Ep 12. The Edge of Destruction (1)

The Edge of Destruction is the twelfth episode of the first season of Doctor Who, which aired on February 8, 1964. This science-fiction television series follows the adventures of the Doctor, a mysterious alien time-traveler who explores the universe with his companions.

The episode takes place entirely in the TARDIS, the Doctor's time and space travel machine. After narrowly escaping a dangerous enemy, the Doctor and his companions Ian, Barbara, and Susan find themselves trapped in the TARDIS, which seems to be malfunctioning. The doors won't open, and strange things start to happen inside the ship.

As the episode progresses, the tension builds as the Doctor and his companions try to figure out what's going on. They are plagued by strange hallucinations and find themselves turning against each other. The situation becomes increasingly dire as the TARDIS begins to break down, and the travelers realize they may never escape.

The Edge of Destruction is a unique episode in the Doctor Who canon, as it takes place entirely within the confines of the TARDIS. This allows for a much more intimate and character-driven story than usual, with the focus on the dynamics between the four main characters. The tension and suspense are also heightened by the claustrophobic setting, as the travellers are trapped in a small space with no way out.

The episode was written by David Whitaker, who was the story editor for the show's first season. Whitaker was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's film Lifeboat, which takes place entirely on a small boat. He wanted to create a similarly tense and character-driven episode of Doctor Who, one that focused on the interactions between the characters rather than the usual science-fiction trappings.

The Edge of Destruction is a showcase for the four main actors in the series. William Hartnell, who plays the Doctor, is particularly strong in this episode, showing a range of emotions as the situation becomes increasingly desperate. Ian, Barbara, and Susan also get their chance to shine, as they deal with the strange events and try to figure out what's going on.

The episode was directed by Richard Martin, who makes strong use of the episode's limited setting. The TARDIS is usually depicted as a vast and expansive world, but in The Edge of Destruction, it becomes a claustrophobic and oppressive environment. Martin uses close-ups and tight angles to emphasize the small quarters in which the characters are trapped, adding to the sense of confinement and danger.

The Edge of Destruction is a classic episode of Doctor Who, praised by fans and critics alike. It's a testament to the show's ability to tell compelling stories within a science-fiction framework, while also exploring complex characters and relationships. By stripping away the usual trappings of the series, The Edge of Destruction creates a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.