Fury from the Deep [TV/1968.3.16 ~ 4.20]

★★★★☆

  Fury from the Deep stands out from the rest of Season 5 because its base-under-siege story feels different. The threat is not so much a tangible, understandable monster as an inexplicable force, perhaps a force of nature or someting supernatural -- something no one quite knows the identity of. It's immediately much more frightening than Cybermen, I'll tell you that. There's a look in the Doctor's eyes, a particularly spooked and worried sparkle in his eyes, that sell so well the threat of what is ostensibly sentient seaweed and foam. Surviving footage shows how the production managed to bring this insane concept into life... and it's incredibly effective. The image of foam rising from below in an enclosed space is a horrifying concept, and so is being suffocated by gas coming from the mouths of the possessed. Director Hugh David obviously knew what the material called for; I consider it to be an indication of fantastic direction when even a handful of surviving telesnaps show me just how tense and well-shot this serial was. 

  I've always had fond memories of Fury from the Deep, and it makes me so happy that my sentiment hasn't changed after all these years. No matter how you experience it, audio or telly, it's such an engrossing and fun experience. All the regulars are on top form, the antagonising force is absolutely terrifying (and brought to life remarkably well), and the pace is stellar. Moreover, we get one of the best companion departures of the classic era; Victoria feels like a genuine human being in this one, moreso than most characters end up being in Dr. Who as a whole, as she expresses fear and fatigue over the constantly dangerous lifestyle inside the TARDIS. It's so obvious that the decision is hurting her so much inside, and yet she ultimately follows her heart. I'm so glad that Deborah Watling got to have a standout serial for her character as her swansong, and deliver a fittingly amazing performance. What's even cooler is that this adventure ends up being a double middle finger to everyone who complained about her being just a "screamer" -- her screams are integral to the plot and actually end up saving everybody! Talk about doubling down on what fans hate -- I unironically love it when Who spits in the face of entitled fans, I really do. Personal vitriol aside, I think Fury from the Deep is a marvellous Troughten era serial. Creepy, exciting, and touching... ticks pretty much most of the big boxes, really.