First broadcast in January 1984, The Awakening marks the 131st adventure in Doctor Who. Written by Eric Pringle and directed by Michael Owen Morris, this two-part story is a compact and atmospheric entry that blends historical horror with science fiction intrigue. Set in a picturesque English village, the narrative explores themes of mass hysteria, psychological manipulation, and the lingering echoes of war. While its brevity leaves little room for deep exploration, The Awakening stands as a well-paced and visually striking episode in the Fifth Doctor’s era.
The Doctor, Tegan, and Turlough arrive in the village of Little Hodcombe, where they intend to visit Tegan’s grandfather, Andrew Verney. However, they soon find the village gripped by a chilling re-enactment of the English Civil War, orchestrated by the fanatical Sir George Hutchinson. The lines between reality and past conflict blur as the villagers become enraptured by the war games, manipulated by an ancient alien entity known as the Malus. This psychic force, buried beneath the village church for centuries, feeds on violence and fear, growing in power as the re-enactment escalates toward real bloodshed.
Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor shines in this adventure, blending his usual charm with an authoritative urgency. His concern for the villagers is immediate, and his indignation at Sir George’s reckless cruelty provides some of the story’s most compelling moments. Davison’s Doctor thrives in these moral confrontations, his exasperation at humanity’s capacity for destruction tempered by his unwavering belief in their ability to change.
Tegan, played by Janet Fielding, is at the heart of the story’s emotional core. Her personal connection to Little Hodcombe gives her a natural stake in the events, and her outspokenness makes her an ideal foil to Sir George’s zealous madness. Mark Strickson’s Turlough, while not given as much development, has moments of sharp observation and dry wit that add levity to the unfolding drama.
The guest cast adds significant weight to the narrative. Denis Lill’s Sir George is a chilling antagonist, his descent into fanaticism disturbingly believable. His ability to sway the villagers into acts of violence reflects the darker side of human nature and the ease with which individuals can be swept up in mass hysteria. Polly James as Jane Hampden provides an effective counterbalance, her growing resistance to Sir George’s influence adding another dimension to the conflict. Keith Jayne’s Will Chandler, a displaced 17th-century villager, brings an outsider’s perspective, his bewilderment at modern society played with genuine charm.
Visually, The Awakening benefits from its rural setting and strong production design. The village of Little Hodcombe, with its thatched cottages and looming church, is steeped in atmosphere, grounding the supernatural elements in a tangible, historical environment. The Malus itself, a grotesque stone face embedded in the church wall, is an effectively eerie presence, its silent menace growing more oppressive as the story progresses. While some of the effects betray the production’s budgetary limitations, the practical execution of the Malus’ influence—manifesting in spectral figures and creeping dread—adds to the story’s impact.
Thematically, The Awakening explores the power of belief, the dangers of unchecked authority, and the cyclical nature of violence. The Malus, while an alien force, functions as a metaphor for historical trauma, feeding off past conflicts and perpetuating violence in the present. Sir George’s willingness to sacrifice reason in pursuit of perceived glory echoes the dangers of nationalism and the romanticization of war. The Doctor’s insistence on breaking the cycle reinforces the show’s recurring message: history should be learned from, not relived.
Revisiting The Awakening in 2025, its strengths lie in its compact storytelling and ability to create a rich atmosphere within a short runtime. While its two-part structure limits the depth of exploration, the brisk pacing ensures that the story never overstays its welcome. The character-driven drama, combined with the haunting presence of the Malus, makes for an engaging watch.
The climax, in which the Doctor exposes the Malus’ manipulation and rallies the villagers to break free from its influence, is satisfying in its execution. Sir George’s ultimate fate serves as a cautionary end for those who seek power through violence, while Will Chandler’s decision to remain in the future adds a touch of poignancy. The final moments, with the village returning to normality and the Doctor, Tegan, and Turlough departing, leave a lingering sense of unease—an acknowledgment that history’s ghosts are never truly exorcised.
The Awakening may not be a grand, universe-spanning epic, but its eerie setting, strong character work, and thematic depth ensure it remains a memorable entry in the Fifth Doctor’s run. It stands as proof that Doctor Who can be just as effective when telling intimate, small-scale stories as it can when dealing with the vast reaches of time and space.
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