A warning for the future in The Green Death. Image composition by Lee Johnson, for the Doctor Who - The Complete History partwork series.
Having only just survived his experience of finally reaching the infamous world of Metebelis III, the Doctor returns to Earth and joins Jo and the UNIT family in Wales to investigate the mysterious death of local coal mine workers infected with a green coloured pollutant substance, as well as the emergent discovery of poisonous and deadly giant maggots adding further infections. Both these insidious elements are clearly linked with the nearby expanding and corrupted Global Chemicals establishment, but how can our heroes fight such a powerful company and stop its continuing pollutions, as well as the egotist computer - the BOSS - running its operations with starkly efficient and egotistic superiority?
Meanwhile, amidst such troubles, the fledgling flies the coup as Jo breaks away from the Doctor - her true friend, her true hero - to discover love and soon marriage with a younger but equally charismatic scientist: Doctor Clifford Jones (played by the much-missed Clifford Jones). It's a heart-breaking departure for the series, and the true end of the Pertwee era...
The creepy Maggots emerge.
Jo and Dr. Clifford Jones (Stuart Bevan).
Infiltrating Global Chemicals, Mike Yates discovers the Doctor in an unusual 'disguise'!
Global Chemicals, under mysterious management from the BOSS!
Originally initiated by producer Barry Letts and Script Editor Terrance Dicks, Robert Sloman's ecological message story wrapped in subtle horror, The Green Death, has held up well all these years later and remains vividly remembered by older general audience viewers (I particularly still have vivid selected scene memories of the Omnibus version of the tale) - 'The One with the Maggots' should be the story's alternate title! All of the UNIT cast of the past three seasons are well engaged for their sadly last full time together in the series, partnered with a fine supporting cast. The majority of model work is exemplary and director Michael E. Briant's directing inventiveness is as evident as ever. Most importantly, though, this story belongs to the radiant Katy Manning. The character of Jo Grant has clearly gone from strength to strength in Season Ten and in this fine story/season climax she has become more confident in her thoughts, ideals and actions, truly blossoming as a dedicated and passionate woman. The final goodbye between her and the Doctor always brings a tear or two to this reviewer's cheeks, whilst the parting shot of the saddened Doctor heading off from the partying 'Nut Hutch' cottage into the peaceful Welsh valley's sunset is inspiringly realised.
The story's memorable and touching finale scene, as the Doctor rides off in Bessie.
Original Radio Times listings.
Listing for the story's ratings-breaking omnibus repeat.
Target Books 1979 reprint art by Alun Hood.
The first UK VHS release art by Colin Howard.
UK DVD release cover composition by Clayton Hickman.
US DVD release photo montage.
Image composition by Lee Binding for the Special Edition UK DVD release.
Original Target novel cover art by Peter Brookes.
Get the BBC AUDIO BOOKS adaptation of the classic Target novel here:
No comments:
Post a Comment