By Richard Sellers
Just when it looks like all is lost Janos’ “Doctor” personality manifests it’s self and he opens the doors allowing Steven and Dodo to drag The Doctor to safety. Outside they run into one of the outsiders, Chal, who helps Dodo take The Doctor back to the caves as Steven holds off the coming guards. Jano reasserts himself and joins the guards in chasing out travelers all the way back to the outsider’s caves.
Inside the caves Steven gives The Doctor some medicine and he finally comes out of his stupor. The doctor declares that no one should worry and that soon a friend would be joining them. Outside Janos orders the guards back to the city and promises to personally escort our travelers back to the city as prisoners.
At this point I was sure that we were going to find out that The Doctor’s mind was split between him and Janos, but it was much more mundane than that. Janos simply got The Doctors conscious and was felt really bad about how the city dwellers were using the outsiders. He enters the cave and asks our heroes for help in destroying the lab and all the equipment used for the siphoning of life energy. Of course they agree and head back to the city posing as Janos’ prisoners.
Once back in the city the saboteurs easily make it to the labs were the scientists are explaining to the elders about Janos’ experiment with The Doctor’s energy. After a brief argument Janos seals the door and everyone start smashing everything. In the ensuing chaos Steven save Janos from a guard and when the dust has settled nothing but rumble remains.
Somehow the Chal and the outsiders make their way into the lab and he and Janos make a pact to form a new society with everyone as equals. They ask The Doctor to stay on and lead them, but he declines, instead suggesting Steven take the honor. After a bit of cajoling Steven accepts and with a few tears The Doctor and Dodo return to the Tardis.
I can’t believe they used this crappy arch to say goodbye to the best companion so far. I always felt that Steven was somewhat under used, but way less annoying than any of the others. He will be missed.
#120 Doctor Who S03E9P4/ The Savages part 4
Original air date: June 18th, 1966
*reconstruction*
3/5 jiminy crickets
As Always, Richard
