Earthshock

In the year 2526, a group of soldiers are looking for a lost expedition, when several members of the platoon suddenly disappear. Meanwhile on the Tardis, The Doctor is having some social issues of his own, as one companion has decided that it is time for them to leave. Meanwhile on an ordinary space freighter, several crew members have turned up dead. And unbeknownst to everyone, one of the Doctor’s most legendary adversaries, is about to make a shock return!

First broadcast in 1982; Earthshock is the sixth serial in the 19th season of Doctor Who. The story was written by Eric Saward, and starred Peter Davison as the Doctor, with Matthew Waterhouse, Sarah Sutton, and Janet Fielding; playing his companions Adric, Nyssa, and Tegan. The story also stars James Warwick, Clare Clifford, Beryl Reid, June Bland, David Banks, and Alec Sabin in supporting roles. The serial marks the final regular appearance of Adric, whilst also marking the first appearance of the Cybermen in seven years, who last appeared in the 12th season story; Revenge of the Cybermen, featuring Tom Baker as The Doctor.

Earthshock is quite possibly both one of the most enjoyable, and also one of the cleverest storylines in Doctor Who’s roughly 60 year history. You sort of wish, that like the Doctor you could go back in time just to watch for the first time all over again, because due to the time that has passed, you miss out on not one, not two, but three major surprises.

Yes, the story is now known best for being the storyline where a companion dies. It’s not something that happens a lot of in the show. Most times companions just go home, or find another life. But here, one dies in the act of duty. It’s hard to tell if this was the first time, or even the only time this has happened in the show; but first time or not, it’s still a bit of a shock all these years later. The story doesn’t even set itself up for such a moment. It begins with said companion having a fall out with the Doctor, which creates distance between the two, but as the story develops, the bond is rekindled, which is why it’s still pretty shocking that it happens at all.

The lead up to the incident though is toyed with as the Cyber Leader discovers ways of controlling the Doctor, by digging into the emotional connection he has with his companion’s, which suggests a big flashy rescue at the end, but never comes. Plus said companion does go into the situation in a comical way, jumping out of the escape pod just as the door reaches their side of the pod.

The second most surprising point is the reveal of the Cybermen. It is done so well, with the episode leaving on the mere sight of them overlooking the situation, with that heavy dropped note, creating an explosive reveal, and episode climax. All these years later you know it’s coming however, but because it is done so well, there is still some real power to the moment. Shame it doesn’t last though. The Cybermen suffer in this story from several points. Firstly having the bottom of the helmet opaque in the leader, to show a silvery mouth, does sort of take more of your attention than the plot. Then when the Cybermen break out of their pods, well, time is a cruel mistress, and looks more like cardboard today than it may have done back then.

One of the stronger points in their favour is the strong presence the Cyber Leader has in every scene he is in. This loud almost booming voice takes hold of the scene and draws you in. And then later on in his exchanges with the Doctor, he doesn’t come across as an ordinary Cyberman; but something much more clever, sinister, deceptive; almost like an entire baddy unto himself. Something that would make Davros himself quake in his seat.

Which again doesn’t help his troops. For a robot-ish enemy, they do seem pretty relaxed in their duties. You sort of expect them to be the most disciplined army in the galaxy, but when marching through a corridor, they are not walking in step, rather just heading off on their tea break. And then there’s one scene where two guards just walk around the door. Less a disciplined regiment, and more like a couple of club bouncers discussing last night’s football, or their private love lives; kind of like these two:

Then there’s the third, and even more unexpected surprise. The story takes place in the future, but it begins underground, with the Doctor providing a brief lecture on the Dinosaurs. He then briefly notes how he would like to go back in time, and see for himself how they really died. Now of course there are many theories on how the Dinosaurs suddenly died out, with the more popular option being an asteroid.

Now of course this is a science fiction show, so that is the widely decided upon choice, go with the flow of popular opinion. But this is where the show gets really clever. It’s conclusion reimagines the event, creating an ending which is totally different to the belief, whilst also creating both a way to conclude the villains story, and at the same time lead to the death of the companion. It means that the great disaster foretold in the future, is sent back in time, to make it less harmful to the world that is in the present, whilst also keeping history happy. And the fact that they alluded to this moment in the first episode, sets it up almost perfectly, because otherwise you wouldn’t have noticed the core details, which make it such a big surprise.

Earthshock does have a few holes in it, which do sort of spoil the overall feast, but what remains is till pure gold. Yes, some of it’s effects have not aged well, but, the key moments that made the storyline, are all still here to be enjoyed. From the tragic death of the companion, to the sudden return of the Cybermen, to the hidden little cherry on the cake in the film’s concluding plot thread. It’s just a shame that we can’t go back in time, and enjoy these big surprises with fresh eyes, and experience them to the full!