Doctor Who (1963) Season 16 Episode 14 The Androids of Tara (2)

The Doctor and his companion Romana have landed on the planet of Tara, where they become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the royals who control the land. In the previous episode, we were introduced to a world where androids played a significant role in the functioning of society. The Doctor and Romana had stumbled upon a scheme by the sinister Count Grendel to replace the rightful prince with an android duplicate. In this second episode, the action picks up where we left off.

The Doctor and Romana quickly realize that there is a whole network of androids on Tara, and they must be careful not to reveal themselves as intruders. At the same time, they must work to unravel the complex web of political intrigue that surrounds the royal family. The Prince, who is being held captive by Grendel, is the only one who can legitimately ascend to the throne. However, Grendel has his sights set on the throne himself and has enlisted the help of a team of androids to impersonate the Prince and take over the kingdom.

Things become even more complicated when Romana is mistaken for the missing Princess Strella, a spitting image of the time Lord. Strella was abducted by Grendel and his forces, and her return could tilt the balance of power in the kingdom. Romana is forced to continue the charade of being princess Strella to maintain cover while keeping a watchful eye on Grendel's movements.

Through a series of daring escapades and clever ploys, the Doctor and Romana manage to thwart Grendel's plans and save the day. Along the way, they are assisted by the brave swordsmen of Tara and the part-time android mechanic, Lamia. In a climactic final act, the androids and their human allies come face to face, with Grendel and his accomplices on one side and the Doctor and the defenders of Tara on the other.

The Androids of Tara (2) is an action-packed episode that capitalizes on the strengths of the Doctor Who franchise. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the use of androids as a central element adds an interesting technological twist to the world of Tara. The Doctor and Romana are at their creative best, using their intellect and cunning to navigate through the many obstacles they face.

The production values of the show are top-notch in this episode. The costuming and set design of Tara are visually captivating, bringing the world to life in exquisite detail. The androids themselves are works of art, beautifully crafted with a fine attention to detail. The sword fights and action sequences are choreographed with precision, making for some truly exciting scenes.

One of the strengths of Doctor Who as a series is its ability to tackle complex themes without losing the sense of adventure and excitement that makes it such a beloved show. The Androids of Tara (2) does not disappoint in this regard. The episode explores themes of power and control, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and the hidden dangers of trusting those in positions of authority.

In conclusion, The Androids of Tara (2) is a must-watch episode for fans of Doctor Who. It is a thrilling adventure that captures the essence of the series while introducing a few new elements that keep things fresh and exciting. With top-notch production values, complex themes, and engaging characters, this episode is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.