terileptil plot to devastate humanity. The reptilian Terileptils, refugees from a penal colony, intend to release a genetically modified plague to eradicate humanity, claiming Earth for themselves. As the Doctor and his companions race against time, they encounter villagers, a pompous highwayman named Richard Mace, and the sinister remnants of the Terileptil’s influence.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor continues to grow into his role, blending a youthful energy with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. In The Visitation, Davison’s Doctor strikes a balance between compassion and urgency, engaging with the historical setting and characters with a deft touch. His interactions with the Terileptils emphasize his disdain for violence and his commitment to preserving life, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Davison’s nuanced performance anchors the story, showcasing the Doctor’s moral conviction and ingenuity.
The companions are given opportunities to shine, though their roles remain unevenly distributed. Janet Fielding’s Tegan continues to exhibit her sharp wit and assertiveness, her frustration at the TARDIS’s unreliability adding a relatable layer to her character. Sarah Sutton’s Nyssa takes a more active role in this adventure, her scientific expertise proving invaluable in countering the Terileptils’ technology. Matthew Waterhouse’s Adric, while less central to the narrative, provides moments of levity and contributes to the team’s efforts to thwart the Terileptils.
The guest cast is led by Michael Robbins as Richard Mace, a flamboyant and somewhat cowardly highwayman who becomes an unlikely ally to the Doctor. Robbins’s performance injects humor and charm into the story, his theatrical delivery contrasting with the dire stakes of the plot. The Terileptils, brought to life through detailed prosthetics and animatronics, are among the more visually striking alien designs of the era. Their backstory as escaped prisoners adds a layer of moral ambiguity, though their willingness to sacrifice humanity for their survival cements them as formidable antagonists.
The production design captures the atmosphere of plague-ridden 17th-century England with remarkable detail. The village and its surrounding woods are brought to life through effective use of location filming and set design, creating a sense of immersion that enhances the story’s tension. The Terileptils’ lair, with its combination of alien technology and historical aesthetics, provides a fitting backdrop for the climactic confrontation.
From a thematic perspective, The Visitation explores the clash between science and superstition, as well as the ethical complexities of survival. The Terileptils’ plight, while understandable, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sacrificing morality for self-preservation. The story also delves into humanity’s resilience in the face of adversity, as the villagers’ courage and resourcefulness are key to overcoming the alien threat.
Revisiting The Visitation in 2025, it’s striking how well its blend of historical drama and science fiction holds up. The story’s pacing is tight, with each episode building upon the last to create a compelling narrative. The interplay between the Doctor, his companions, and the historical setting adds depth and variety to the adventure, while the Terileptils’ scheme provides a tangible sense of danger.
The climax, which sees the Doctor and his allies thwarting the Terileptils’ plan and inadvertently starting the Great Fire of London, is both thrilling and bittersweet. The fire’s historical significance adds a layer of irony to the resolution, highlighting the unintended consequences of the Doctor’s interventions. As the TARDIS departs, the lingering image of the burning city serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of history and the Doctor’s role within it.
The Visitation is a standout entry in the Fifth Doctor’s era, its engaging plot and atmospheric setting ensuring its place as a fan favorite. Its exploration of moral dilemmas, combined with its memorable characters and strong performances, makes it a story that resonates long after the credits roll. As the TARDIS embarks on its next adventure, the lessons of The Visitation remain a testament to Doctor Who’s enduring ability to entertain and inspire.
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