Classic Doctor Who Season 20 Episode 1 Arc of Infinity: Part 1

The iconic science fiction show Classic Doctor Who returned for its twentieth season with the thrilling "Arc of Infinity: Part 1." Fans of the long-running series were delighted to see their favorite Time Lord, the Doctor, back in action, this time facing an impossible new challenge that would take him across time and space.

The episode opens with the TARDIS landing in Amsterdam, where the Doctor (played by Peter Davison) and his companion Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) plan to visit an antimatter research facility. But things quickly go awry when a mysterious figure in black arrives, intent on killing the Doctor at all costs. The figure is revealed to be a Time Lord, Omega, who had been thought dead for centuries. Omega seeks to steal the Doctor's bio-signature and use it to pass through the Arc of Infinity, a gateway through which Time Lords are able to enter our universe. But the Doctor has a plan to stop him, one that involves facing his own mortality and making a dangerous journey into the land of the Time Lords themselves.

One of the most exciting aspects of "Arc of Infinity" is the return of Omega, a classic Doctor Who villain first seen in the 1973 serial "The Three Doctors." Actor Ian Collier brings a sinister energy to the role, portraying Omega as a villain who is simultaneously both powerful and desperate. His motivations for seeking to enter our universe are eminently understandable, but his methods are ruthless and even terrifying. In some ways, he serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking immortality and living forever.

Another standout performance in "Arc of Infinity" comes from Peter Davison as the Doctor. In this episode, Davison's Doctor is shown to be vulnerable in a way that we haven't seen before. He is haunted by his own mortality, and must confront the possibility that he might actually die. Davison plays this fear with a grace and subtlety that makes the stakes of the story feel all the more real. His decision to undertake a risky plan to defeat Omega leads to some genuinely thrilling moments later in the episode.

Sarah Sutton, as Nyssa, also stands out in "Arc of Infinity". Her character is a bit underserved by the script but Sutton imbues Nyssa with a quiet strength that makes her a valuable member of the Doctor's team. Her moments of bravery and resourcefulness help to balance out some of the more harrowing sequences in the episode.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of "Arc of Infinity" is the scope of the story. This is an episode that takes the Doctor and his companions to multiple locations and dimensions, including the Omega's own astral plane. The visual effects used to bring these locations to life are somewhat dated by today's standards, but they still impress with their ambition. The production team clearly put a lot of effort into making every aspect of the story feel larger-than-life and epic.

Overall, "Arc of Infinity: Part 1" is a strong start to Classic Doctor Who's twentieth season. While the story does require a bit of familiarity with the show's mythology to fully appreciate, there's enough here to engage even casual viewers. Between the return of Omega, some impressive locations, and strong performances from the cast, "Arc of Infinity" promises to be an exciting ride for fans of the series.