The Invasion of Time

The Invasion of Time
by David Agnew
Originally Broadcasted: February 4th-March 11th, 1978

The Doctor and Leela land on Gallifrey were the Doctor immediately tries to claim the right to the Presidency. And so, the Doctor becomes President. But why does he want to be President, and just why is he acting so strange? Turns out there's more than just politics at hand...

The first few episodes of The Invasion of Time have to be some of the most mysterious ever shown on Doctor Who. The Doctor right from the get-go is mysterious and almost appears to be acting slightly villainous. He rightfully becomes President (in a manner that is hastily explained) and starts barking orders at any Time Lord he can find. Well it turns out he's been working for the Vardans, a shiny alien race apparently made out of tin foil, who end up being nothing more than screaming humanoids. Fortunately, the Doctor was just putting on an act, as as a way to lure in and destroy the Vardans. One thing The Invasion of Time is great at though, is throwing a few surprises in. Just when the Vardans are defeated, the Sontarans appear! Turns out they were ordering the Vardans all the time. A first time viewer of this serial certainly wouldn't see that twist coming! Other than the reappearance of the Sontarans, this serial is also memorable for the departure of Leela. Turns out during this whole life or death situation on Gallifrey, she developed a relationship with Time Lord guard Andred. Sadly, their progressing love is not shown on screen. This story was really the first time the inner depths of the TARDIS were explored. Sadly the inner depths of the TARDIS are not futuristic sets, but rather a disused mental hospital... It's cheap, but it actually does add a rather creepy tone to Episode Six. The Invasion of Time was actually written as a last minute replacement by Producer Graham Williams and Script Editor Anthony Read, so it's surprising to see just how good this story is. Most six-parters start to drag a little bit towards the end, but with the constant curveballs this story throws at you, you're in for an entertaining ride from start to finish!

Luke's Rating: 8/10