Doctor Who (1963) Season 25 Episode 5 The Happiness Patrol (1)
- November 2, 1988
The Happiness Patrol (1) is the fifth episode of the twenty-fifth season of the iconic British science fiction television series Doctor Who. This episode, like many others in the show's extensive history, features the time-traveling alien known as the Doctor, who is played in this incarnation by Sylvester McCoy.
The story takes place on a planet called Terra Alpha, which is a colony that has been transformed into a utopia. The planet's ruler, Helen A, has decreed that happiness is mandatory, and has established a police force called the Happiness Patrol to ensure that everyone is always cheerful. Those who are not happy face punishment or exile.
The Doctor and his companion, a young woman named Ace, arrive on Terra Alpha and quickly become embroiled in the planet's strange society. They encounter a group of rebels who are fighting against Helen A's regime, as well as the mysterious Kandyman, a candy-themed robot who serves as one of Helen A's enforcers.
As the Doctor and Ace explore Terra Alpha and try to unravel the secrets of the Happiness Patrol and the Kandyman, they discover that there is more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye. They must navigate a complex web of political intrigue and personal vendettas, all while trying to save the people of Terra Alpha from a fate worse than death.
The episode is notable for its surreal and darkly comedic tone, as well as its commentary on the dangers of utopian societies. It also features a number of memorable characters, including the menacing Helen A, the plucky rebel leader Earl Sigma, and the sinister Kandyman.
Overall, The Happiness Patrol (1) is a classic example of Doctor Who at its most inventive and thought-provoking. It offers a unique blend of science fiction, horror, and political satire, all wrapped up in the show's trademark sense of adventure and whimsy. Fans of the series are sure to find plenty to enjoy in this thrilling and engaging episode.
