Ep 19. The Power of Kroll: Part 3

The Power of Kroll: Part 3 is the penultimate episode of the sixteenth season of Classic Doctor Who. It follows on from the previous episode as the Doctor, Romana, and Rohm-Dutt search for the fifth segment of the Key to Time on the planet Delta Magna.

In this episode, the action intensifies as the conflict between the human colonists and the native Swampies becomes more heated. The Swampies are angry that their sacred artefact, the Great Seal of the Methane Eaters, has been stolen by the humans, who are using it to find valuable minerals. The Doctor manages to negotiate a truce between the two sides, but tensions remain high.

Meanwhile, Thawn, the leader of the human colonists, has his own plans for the Great Seal. He believes that it has the power to control the giant creature known as Kroll, which lives in the swamps and has been attacking the colonists' ships. Thawn plans to use Kroll as a weapon to destroy the Swampies and take control of the planet's resources.

As the Doctor and Romana try to stop Thawn, they discover that Kroll is not just a mindless monster, but a sentient being that has been worshipped by the Swampies for generations. The Doctor realizes that the Great Seal is actually a key that can unlock Kroll's power and connect with its consciousness. He manages to reach out to Kroll and convince it to help him stop Thawn.

The final scenes of the episode are tense and thrilling, as the Doctor and his companions race to stop Thawn from unlocking Kroll's power. There are some unexpected twists and turns along the way, but ultimately the Doctor's intelligence and compassion win out, and the crisis is averted.

The Power of Kroll: Part 3 is a classic Doctor Who episode that showcases the show's strengths in storytelling, world-building, and character development. It has a strong moral message about the dangers of greed and the importance of respecting other cultures and species. The performances are excellent, particularly from Tom Baker as the Doctor, who brings his trademark blend of humor, intellect, and passion to the role. The supporting cast also shines, with Philip Madoc delivering a chilling performance as Thawn and Glyn Owen capturing the complex emotions of the Swampy leader, Ranquin.

Overall, The Power of Kroll: Part 3 is a must-see episode for any fan of classic Doctor Who. It's a thrilling adventure that combines action, suspense, and heart, and it showcases many of the qualities that have made the show a beloved part of pop culture for over fifty years.