Ep 21. The Twin Dilemma: Part 1

After saving the universe, the Doctor regenerates into his sixth incarnation, portrayed by Colin Baker, in the first episode of season 21 of Classic Doctor Who. The Twin Dilemma: Part 1 follows the Doctor's post-regeneration trauma as he navigates his new personality traits and physical appearance.

The Doctor's companion, Peri played by Nicola Bryant, is understandably confused and worried about the sudden change in the Doctor's demeanor and appearance. The Time Lord is convinced that he needs to rest and recover from his regeneration but finds himself roped into a distress call from one of his former colleagues, Azmael.

Azmael is a scientist living on an asteroid called Jaconda, where he is working on a secret project. The Doctor and Peri arrive at Jaconda and discover that something sinister is going on. The planet has been taken over by an evil entity called Mestor, who has enslaved the Jacondan inhabitants to do his bidding.

Mestor is actually a giant slug-like creature from the planet Lakertya, and he has big plans for the galaxy. The Doctor and Peri must navigate through Jaconda's treacherous landscape to uncover the truth about Mestor's plans and to stop him before it's too late.

The Twin Dilemma: Part 1 is a unique episode in the Doctor Who canon, as it deals with the aftermath of regeneration and the difficulty of adjusting to a new persona. The sixth Doctor's abrasive and unpredictable behavior is on full display, which initially alienates Peri and makes it difficult for her to trust him.

Additionally, the episode introduces several new characters, including Azmael, his assistant Romulus, and the Jacondans. These characters play important roles in the overall story arc of the season, which centers around the Doctor's quest to find and destroy Mestor before he can carry out his evil plan.

The setting of Jaconda is also notable, as it features several unique elements such as the giant wasp-like creatures called Gastropods that are used by Mestor to control the population. The landscape is treacherous and difficult to navigate, which adds a sense of urgency to the Doctor's mission.

Overall, The Twin Dilemma: Part 1 is a must-watch episode for any Doctor Who fan, as it introduces a new era in the show's history with a unique storyline and characters. The episode sets the stage for future seasons and provides insight into the challenges that the Doctor faces after a regeneration.