Watch Doctor Who: Invisible Enemy

Doctor Who is one of the most iconic sci-fi television shows of all time. Originally airing in 1963, it has since become a cultural phenomenon, loved by millions of fans around the world. The show's enduring popularity is due in no small part to its ability to constantly reinvent itself, introducing new characters, settings, and storylines while remaining true to its core themes and values. This is certainly true of the series' twelfth season, which saw the introduction of a new companion, the return of classic villains, and the epic showdown between the Doctor and a sinister new enemy: the Invisible Enemy.

The Invisible Enemy is the fourth serial of Doctor Who's 15th season and consists of four episodes. It originally aired in October 1977 and features the Fourth Doctor, played by Tom Baker, and his companion Leela, played by Louise Jameson. The story takes place on board a giant space station called Titan, where a group of scientists is conducting experiments on an intelligent virus. However, when the Doctor and Leela arrive, they discover that the virus has developed sentience and is using the scientists as unwitting hosts in its bid to take over the universe.

As the title suggests, the Invisible Enemy is not a physical entity that can be seen or touched. Rather, it is an intelligent virus that is able to infect human brains and manipulate their behavior. This makes it a particularly insidious foe, as the Doctor and Leela must not only fight the virus itself but also their infected allies, who have become unwitting pawns in its plan for domination. This leads to some tense and emotionally charged scenes as the Doctor and Leela are forced to fight people they care about in order to stop the Invisible Enemy.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Invisible Enemy is the way it explores the concept of consciousness and what it means to be alive. The virus is initially presented as a simple organism, no more complex than a common cold. However, as it evolves and gains intelligence, it becomes clear that it is more than just a biological entity - it is a living being with its own desires and goals. This raises some fascinating ethical questions about the nature of life and consciousness, and the rights of sentient organisms.

Another standout feature of the Invisible Enemy is its use of special effects. The show was made in the late seventies, a time when special effects technology was still in its infancy. However, the production team managed to create some incredibly innovative and memorable visuals for the virus and its various manifestations. This includes scenes where the virus takes over a person's body, causing their eyes to turn red and their movements to become jerky and robotic. There are also some stunning sequences where the Doctor pilots a tiny spaceship through the bloodstream of an infected person, battling the virus and its minions along the way.

Of course, no Doctor Who story would be complete without the Doctor's trademark mix of humor, heroism, and quirkiness. Tom Baker is at his best here, playing the role with his usual mix of wit and eccentricity. His relationship with Leela is also a highlight, with the two characters bouncing off each other in a way that is both entertaining and endearing. There are also plenty of moments of high drama and tension, as the Doctor and Leela face off against the virus and its infected minions.

In conclusion, the Invisible Enemy is a classic Doctor Who story that still holds up over 40 years later. With its imaginative plot, stunning visuals, and memorable characters, it is an excellent example of the show at its best. If you're a fan of sci-fi or just looking for a fun and engaging TV series to watch, then Doctor Who is definitely worth a look - and the Invisible Enemy is a great place to start.