Classic Doctor Who Season 4 Episode 16 The Underwater Menace, Episode 2
- January 1, 1966
- 61 min
The fourth season of the beloved British science fiction series Classic Doctor Who continues with its sixteenth episode, titled "The Underwater Menace, Episode 2." Following last week's episode, the TARDIS and its time-traveling crew have landed on a seemingly deserted island in the middle of the ocean, only to discover a hidden city beneath the waves, ruled over by the eccentric madman Professor Zaroff.
As the title suggests, this episode takes place largely beneath the sea as the Doctor, his companions Ben and Polly, and the inhabitants of the island city attempt to thwart Zaroff's plans to destroy the world by using an artificial tidal wave. Along the way, they encounter the titular "underwater menaces" in the form of fish-like creatures and slave workers who have been forced to work on Zaroff's doomsday device.
The Doctor, played with wry humor and boundless energy by Patrick Troughton, must use his ingenuity and quick thinking to outwit Zaroff and his followers and prevent the destruction of the entire planet. Meanwhile, Ben and Polly, played by Michael Craze and Anneke Wills respectively, provide the Doctor with much-needed backup as they navigate the treacherous waters of the underwater city and help the enslaved workers overthrow their oppressors.
As always with Doctor Who, the episode is a delightful mix of adventure, action, and humor, featuring memorable performances from the entire cast. Troughton's Doctor continues to be a fan favorite for his goofy yet clever demeanor and infectious enthusiasm, while Craze and Wills bring a youthful energy and spunk to their roles as his faithful companions.
Overall, "The Underwater Menace, Episode 2" is a solid entry in the long-running series, showcasing everything that fans love about Classic Doctor Who, including thrilling storylines, exciting action sequences, and a healthy dose of humor. For anyone who loves science fiction, adventure, or just good old-fashioned entertainment, this episode is not to be missed.