Ep 17. The Power of Kroll: Part 1

The Power of Kroll: Part 1 is part of the 16th season of the Classic Doctor Who series. The episode follows the adventures of the Fourth Doctor played by Tom Baker, and his companion Romana played by Mary Tamm. The Doctor and Romana arrive on the third moon of Delta Magna, a planet occupied by a group of humans who are drilling for a rare mineral called "taranium". The miners are under threat from a group of native swamp dwellers who, according to their mythology, worship a giant creature known as Kroll.

The Doctor and Ramona soon find themselves caught up in a complex political situation, as tensions between the humans and the swamp dwellers escalate. The humans are led by the ruthless Thawn played by Neil McCarthy, who is determined to exploit the planet's resources at any cost. Meanwhile, the swamp dwellers are led by the spiritual leader Ranquin, played by Philip Madoc, who is equally determined to protect Kroll at all costs.

As the Doctor and Romana investigate, they discover that Kroll may not be a mere myth after all. There are reports of strange tentacles attacking the mining equipment, and the swamp dwellers are acting strangely. Moreover, an unknown force seems to be manipulating events in the background, leading the Doctor to suspect that there may be more at play than a simple conflict between humans and natives.

As tensions rise, the Doctor and Romana are forced to take sides, and they find themselves drawn into the conflict between Thawn and Ranquin. With danger on all sides, and an ancient monster lurking in the darkness, the Doctor and Romana must navigate a treacherous landscape in search of the truth about Kroll, before it's too late.

The Power of Kroll: Part 1 is an action-packed adventure that blends science fiction, fantasy, and political drama. As always, Tom Baker delivers a charismatic and funny performance as the Fourth Doctor, while Mary Tamm brings depth and intelligence to her role as Romana. The episode is notable for its strong supporting cast, including Neil McCarthy and Philip Madoc, who bring nuance and complexity to their respective roles as Thawn and Ranquin.

The episode also features some impressive special effects for its time, including the giant, octopus-like creature Kroll, which is brought to life through a mix of puppetry and stop-motion animation. The moody, atmospheric soundtrack by composer Dudley Simpson adds to the eerie otherworldly feel of the episode, helping to build tension and enhance the sense of danger.

Overall, The Power of Kroll: Part 1 is a classic slice of Doctor Who, full of adventure, danger, and mystery. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or a newcomer looking for a fun, thrilling sci-fi romp, this episode is well worth a watch.