Doctor Who (1963) Season 24 Episode 12 Dragonfire (1)

The Doctor and his companion travels to the distant planet Svartos, a frozen world where the only source of heat and energy comes from the underground city. The Doctor is on a mission to find the legendary dragon treasure, which supposedly lies hidden somewhere in the city. Meanwhile, his companion Mel makes an unexpected discovery of a stowaway on board the TARDIS, a young thieving girl named Ace. The Doctor, Mel, and Ace find themselves in the middle of a power struggle between two rival factions in the city - a ruthless businessman Kane and a rebel leader Belazs. Kane has hired Sabalom Glitz, a notorious space-pirate, to help him find and retrieve the dragon treasure, but Glitz has his own agenda.

As they explore the city, the Doctor and his companions encounter various dangers and obstacles. They face lethal traps in the ice palace, cross a treacherous bridge over a bottomless chasm, and flee from awe-inspiring creatures that inhabit the city's underworld. The Doctor also discovers a mysterious creature encased in ice, which he suspects might be a frozen dragon.

As the story unfolds, the characters reveal their true motivations and histories. Ace is a young girl with a tough exterior but a troubled past, which is hinted at throughout the episode. Kane is revealed to have a dark secret and a ruthless streak, while Belazs emerges as a principled but flawed leader. Glitz, who at first appears to be a simple mercenary, is shown to have a more complex personality and a sense of moral ambiguity.

The episode builds towards a climactic showdown in the dragon's lair, where the Doctor and his companions face off against Kane, Glitz, and their minions. The dragon itself, when it finally makes an appearance, is a fearsome and majestic creature that lives up to its reputation. The resolution of the story is surprising and bittersweet, leaving the audience with a sense of both excitement and sadness.

Overall, "Dragonfire" is a thrilling and engaging episode that showcases the best of Doctor Who's imaginative storytelling. It balances action, humor, and emotion in a way that only this show can, and introduces a memorable new character in the form of Ace. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode is sure to entertain and inspire.