Logopolis [TV/1981.2.28 ~ 3.21]

★★★★☆

  I just think Logopolis is really neat. It's a wonderful example of how Christopher H. Bidmead's storytelling -- a hard lean towards real mathematical/scientific concepts, and towards hard sci-fi in general -- can imbue a freshness to the adventure and also add a curious bit of fantasy as well. This is well evocative television, with great set design (sterile on purpose, therefore being so cool to look at) and an amazing directorial turn by Peter Grimwade (a vastly overlooked Dr. Who director in my opinion). It also nearly bookmarks the theme of entropy, which was a huge part of Season 18, by giving the biggest example of it of all: the decay and destruction of the entire universe. A plan so diabolical has the Master written all over it, of course, and Anthony Ainley gives a truly captivating performance in his debut story. Again, the script goes above and beyond by intentionally hiding the new Master from us, giving us small glimpses of him acting as a background threat hiding behind the shadows until the big moment the audience gets to see him. Again, Grimwade displays just how good of a director he is during the beginning episodes of this serial -- I cannot compliment him enough. 

  Logopolis just screams end of the universe, end of the Doctor and I love it. John Nathan-Turner went all out for his first season as producer, and the final serial of that season is proof of just how successful he was. Everything from the music to the concept of the story to the execution itself is geared towards making Dr. Who a more cinematic, thematicall consistent experience. Even the Doctor knows he's about to die this time around, haunted by the Watcher (a literal spectre of death), and Tom Baker's morose performance drives home the impending doom so well. It's wonderful that Adric has a lot to do here, being the mathematical genius that he is, helping to unshrink the TARDIS and do some other impossible calculations. Nyssa and Tegan are there (with the latter being introduced in this story), and they both get some great moments with the Master as they realise what he's done to destroy their lives. When everyone joins in to make something the best it can be, the result is truly special indeed. Logopolis is quite unlike any other regeneration story -- having an atmosphere all to its own -- and I'm very much in love with it. Then again, I love Christopher H. Bidmead's style of Dr. Who... I know many aren't. Watch at your own risk, but for those of you who like the blend of hard sci-fi and fantasy, this is exactly the kind of adventure for you.