Ep 1. The Masque of Mandragora: Part 1

The Masque of Mandragora: Part 1 is the first episode of the fourteenth season of Doctor Who, first aired on September 4, 1976. The episode opens with the TARDIS being pulled off course by a mysterious force, setting the Doctor and his companion, Sarah Jane Smith, on a collision course with danger.

As they land in Renaissance-era Italy, the Doctor quickly realizes that they are in the grip of a malevolent force known as the Mandragora Helix, an energy creature that feeds off the psychic energy of sentient beings. With the help of the local ruler, the Duke of San Martino, the Doctor and Sarah Jane discover that the Mandragora Helix has infected the minds of several key individuals in the city, including the astrologer Hieronymous and the court jester, Giuliano.

As the Doctor and Sarah Jane work to unravel the mystery of the Mandragora Helix and stop its spread, they encounter a host of intriguing characters, including the sinister Count Federico, who seems to know more about the creature than he is letting on, and the beautiful and enigmatic High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Flame, who may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the Helix.

As the episode comes to a close, the true magnitude of the threat posed by the Mandragora Helix begins to become clear, and it is up to the Doctor and Sarah Jane to prevent its spread and protect the people of San Martino from its deadly grip.

With its engaging story, compelling characters, and stunning Renaissance-era setting, The Masque of Mandragora: Part 1 is an excellent beginning to the fourteenth season of Doctor Who. Fans of the series will delight in the Doctor's latest adventures and the many twists and turns of the plot, which keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Whether you are a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer looking for a thrilling sci-fi adventure, The Masque of Mandragora: Part 1 is sure to entertain and impress.