Ep 19. The Caves of Androzani (1)

At the start of Doctor Who season 21 episode 19, entitled "The Caves of Androzani (1)," the Doctor and his companion Peri arrive on the planet Androzani Minor, a world affected by a deadly disease known as 'spectrox toxaemia'. The Doctor intends to find a cure for Peri, who has been infected with the disease.

While searching for the spectrox, they stumble upon a series of underground caves inhabited by gun-runners. They are then captured and held at gunpoint by the gun-runners leader, Sharaz Jek. Sharaz is a madman who has been disfigured due to exposure to the spectrox. He has become obsessed with the drug, and he is attempting to use it to rule the planet Androzani Minor.

The Doctor and Peri are eventually rescued by the military, commanded by General Chellak, who is currently in a war against Sharaz. The Doctor and Peri are identified wrongly by Chellak as weapon smugglers, leading to their imprisonment in the nearby city of Androzani Major, where they become embroiled in political intrigue.

The situation gets more complex as the events progress. There are a number of characters who are involved in sabotaging the spectrox industry for their own purposes, including the corrupt businessman and future President of the planet, Morgus, and his secret assistant, Stotz. Meanwhile, Sharaz loses control over his own army of androids due to a failed deal with Morgus, which leads to a violent climax.

The Doctor remains his resourceful self throughout the episode, although he becomes increasingly unwell due to his own spectrox infection. Peri also takes on a much more active role than in previous episodes, which only serves to further strengthen her place as the Doctor's companion.

Overall, "The Caves of Androzani (1)" is an exhilarating episode, which sets up the high stakes that will be faced in the upcoming second part of the story. This episode is characteristically well written, taking the show's usual strengths in storytelling and character development even further. It expertly combines elements of science fiction with thrilling political intrigue, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.