Watch Doctor Who: Time-Flight

Doctor Who: Time-Flight is a classic episode of the long-running British science fiction series that first aired in 1982 on BBC One. This episode follows the adventures of the Fifth Doctor (played by Peter Davison) and his companions Tegan (Janet Fielding) and Nyssa (Sarah Sutton).

As the title suggests, Time-Flight is a time travel story that takes the intrepid trio back to the 140 million BC. The story starts with the TARDIS plunging through a time barrier and crash-landing at Heathrow Airport in the present day. The Doctor and his companions soon discover that the concorde jet they see parked on the runway had disappeared without a trace five days ago during a routine flight to New York.

The Doctor realises that the concorde has been transported back to the prehistoric era through a temporal tunnel created by the Master (played by Anthony Ainley), the Doctor's arch-enemy. The Master has plans to use ancient alien technology to further his evil schemes, but first, he needs the Doctor's help to repair the damaged equipment he needs to get home. The Doctor reluctantly agrees, knowing that the Master can't be trusted and that he's likely to have his own agenda.

The group travels back in time and soon discovers an alien spacecraft crashed in a jungle. The Doctor, Tegan, and Nyssa venture inside and find themselves transported to another planet. This planet is called Xeriphas, and it's ruled by a powerful alien entity called the Xeraphin. The Xeraphin are a highly evolved race that exist in a higher dimension, but their physical bodies were destroyed in a cataclysmic event. They now exist as pure energy, and their spacecraft, which the Doctor and his companions have stumbled upon, is their only hope of salvation.

As the Doctor and his companions learn more about the Xeraphin and their plight, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous power struggle. The Master has his own plans for the Xeraphin and their technology, and he'll stop at nothing to achieve his goals. The Doctor must use all of his wit and resourcefulness to outsmart the Master and save the Xeraphin from certain destruction.

One of the highlights of this episode is the special effects. There are some fantastic visuals, especially when the group is transported to Xeriphas. The planet is rendered in a beautiful, shimmering blue light, and the other-worldly landscapes are awe-inspiring. The creature designs are also top-notch, with the Xeraphin being particularly memorable. They're a unique and fascinating species, and the special effects used to bring them to life are impressive.

Another standout aspect of Time-Flight is the characterisation. The Doctor, Tegan, and Nyssa have a great dynamic, and their interactions are always entertaining. Peter Davison delivers a fantastic performance as the Doctor, capturing his intelligence, humour, and occasional frustration perfectly. Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton are also great in their roles, bringing unique perspectives and personalities to the table.

The villains are also well-written and excellently portrayed. Anthony Ainley's Master is always a delight to watch, and he gives another standout performance here. He's charming, cunning, and always unpredictable, making him a formidable opponent for the Doctor. The Xeraphin are also fascinating antagonists, and their motives and actions aren't always what they seem.

Overall, Doctor Who: Time-Flight is an excellent episode of the classic series that's both exciting and thought-provoking. It's a great example of the series' creative storytelling, memorable characters, and top-notch production values. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or simply curious about the show's legacy, Time-Flight is a worthwhile watch.