Ep 25. Logopolis: Part 1
- February 28, 1981
- 24 min
As the final season for Fourth Doctor Tom Baker's tenure, Classic Doctor Who season 18's Logopolis begins on a somber note, with the TARDIS materializing in a dark, overcast field. The Doctor and his companion, Adric, soon discover that the Master is up to his old tricks, casing a crisis for the universe that can only be remedied by the power of Logopolis, a planet inhabited by powerful mathematicians who maintain the structure of reality itself.
Logopolis: Part 1 is a fascinating episode that shows the Fourth Doctor at his contemplative best, grappling with the weight of his own mortality and the potential destruction of everything he has fought to protect across his tenures.
As the episode progresses, we see the Fourth Doctor wandering through the streets of London, at one point questioning his own identity as he glimpses his reflection in a passing car window. This somewhat surreal sequence is a testament to the unique creative direction of director Peter Grimwade, who expertly balances the more introspective elements of Logopolis with its fast-paced, sci-fi action.
Meanwhile, the Master is working to unravel the fabric of reality itself, hoping to open the door to another universe and dominate all within. As he sets a trap for the Doctor, it becomes clear that the stakes have never been higher for our heroes.
Despite the slightly melancholic tone of Logopolis: Part 1, there is still plenty of humor and wit to be found in this episode. Baker's Doctor is always a joy to watch, and his dynamic with Adric provides a nice contrast to the more high-stakes drama that is unfolding.
One of the most striking features of Logopolis: Part 1 is its visual design. Grimwade uses a range of camera angles and lighting effects to create an almost dreamlike atmosphere, culminating in a stunning shot of the Doctor silhouetted against the burnt orange sky.
Overall, Logopolis: Part 1 is a fantastic example of what made Classic Doctor Who such a beloved and enduring series. Full of imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and thrilling action, this episode is not one to be missed.