Classic Doctor Who Season 25 Episode 5 The Happiness Patrol: Part 1

The Happiness Patrol: Part 1 is the fifth episode of the 25th season of Classic Doctor Who. This episode was originally aired in November of 1988. In this episode, the Doctor and his companion, Ace, land on the planet Terra Alpha, a world that is known for its strict regime. The ruler of Terra Alpha, Helen A, has a passion for cleanliness and looking happy, and anyone who is caught not smiling or laughing faces dire consequences.

Upon their arrival, the Doctor and Ace soon find themselves embroiled in the politics of Terra Alpha. They witness the cruel punishments handed down to anyone who doesn't meet Helen A's standards of happiness and are horrified by what they see. The Doctor and Ace soon meet a group of rebels who call themselves the Happiness Patrol. The Happiness Patrol is made up of people who are fighting back against Helen A's oppressive rule.

As the Doctor and Ace begin to investigate what is happening on Terra Alpha, they discover that Helen A's methods of maintaining happiness are far from humane. She employs robotic beings known as the Kandyman to eliminate anyone who's not smiling. The Kandyman is a terrifying creation that's made entirely out of candy and confectionery. He's both brutal and ruthless, and he has no problem doing Helen A's dirty work.

The Doctor and Ace decide to join forces with the rebels, and they team up with them to bring down Helen A's regime. The group hatches a plan to kidnap Helen A's pet, a small creature called Fifi. Their hope is that by taking Fifi, they can sway Helen A's sympathies towards the rebels.

The first half of this two-part episode sees the Doctor and Ace navigating the dangerous terrain of Terra Alpha. They must outsmart the Kandyman, avoid Helen A's minions, and find a way to get close to Fifi. Along the way, they uncover more about the dark secrets that Terra Alpha holds and begin to see that everything may not be as it seems.

Overall, The Happiness Patrol: Part 1 is an engaging, thrilling episode that showcases the best of Classic Doctor Who. It features all the hallmarks of the series, including clever writing, memorable villains, and iconic moments. Fans of the show will undoubtedly love this episode, and newcomers looking to see what all the fuss is about will find much to enjoy here as well.