Ep 4. Terror of the Autons, Ep. 4
- January 23, 1971
The iconic British sci-fi show Doctor Who returns with its Monsters series, featuring some of the most memorable foes of the time-traveling alien known as the Doctor. In the fourth episode of the series, titled "Terror of the Autons," we are introduced to The Master, an infamous Time Lord with a vendetta against the Doctor.
As the episode opens, we find the Doctor (played by Jon Pertwee) exiled to Earth by his own people, the Time Lords, and working with the military organization UNIT. The Doctor is investigating a series of strange incidents involving plastic, including an attack on a staff member at a factory and the sudden appearance of life-sized plastic dolls. He soon discovers that these incidents are the work of the Autons, a race of plastic monsters controlled by The Master (played by Roger Delgado).
The Master, posing as a local businessman, has infiltrated the plastics factories and is using the Autons as a means to an end. His ultimate goal is to create a deadly weapon capable of taking over the minds of every human on Earth. With the help of his trusty assistant Jo Grant (played by Katy Manning) and the UNIT team, the Doctor sets out to stop The Master before it's too late.
Throughout the episode, we see The Master manipulating events from the shadows, leaving the Doctor and his team to chase after clues that he has carefully scattered. Meanwhile, the Autons are wreaking havoc all over town, using their plastic bodies to infiltrate and attack unsuspecting victims. The tension builds as the Doctor and his companions get closer to uncovering The Master's plan, but will they be able to stop him in time?
As is typical of Doctor Who, there are plenty of action-packed scenes and close calls, as well as some trademark humor and charm. Jon Pertwee brings his usual sense of wit and intelligence to the role of the Doctor, while Roger Delgado's portrayal of The Master is delightfully villainous. Katy Manning is also a standout as Jo Grant, providing a strong female presence and a capable sidekick for the Doctor.
Overall, "Terror of the Autons" is an excellent example of classic Doctor Who storytelling, featuring a compelling plot, memorable villains, and a strong central performance. It's clear why The Master has become such a beloved part of the Doctor Who canon, and this episode is a must-see for fans of the series.