First broadcast in November and December 1987, Dragonfire marks the 147th adventure in Doctor Who and the final serial of Season 24. Written by Ian Briggs and directed by Chris Clough, this three-part story is notable for introducing Sophie Aldred as Ace, one of the most beloved companions of the classic series, while also bidding farewell to Bonnie Langford’s Mel. Set against the backdrop of the frozen planet Svartos, Dragonfire attempts to blend spacefaring adventure, moral dilemmas, and character-driven storytelling, though its uneven execution leaves it as a transitional piece rather than a classic in its own right.
The story sees the Doctor and Mel arriving at Iceworld, a shady space colony ruled by the enigmatic Kane. They soon cross paths with Sabalom Glitz, the roguish gambler first introduced in The Trial of a Time Lord, who is in search of a legendary treasure said to be guarded by a dragon. Meanwhile, a rebellious teenager named Ace, a displaced Earth girl with a penchant for explosives, finds herself caught up in the adventure. As the search for the treasure intensifies, the truth about Kane’s sinister past is revealed, leading to a dramatic confrontation between the Doctor and the villainous ruler.
Sylvester McCoy continues to evolve into the role of the Doctor, balancing eccentricity with growing gravitas. While still prone to comedic moments, there are glimpses of the darker, more calculating persona that will define his later tenure. His interactions with Glitz add a layer of wry humor to the story, but it is his growing mentorship of Ace that stands out as the true highlight. The seeds of their eventual dynamic—a Professor and his inquisitive, fiery student—are subtly planted here, giving the serial a greater sense of importance in the grander scheme of McCoy’s era.
Bonnie Langford’s Mel bows out in this story, and while her departure is amicable, it lacks emotional weight. Her decision to leave and travel with Glitz feels somewhat abrupt, given that there has been little build-up to her dissatisfaction with life aboard the TARDIS. While Mel was never given the strongest material to work with during her time on the show, Langford’s enthusiasm and energy made her a distinct presence. Her departure paves the way for a shift in tone, as Ace’s arrival signals the start of a more character-driven era of Doctor Who.
Sophie Aldred’s Ace makes an immediate impression, bringing a fresh dynamic to the show. Unlike many previous companions, Ace is headstrong, rebellious, and deeply flawed, making her a more complex and relatable character. Her backstory—hinting at a troubled past and mysterious displacement from Earth—adds an air of mystery that will be further explored in later stories. While her dialogue leans into late-80s slang a little too heavily, her chemistry with McCoy’s Doctor is instantly engaging, setting the stage for one of the most well-developed Doctor-companion relationships of the classic series.
Edward Peel’s Kane is a formidable villain, exuding cold menace (both figuratively and literally). His backstory, revealing that he has been exiled on Svartos for thousands of years, adds depth to his character, making his desperation to escape feel understandable even as his methods remain ruthless. His ultimate demise—melting in the sunlight after being trapped in the frozen base for centuries—is a visually striking moment and one of the more memorable villain exits of the McCoy era.
Visually, Dragonfire is a mixed bag. The ice-covered aesthetic of Iceworld is well-realized, but certain set pieces—most infamously, the Doctor’s baffling "cliffhanger" moment where he dangles from a ledge for no apparent reason—highlight the occasionally clumsy direction. The dragon itself, while ambitious in design, does not fully convince as a menacing creature, though the revelation that it is a bio-mechanical guardian housing an energy source adds an interesting twist.
Thematically, Dragonfire explores themes of redemption, control, and displacement. Kane’s oppressive rule over Iceworld mirrors his own self-imposed prison, while Ace’s accidental journey to another planet sets her up as a lost soul searching for purpose. The Doctor’s role as an instigator of change—helping both Glitz and Ace find new paths—continues to develop, reinforcing his growing manipulative tendencies.
Rewatching Dragonfire in 2025, it remains a story of transition. While not the strongest serial of the McCoy era, it is significant for what it represents—the shift toward deeper character arcs and a more layered interpretation of the Doctor. Ace’s introduction alone makes it a key moment in Doctor Who history, and despite its flaws, Dragonfire is an enjoyable, if uneven, adventure that signals greater things to come.
With Season 24 now complete, the Seventh Doctor’s journey is about to take a more ambitious turn. Darker storytelling, intricate narratives, and some of the most beloved stories of the classic era are on the horizon. The McCoy era has truly begun.
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