Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders

Watch Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders

  • 1974
  • 1 Season

Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is a story arc from the popular British science fiction television series Doctor Who, produced by BBC. It was broadcast in six parts over six weeks, from May to June 1974. This story sees the Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee, completing his tenure as the Doctor and facing his ultimate challenge in the form of an invasion by a race of psychic spiders. The spider race is seeking a powerful crystal that has been stolen by one of the humans inhabiting the planet of Metebelis Three.

The Doctor and his companion Sarah Jane Smith, played by Elisabeth Sladen, follow the trail of the crystal to Metebelis Three, where they encounter a variety of characters and creatures along the way, including mutant stone-throwing giants, subterranean silk-dwelling creatures, and a psychic hermit who possesses powerful abilities.

As the Doctor and Sarah Jane narrow their search for the crystal, they soon come face to face with the spider invasion itself. The spiders are a fearsome group, with the ability to control minds and generate psychic energy. The Doctor is able to uncover their ultimate goal: to use the crystal to enhance their psychic abilities and conquer the universe.

With the help of his friends and allies, the Doctor must stop the spider invasion and save the universe from their clutches. However, the journey to this end is full of challenges and surprises, as the Doctor's past and motivations are explored more deeply than ever before.

Planet of the Spiders features some of the most memorable moments in the Third Doctor's entire run on the show. Jon Pertwee's portrayal of the Doctor in this story is both charming and heroic, and he displays his trademark wit and wisdom throughout. Elisabeth Sladen's Sarah Jane is also at her best in the story, proving herself to be a fearless and resourceful adventurer who is not afraid to take on some of the most fearsome creatures in the universe.

In addition to the excellent acting, the story features some of the best set pieces and visuals from the show's seventies-era run. The spider race is an especially impressive creation, with their imposing size and psychic powers making them one of the most memorable villains in the series' history. The action and suspense are also handled very well, with a sense of urgency and danger that keeps the viewer fully engaged.

Overall, Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is a classic example of the show's ability to blend science fiction and adventure into a thrilling, entertaining package. The story arc is a must-watch for fans of the show, as it represents the end of the Third Doctor's era and sets the stage for the introduction of his successor, played by Tom Baker. Despite being over four decades old, the story holds up very well and is highly recommended viewing for any fan of science fiction or classic Doctor Who.

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Seasons
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
June 8, 1974
The Doctor's past has caught up with him, and now he must risk death to save the universe from the evil clutches of the Great One.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
June 1, 1974
England, the near future. As the Doctor receives a parcel from South America, Mike Yates asks Sarah to visit the meditation centre where he's been recuperating. But what is the true significance of the blue crystal of Metebelis 3? And is this adventure one too many for the Doctor?
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
May 25, 1974
England, the near future. As the Doctor receives a parcel from South America, Mike Yates asks Sarah to visit the meditation centre where he's been recuperating. But what is the true significance of the blue crystal of Metebelis 3? And is this adventure one too many for the Doctor?
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
May 18, 1974
England, the near future. As the Doctor receives a parcel from South America, Mike Yates asks Sarah to visit the meditation centre where he's been recuperating. But what is the true significance of the blue crystal of Metebelis 3? And is this adventure one too many for the Doctor?
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
May 11, 1974
A highly intelligent spider from Metebelis 3 arrives on Earth in search of the powerful crystal. When it is stolen from his laboratory, the Doctor leads the chase over land, water and air to recover it.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
May 4, 1974
Mike Yates (who left UNIT after his involvement in the affair with the Dinosaurs) contacts Sarah-Jane about mysterious goings on in a Buddhist retreat in the English countryside. Soon it becomes apparent that an extraterrestrial force is attempting to reclaim a crystal the Doctor 'borrowed' from Metebelis 3.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    May 4, 1974