Doctor Who: The Best of The Third Doctor Season 1 Episode 2 Spearhead from Space, Episode 2
- January 10, 1970
The Best of The Third Doctor season 1 episode 2 features the second episode of the season, titled "Spearhead from Space." In this episode, the newly regenerated Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee, crash-lands on Earth and is discovered by a group of UNIT soldiers. The Doctor's arrival is closely followed by the discovery of strange meteorites falling from the sky, which turn out to be alien spacecrafts.
As the Doctor begins to investigate these mysterious alien beings, he discovers that they are the Nestene Consciousness, a race of sentient plastic entities who plan to invade Earth. The Nestene Consciousness has taken over a local factory, using plastic products to create deadly Autons, plastic mannequins that can move and kill.
With the help of his newfound allies at UNIT, the Doctor must stop the Nestene Consciousness and their Auton army before they can take over the planet. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles, including distrust from some members of UNIT, a difficult relationship with his new assistant Liz Shaw, and the mysterious disappearance of a top-level government official.
"Spearhead from Space" is widely regarded as one of the most iconic Doctor Who episodes of all time. It was the first episode to feature the Third Doctor, marking a major shift in the show's tone and style. It was also the first episode to be filmed in color, and the first to feature the now-famous Auton villains.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to excellent performances from the entire cast, particularly Pertwee as the complicated and enigmatic Third Doctor. The episode features plenty of action, suspense, and humor, as well as a number of memorable quotes and moments.
Beyond its entertainment value, "Spearhead from Space" also holds a special place in Doctor Who lore. Its themes of alien invasion, distrust of authority, and the dangers of technology would go on to be explored in many episodes to come. The introduction of UNIT, a military organization dedicated to fighting alien threats, would become a staple of the show throughout the Third Doctor's tenure, as well as in later seasons.
Overall, "Spearhead from Space" is a must-watch episode for any Doctor Who fan, and a classic example of the show's enduring appeal.