COURT INTRIGUE!

King Richard (Julian Glover) faces trouble from his sister Joanna (Jean Marsh).

In the troubled Jaffa-based court of the fiery King Richard the Lionheart (Julian Glover), his sister Joanna (Jean Marsh) is implicated in a special marriage arrangement conceived as a peace gesture by her brother with the Saracen leader Saphadin, done without her knowledge and consent, during explosive events within the middle episodes to The Crusade.

One of the all-time greats, with two surviving episodes, this superb historical story by David Whitaker has been poorly treated by the BBC this past thirty years. The audio release had poor sound quality (likely the best that could be done at the time, but which might be improved now), it failed to get a full DVD animation release (due to costs) and its part of The Collection - Season 2 Blu-ray proved underwhelmingly represented at best. Lets hope that this situation changes for the better at some point in the years to come...

The Crusade ★★★★★ | Radio Times

Get the William Russell narrated audio LP from Demon Records, out now.

Doctor Who: The Crusade 2LP Green & Yellow Translucent Vinyl [VINYL]: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

'DESTROY THE DOCTOR!'

Art composition by Lee Binding.

Having been prior humiliated and his plans thwarted by the Doctor over the Key to Time saga, there was no doubt that the evil, all-domineering force for evil that is the Black Guardian (played with relish by Valentine Dyall) would seek revenge on the Time Lord, finally catching up with him and laying his murderous traps, via his new reluctant acolyte Turlough, across three critical stories over Season Twenty.

SPACE ATTACK!

Colourised image by Clayton Hickman.

Now returned to their normal universe after the quirky drama with The Mind Robber, our TARDIS trio find themselves re-located to Earth's moon, where an unknown attacker forces them to materialise on Earth, during a tense scene from the opening to The Invasion.

I always enjoyed the teaming of Patrick Troughton with Fraser Hines and Wendy Padbury during their monochrome era - primarily due to seeing The Krotons back in late 1981 as part of the Five Faces of Doctor Who season that was such a big success for BBC 2. Its great to see the trio back within an all-new original fiction audio adventure, The Mind Trap, from veteran Who fan writer John Peel for BBC Audio. It's a fun little story that captures the aura of Season Six well, as they are pitted against a formidable alien scientist eager to escape from a unique prison to which he has been placed. David Troughton once again does a splendid job recreating his much-missed father's special portrayal/essence.

Get it here:

Doctor Who The Mind Trap: 2nd Doctor Audio Original (Audio Download): John Peel, David Troughton, BBC Digital Audio: Amazon.co.uk: Books

AN UNEARTHLY VEHICLE!

Stuck in the wilderness of what belongs to Neanderthal Man, the TARDIS, now locked in its London Police Box form, awaits the return of its at present captured occupants, in an atmospheric image from An Unearthly Child.

CYBER FIREPOWER!

Their plans to stealthily take control of the Human's Weather control base thwarted, the Cybermen, now out en masse on the surface of the Moon, have no choice but to use even more brutal methods to gain access, so as to take over the Earth, as a heavy duty laser weapon is soon prepared for use. Another great image from The Moonbase, taken at Ealing Film Studios in early 1966.

Look out for the lovely new audio release of the classic story on LP from Demon Records. Available from September 19th, 2025.

Get the album here:

Doctor Who: The Moonbase by Doctor Who: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

A FIFTH FOR THE STATES!

Peter Davison's first season as the Doctor was a veritable triumph with the press and the public in the UK, the show feeling fresher and more exciting than it had been in ages, and now it was time for the mighty realms of US TV to see and enjoy the cricket-loving, celery stick wearing Fifth Doctor's all-new adventures, as publicised in this great media publicity poster circa 1983.

Art by Wielgus for the States-side Spirit of Life events.

'MERRY CHRISTMAS!' (2024)

The original explorer of the universe, and a citizen to boot (!), the First Doctor examines his new arctic surroundings in a glorious modern art composition for the special character, and the TARDIS, that's also a perfect celebration of the festive season.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025 to all our worldwide readers!

