Ep 1. Terror of the Autons, Ep. 1
- January 2, 1971
The Doctor is back in action in "Doctor Who: Monsters - The Master" season one episode one, "Terror of the Autons." The Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee, is now stuck on Earth after being forced to regenerate by his people, the Time Lords. He is aided by his companion Jo Grant (Katy Manning) as they face a new threat in the form of the Master, a rogue Time Lord who seeks to take control of the universe.
The episode opens with strange happenings at a circus in England. The Doctor investigates and discovers that the circus is being used by the Nestene Consciousness, a disembodied alien intelligence, to bring the Autons to life. The Autons are plastic beings that can take on the form of anything from shop mannequins to chairs.
The Doctor soon realizes that the Master is behind the plot and sets out to stop him. Working with the British Army, the Doctor and Jo battle the Autons in an attempt to save the world from plastic invasion. As always, the Doctor's screwdriver is at hand to help him solve the most perplexing puzzles.
Along the way, the Doctor is faced with a number of new challenges. He must confront the fact that his Time Lord abilities are limited due to his exile on Earth. He must also learn to work with human authorities, something he's not always enthusiastic about. But despite these challenges, the Doctor remains the same eccentric figure we have come to know and love.
One of the highlights of "Terror of the Autons" is the introduction of Jo Grant. She is a breath of fresh air in the series, providing a new energy to the show and making the Doctor's foibles all the more entertaining. She's also a strong character in her own right, standing up for herself and others in the face of danger.
The Master is also a noteworthy addition to the series. He is a worthy adversary to the Doctor, with an intelligence and cunning that are both enviable and frightening. The character is played by Roger Delgado, who brings a sense of charm and charisma to the role.
The episode is full of action and suspense, with the threat of the Autons always looming in the background. There are also a number of humorous moments, particularly when the Doctor is trying to explain his Time Lord origins to Jo.
Overall, "Terror of the Autons" is a strong start to "Doctor Who: Monsters - The Master" season one. It sets up an intriguing conflict between the Doctor and the Master, and introduces a new companion who promises to be a great addition to the show. With strong performances all around and a memorable villain, this episode is a must-watch for Doctor Who fans.