Doctor Who: Terror of the Autons

Watch Doctor Who: Terror of the Autons

  • 1971
  • 1 Season

Doctor Who is a British science-fiction TV series that first aired in 1963 and continues until today. The show follows the adventures of The Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, who travels through time and space in his TARDIS, a time machine resembling a blue British police box.

"Terror of the Autons" is the fourth serial of the eighth season of the original series, which aired in 1971. The story consists of four episodes, each 25 minutes long.

In this adventure, the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee) and his assistant Jo Grant (Katy Manning) confront the evil Time Lord, the Master (Roger Delgado), who is working together with the deadly Autons - plastic, life-sized automatons under the control of the Nestene Consciousness, an extraterrestrial lifeform that exists in a form of a living plastic.

The story begins with the arrival of the Master on Earth in 1970. He seeks to gain control of the planet by using the power of the Nestene Consciousness, which he plans to revive and use to control the Autons. The Autons, in turn, are tasked with creating chaos and mayhem throughout the country by killing, maiming, and kidnapping people.

The Doctor and Jo become involved in the hunt for the Master, who they believe is behind the string of strange occurrences happening in the region. Together with the help of the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT), led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney), they begin to uncover the sinister plot behind the strange killings and disturbances.

The adventure is full of tension and suspense as the Doctor and his allies race against time to stop the Master's plan before it's too late. The presence of the Autons creates a genuine sense of danger and menace, especially during the exciting climax where the Doctor must confront both the Master and the Nestene Consciousness.

One of the most iconic scenes in the story is the appearance of the Autons in a street parade, with their lifeless faces and stone-cold expressions. The Autons were last seen in the show's first-ever episode, "Spearhead from Space," and have since become a fan-favorite monster in the Doctor Who universe. Their reintroduction in "Terror of the Autons" was a thrilling moment for fans, and it solidified their place in the show's mythology.

"Terror of the Autons" is also significant because it introduces the character of Jo Grant, who would become the Doctor's companion for the next three seasons. Jo's cheerful personality and eagerness to learn make her a perfect partner for the Doctor, and her presence gives the show an added sense of warmth and humor.

In terms of performances, "Terror of the Autons" features some impressive acting from the cast. Jon Pertwee's portrayal of the Doctor is typically charming and charismatic, with some great moments of action and humor. Katy Manning's Jo is endearing and likable, bringing a sense of joy and wonder to the show.

Roger Delgado's Master is a standout performance, bringing a sense of menace and sophistication to the character. He is a perfect foil for the Doctor, and their scenes together are electric.

The supporting cast, including Nicholas Courtney as the Brigadier and Richard Franklin as Captain Yates, are all excellent and help to solidify the show's ensemble feel.

Overall, "Terror of the Autons" is a classic Doctor Who adventure that is a must-watch for fans of the show. It has everything that makes Doctor Who great: a thrilling plot, engaging characters, and some classic monsters. It's an exciting and suspenseful episode that showcases everything that makes this show so beloved.

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Seasons
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
January 23, 1971
The Doctor catches up with his old enemy, the Master. Can anyone stop the Nestene Consciousness?
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
January 16, 1971
Earth, the near future. The Master - another renegade Time Lord and the Doctor's sworn enemy - arrives and allies himself with the Nestene Consciousness in an attempt to conquer the planet. But how can plastic flowers be an invasion weapon...?
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
January 9, 1971
The Doctor investigates Rossini's International Circus. The Master, meanwhile, has assumed control at the plastics factory and is manufacturing new lines of living plastics.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
January 2, 1971
The Master arrives on Earth in his TARDIS, camouflaging it as a horse box in a Circus. He immediately contacts the Nestenes and assists them in mounting a second invasion of Earth. The Doctor and his new assistant, Jo Grant, have to tackle the Autons, the Master and a large number of deadly daffodils!
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  • Premiere Date
    January 2, 1971
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