Classic Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 23 The Keys of Marinus: The Screaming Jungle
- April 25, 1964
- 23 min
The Keys of Marinus: The Screaming Jungle is the twenty-third episode of the first season of the classic Doctor Who series. This episode was first aired on April 25, 1964, and was written by Terry Nation.
The episode is set on the planet Marinus which has been invaded by the evil Voord, a race of amphibious creatures who wear wetsuits. The Voord is after the Conscience of Marinus, a machine that ensures justice by making people feel guilty if they commit a crime. The machine is made up of four keys, each hidden in a different location on the planet.
In this episode, the TARDIS lands in a jungle on a different part of the planet. The Doctor (played by William Hartnell) and his companions, Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), Ian (William Russell), and Susan (Carole Ann Ford) are immediately attacked by creatures in the jungle who scream when they are frightened. The group encounters a man named Arbitan who explains the danger that the machine is in and asks them to go and find the key that is hidden in the Screaming Jungle.
The Screaming Jungle is a dangerous place, and the group must go through it to find the key. Along the way, they encounter deadly plants, quicksand, and a tribe of savages. The savages, however, are not what they seem, and the Doctor works to negotiate their release of their hostage, Arbitan's daughter, Sabetha.
Throughout the episode, the Doctor and his companions work to navigate the Screaming Jungle while trying to find the key before the Voord do. The group has some close calls, but they eventually find the key and make it back to Arbitan's hideout. However, their troubles are not over yet, as the final scene leaves them in a tense cliffhanger.
The Keys of Marinus: The Screaming Jungle is a classic episode of Doctor Who and is a great example of the show's mix of science fiction, adventure, and suspense. The jungle setting offers plenty of excitement and danger, and the different creatures and obstacles the group encounters keep the episode fresh and interesting. The episode also provides some great character development for the Doctor and his companions, as they work together to solve the mystery and save Marinus from the Voord's tyranny.
Overall, The Keys of Marinus: The Screaming Jungle is a thrilling episode of Doctor Who that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. It's definitely a must-watch for fans of the classic series and science fiction in general.