Spearhead from Space remains one of the most successful introductions of a new Doctor and a new era of Doctor Who. It's tremendously fun and exciting and a testament to just how impressively creative the show really can be.
Story: 11
The story effectively introduces The Brigadier, the new companion and the alien threat even before properly introducing the new Doctor. It captures this new and exciting era of Doctor Who perfectly.
Spearhead from Space, like most of the Third Doctor's era, is strongly influenced by the hugely popular James Bond films of the time. The story packs more action than usual, such as the Doctor's rather flashy escape sequence from the hospital.
Robert Holmes expertly ushers in both a new Doctor, and his companion, but also the new UNIT era, while keeping the story interesting with the new alien threat. The swift pace and the new exciting structure is probably why this is such a beloved story.
This is a great jumping-on point for new viewers, thanks to the groundwork of the show being laid down again.
Acting: 10
Nicholas Courtney begins his long stint as a regular and he is just as loveable as always. Caroline John isn't given much interesting to do but does okay with what is given to er.
Jon Pertwee is phenomenal. He confidently takes his version of the Doctor into a very different corner compared to the previous two versions and stays there for his entire run.
Hugh Burden makes for a creepy and effectively alien villain.
The Doctor: 12
The Doctor has the first of many post-regeneration traumas, and here he seems erratic and all over the place. Everything is captured very well by Jon Pertwee, of course.
The Doctor escaping by wheelchair, stealing his new costume and acting rather oddly - this is one of the funnier and more memorable stories for the characters.
The Doctor is so sassy here, confidently stealing things, trying to escape with the TARDIS and persuading the Brigadier to give him a car. The final shot is a blatant copy of any Bond film.
The Companions: 7
The Brigadier begins his long association with the Doctor here, effectively leading UNIT and helping the Doctor avert alien threats.
Liz Shaw is a rather modern woman - a scientist and a lady capable of taking care of herself. She never reaches her full potential before her exit at the end of the season.
The Monster/Villain: 10
The Nestene Consciousness is an outrageously good idea very well-executed. It's both creepy and very timely, even today. The way the facsimile versions of the characters sweat visibly to show us they aren't real is brilliant. The scene in the last episodes with the shop window dummies coming to life is so effective that I'm still scared every time I see a dummy like that in real life!
The Autons are rather effective and deadly, which makes them such a great monster for a story set in contemporary England.
The villains aren't quite as effective as their monster baddies, but they're creepy and well-played.
Production: 12
Doctor Who has never looked this good. The entire serial was filmed on film later than videotape that was the norm at the time. That gives the story a very cinematic feel.
Derek Marinmtus returns for his final directing credit. He effectively moves the show into the era of colour by utilizing all the right angles and shots to give viewers a genuinely cinematic experience.
This is also where the era of oftentimes wonky CSO and visual effects begins. The visuals often look dated, but Spearhead in Space manages to create some very believable effects shots.
Pacing: 12
Spearhead from Space flies by in a breeze. It's fast and exciting, offering loads of memorable and great moments.
Atmosphere: 12
This serial goes from exciting and funny to exciting and scary. There's a high adrenaline level all the time and when the Doctor truly gets going it never stops being fun.
Impact: 12
Spearhead from Space was the relaunch Doctor Who needed. This is where the Golden Era begins!
Replay Value: 12
This might very well be the Classic Who story with the biggest replay value. It's just as fun and exciting when you watch it on subsequent viewings as it was the first time around.
Random Observations:
This story marks the most dramatic overhaul of the classic series ever - it's in colour, has a completely new regular cast (apart from the Brigadier), a new Doctor and new people working backstage.
The only Doctor Who story to be entirely shot on location, due to a strike.
I love the showdown between the Doctor and the Nestene in the final episode. Those tentacles attacking the Doctor look very real and Pertwee acts the part well.
Score: 113/120
Shout by Ean KingstonBlockedParent2024-05-14T14:31:41Z
A great ending to a great story. I'm looking forward to watching more of the third Doctor.