The Dæmons: Episode Five

An archaeological dig from Devil's End is being screened live on BBC3 (proving that even then, their output was mostly unwatched sensationalist documentary fare). Hearing the name the Doctor realizes the danger and rushes to prevent the fateful break-through scheduled for midnight; unfortunately for mankind, he gets lost on the way and cannot find Devil's Den until it is too late. Posing as a minister, the Master has summoned what appears to be the Devil himself, bringing gargoyles (well, okay, one gargoyle) to life in the process. With UNIT sealed outside by an impenetrable heat shield, the Doctor works with what he has to stop the Master's plot.

I guess the subject matter must have been more sensitive then than now, but Doctor Who takes on the image and presence of the Devil, although is very careful to point out over and over that it is not really the devil but a race of creatures who look a certain way and are responsible for the prevalence of many 'goat-horned' creatures and myths down the years. Backs covered, the serial then does play up the danger of this 'not-the-real-Satan' and there is a good sense of danger and urgency to most of the episodes. Particularly enjoyable are the early ones where all we know is something big is out there, and we do not get to see it ourselves. As the story progresses it becomes more of a traditional thing as the Doctor races to stop the Master and some big beast while UNIT hide behind things and fire their rifles.

This still works reasonably well, and I enjoyed the outdoor locations and some of the pagan rituals that are drawn into the writing. The main 'not-the-real-Satan' is pretty well done; okay so it is dated projection but it still works. The stone gargoyle on the other hand – not so much; I did like the rather impish movement – but Blink's angels it is not. The cast play well with the sense of fear; Pertwee is convincing when he talks of the danger and I liked some of the funnier things he delivers (such as frustration at the soldier for not understanding the complex machine he is working on). Manning is also good here; okay the usual ditzy stuff but she convinces in her fear. Delgado returns as the Master and is good value again (looking very good in the dog-collar) but on this occasion someone has learnt from past mistakes, so when he tries to leg it in a vehicle this time the Doctor is ready for him (fool me once, shame on me etc). Courtney plays nicely, and Levene gets another crack at his on-again-off-again character.

A good close to season 8; a season that has been mostly good serials albeit a little bit samey in their structure. The Dæmons produces a good sense of danger and fear that it mostly keeps up throughout, even though some of the effects limit this, and ultimately the story comes down to the familiar structure again.

Overall this really is a quality adventure for Pertwee and Manning, a story of huge ideas, with a real threat in the form of Azal. I love the costumes, and I certainly applaud them for pushing the boundaries, this will have been a story that caused uproar in different quarters.

If I'm honest I found the conclusion of this great story somewhat of a disappointment, we have a force, that can keep a Master at the top of his game, kept in check by this being, beautifully described in an earlier episode as an all powerful being. The trouble is, this supreme force is undone by one of the corniest conclusions ever, it felt, in part lifted from Fury from The Deep.

I enjoyed the UNIT involvement, The Brigadier and co are on top form, the classic scene where they deal with Bok.

Overall it's a classic. It deserved another episode perhaps. 7/10

Review of all 5 episodes:

This story begins with an absolutely fantastic episode which is Doctor Who at its very best. The atmospheric, eerie goings on and brilliantly believable characterisations exude sheer class. The acting and writing are of the highest standard and the production values are good for the day. This excellence continues as the story continues into a great 2nd episode. The middle and end part of the story is slightly more variable in a way with moments that are not perfectly executed and parts that are less well thought through (such as the Master's manipulation of villagers, satanic rituals and morris dancing) than the magnificent best aspects of the story but there is enough really great stuff going on all the way through to keep every episode at a minimum of 9/10. The Doctor and the UNIT team are at their absolute peak with engaging and funny performances all round.

The story involves magic versus science with The Master using black magic incantations to summon an ancient and ultra-powerful being to try to conquer the Earth. There is a sleepy English village, a mysterious barrow, a stone gargoyle coming to life to attack, an enormous cloven-hooved being, a wonderful white witch, an impressively exploding church and some great guest performances. For example there is a terrific cameo by Robert Wentworth as the cynically gritty but amusing archaeologist Professor Horner and a funny but realistic TV crew led by David Simeon as Alastair Fergus. One such nice cameo is from UNIT technical expert Sgt. Osgood who Steven Moffatt much later intended to be the father of the character Osgood in 21st Century Doctor Who. He apparently decided against officially naming him as her father because he worried it would have annoyed fans by contradicting Osgood's life as portrayed in extended universe material although fear of upsetting fans seems out of character.

The final episode is basically all brilliant fun except for a very slight anticlimax with how the Daemon Azal suddenly overreacts to Jo's willingness to sacrifice her life for the Doctor. It is a small complaint though as the Doctor's performance makes up for it with the moral and environmental themes raised very well indeed. Jon Pertwee is exceptional throughout this story with fine support from Nicholas Courtney. There is great action with John Levene and Richard Franklin particularly active in punch ups, helicopter/motorcycle chases and shootouts. Roger Delgado exudes class and charisma as the Master and the dialogue all the way through is excellent.

Magic is in the air in more ways than one and that magic touch and charm shines through this story overcoming any production limitations or small issues.

My ratings: Episodes 1 & 2 - 10/10, Episode 3 - 9.5/10, Episode 4 - 9/10, Episode 5 - 9.5/10. Overall - 9.6/10.

Season 8 Overall Review:

Season 8 was a great season introducing the iconic villain The Master and maintaining high standards of script and fun ideas.

Season 8 average rating: 8.66/10.