Watch Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara
- 1978
- 1 Season
Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara is an iconic science-fiction TV show that aired on the BBC in 1978. This episode is from the 16th season of the show and is the fourth story in the Key to Time arc. The plot of the Androids of Tara revolves around the fourth Doctor, played by Tom Baker, and his companion Romana, played by Mary Tamm, who are on a mission to find the sixth segment of the Key to Time. The duo land on the Planet Tara and discover that it's in the middle of a political conflict with the ruling party led by Count Grendel, played by Peter Jeffrey. Grendel is trying to overthrow Prince Reynart, played by Neville Jason, and seize the throne with the help of his androids.
The storyline of the Androids of Tara is an engaging one, with a hint of the classic novel The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope. The planet is split between two sides of the ruling family, and the count, who wants to overthrow Prince Reynart to grab the power, captures the prince and, coincidentally, Romana. Romana, who is identical in looks and genes to Reynart, becomes essential in the count's plan to capture the throne. This countsâ plan to marry Romana to an Android in Prince Reynart's name allows him to claim the throne instead of the Prince, with Romana as his puppet Queen.
What follows is an adventure where the Doctor tries to save the situation and claim the missing segment, little by little walking into a trap. The Doctor impersonates Prince Reynart and infiltrates the Count's castle. In doing so, he meets the beautiful and intelligent Countess Grendel, played by Jane Lapotaire, who secretly dislikes her husband's power-hungry ways.
The show is full of twists and turns, and the audience can't help but get hooked into the tense drama that unfolds. Along with the interesting storyline, there is some fantastic acting on display from the cast, especially that of Tom Baker, who has made the character of Doctor Who an iconic and beloved one.
The production of the Androids of Tara is top-notch, with remarkable production design, special effects, and costume design that transport the audience into the planet's world. The show's soundtrack, composed by Dudley Simpson, adds to the fantasy atmosphere of the planet and its conflicts.
In conclusion, the Androids of Tara is an engaging, captivating, and well-made sci-fi show offering that holds up well even to this day. The show's compelling storyline, remarkable production design, and first-rate acting make it a memorable addition to the Doctor Who series. It's a must-watch for Doctor Who aficionados and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.