Doctor Who (1963) Season 4 Episode 22 The Underwater Menace (4)

The episode "The Underwater Menace (4)" is the twenty-second episode of the fourth season of the popular British science fiction series Doctor Who, which first aired on January 14, 1967, on BBC One. In this episode, the Doctor and his companions – Polly, Ben, and Jamie – find themselves in an undersea city ruled by a crazed scientist named Professor Zaroff.

The episode begins with the TARDIS landing on a deserted beach, where the Doctor and his companions discover a hatch leading to an underground tunnel. They follow the tunnel and emerge in the lost underwater city of Atlantis, which is ruled by the power-hungry Zaroff, who has a sinister plan to raise the city to the surface and destroy the world above.

Zaroff has enlisted the help of a group of fish-like creatures called the Fish People, whom he has brainwashed to do his bidding. The Doctor soon discovers that Zaroff is not only insane but also a genius, and he has created a machine called the "Ionic Ray," which can destroy the entire world.

While in Atlantis, the Doctor and his companions meet a group of rebel Atlanteans who seek to overthrow Zaroff and put an end to his evil plan. They also encounter a beautiful Atlantean princess named Amdo, who helps them in their quest.

As the Doctor works to thwart Zaroff's plan, he also becomes aware of the danger posed by the unstable Ionic Ray, which threatens to destroy everything in its path. The Doctor and his companions must find a way to stop Zaroff and his Fish People before it's too late.

The episode is notable for its depiction of an undersea world, which was both imaginative and well-realized, thanks to the use of special effects. The story also features some memorable characters, such as Zaroff, who is played with great relish by actor Joseph Furst, and Amdo, who is portrayed with grace and dignity by actress Catherine Howe.

Although the episode has its share of campy moments and over-the-top acting, it is an entertaining and enjoyable adventure that will appeal to fans of the series. The underwater setting and its associated dangers add a unique flavor to the story, and the Doctor's resourcefulness and quick thinking are on full display throughout.

Overall, "The Underwater Menace (4)" is a fun and exciting episode of Doctor Who that showcases the show's ability to take viewers on fantastical journeys to other worlds and times. Whether you're a die-hard Whovian or a casual viewer, this episode is well worth watching.