Ep 5. The Ark in Space: Part 1
- January 25, 1975
- 24 min
The Ark in Space: Part 1 is an episode from the classic Doctor Who season 12. Set in the far future, the plot centers around the Doctor, a Time Lord, and his companions Harry Sullivan and Sarah Jane Smith. The episode begins with the trio materializing onto a giant space station called Nerva Beacon, which is orbiting Earth after a solar flare has made the planet uninhabitable.
The Doctor immediately notices that something is wrong, as the entire station seems to be deserted. As they start to explore, they discover that the Ark, a sleeping vessel containing the last remnants of humanity, is also attached to the station. Upon further investigation, they find that the station has been infected by a plant-based virus, which has caused the crew to mutate and become unrecognizable.
As the Doctor and his companions try to figure out a way to cure the virus and save the survivors, they are confronted by a ruthless and power-hungry leader, named Vira. She refuses to believe that the virus is causing the mutation, and instead accuses the Doctor of spreading the disease.
With tensions high and time running out, the Doctor races against the clock to find a cure for the virus before it's too late. In the process, he discovers that the cause of the infection might be more sinister than he initially thought, and the true villain behind the virus may be closer than he ever imagined.
The episode is filled with suspense and drama, as the Doctor and his companions find themselves in a race against time to stop the infection and save humanity from extinction. The storyline is both compelling and thought-provoking, raising important questions about the value of human life and the ethics of survival in extreme situations.
Overall, The Ark in Space: Part 1 is an excellent example of classic Doctor Who at its best. With strong writing, compelling characters, and a thrilling plot, the episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.