Ep 14. The Talons of Weng-Chaing, Episode 4
- March 19, 1977
In Doctor Who: The Best of The Fourth Doctor season 1 episode 14, viewers are transported to the late 19th century London where the TARDIS lands near a creepy abandoned theatre. The Doctor (played by Tom Baker) and Leela (played by Louise Jameson) quickly discover that something is amiss in the city. People are disappearing, and a group of Chinese illusionists known as the Weng-Chiang are behind it all.
As the duo investigates the mysterious disappearances, they meet Li H'sen Chang, the leader of the Weng-Chiang. The Doctor is immediately suspicious of Chang, noting his odd behavior and strange equipment. His suspicions grow deeper when they discover a creature lurking in the shadows, killing anyone who gets in its way.
The creature is eventually revealed to be a giant rat, known as a "giant rat of Sumatra," and it is controlled by the Weng-Chiang through a series of complicated machinery involving time travel. The Doctor and Leela must navigate the dangerous world of illusionists and uncover their plans before it’s too late.
Despite the sinister plot, the episode also contains plenty of comedic relief, such as the Doctor’s eccentric antics and Leela’s confusion about Victorian society. The dynamic between the two leads is engaging, adding another layer to the already intriguing storyline.
As the episode progresses, the plot thickens, revealing a web of deception and danger. The Weng-Chiang are not what they seem, and the Doctor and Leela must fight for their lives against a dangerous foe. In the end, they prevail, but not without suffering some setbacks and losses.
Overall, Doctor Who: The Best of The Fourth Doctor season 1 episode 14, "The Talons of Weng-Chiang, Episode 4," is a thrilling adventure that combines science fiction, mystery, and humor. Tom Baker’s iconic portrayal of the Doctor shines in this episode, along with the fantastic supporting cast. Fans of the show will not want to miss this classic episode.