THE WATCHER IN THE TARDIS!

Deep in the heart of the TARDIS, within its decayed yet striking cloisters area, the mysterious being known only as 'The Watcher' confers with Adric on critical events that must be initiated by the Alzarian as the Fourth Doctor's ominous final adventure, Logopolis, continues...

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 7 (PART TWO): 'ASSASSIN AT PEKING'!

Posed publicity image of Marco Polo and Tegana locking swords!

With his leader Noghai's Mongol hordes assembled at nearby Karakorum, much to the concern of Kublai Khan, the warrior Tegana, having now met the Emperor, makes his assassination ploy against the enemy ruler within the huge environs of the Peking palace, of which Khan's vizier is killed. Marco Polo, having finally heeded the Doctor's warning about Tegana. pursues his foe, where their fight takes them towards the arrived TARDIS. Tegana, ultimately defeated after a fierce sword duel struggle, commits suicide as the Noghai plan is thwarted.

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/BBC Studios.

A bodyguard protects the mighty Kublai Khan (Martin Miller).

Now at the palace, Tegana, in his role as ambassador to the Lord Khan Noghai, meets the guarded Kublai Khan to discuss the flying caravan and to ward off accusations made against him by Ping-Cho, and the Doctor's friends.

Publicity shots of Derren Nesbitt as Tegana for the final episode.

Publicity shot of Mark Eden as Marco Polo for the final episode.

Marco Polo goes into danger once discovering that Tegana has tried to kill Kublai Khan.

Marco Polo goes into conflict.

Pre-filmed stunt choreography was handled by veteran Derek Ware.

One of the earliest scenes shot for the story, the fight was captured at Ealing Studios in mid-January, 1964.

 

With Ping-Cho now free to pursue her own destiny, having discovered that her elderly husband-to-be has now died from prior taking a drug to enhance his virility, the Doctor is finally given back the TARDIS by Marco Polo, a situation that Kublai Khan willingly accepts, knowing that the Doctor would likely have won it back anyway had their expansive backgammon games continued!  

Telesnaps for the final scene by John Cura.

Having said their fond goodbyes, our heroes depart in the the TARDIS. As the blue box disappears into time and space, a quietly astounded and humbled Marco wonders where they are travelling now. "The past or the future...?"  

THE END...

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 3: ARRIVAL AT TUN-HUANG!

With his duplicate key, the Doctor and his friends are now at another way station. A posed publicity image of Hartnell from the episode, Five Hundred Eyes.

Out from the perils of the Gobi Desert, our heroes, forced on their journey to Cathay alongside the legendary explorer Marco Polo and his caravan, now arrive at Tun-Huang way station. As the TARDIS garners attention from the local populace, the Doctor tells his companions that repairs to 'the ship' should be concluded in a week, and, although Marco has taken possession of his original key, a replacement has now been crafted. Her curiosity aroused by the legendary local attraction that is the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes located at the nearby Su-Chow, Barbara follows the elusive Tegana to the dark and foreboding area, who is meeting his warriors there following his failure to kill Polo and party in the desert. Soon enough, Barbara unawares walks into great danger, as the Doctor, Susan and Ping-Cho now follow her trail...

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/BBC Studios.

A sneaky Doctor tells Chesterton about the duplicate TARDIS key. All that's needed is the right opportunity for them to escape.

Another publicity photo of Hartnell by the TARDIS prop during filming of Five Hundred Eyes.

Polo and our TARDIS travellers delight in the storytelling abilities of young Ping-Cho, in a delightful scene from the episode.

Ping-Cho receives welcome applause for her telling the story of Ala-eddin and his 'Hashashin', and how their evil reign was ultimately defeated.

Two lovely publicity shots of Zienia Merton and William Hartnell during filming of Five Hundred Eyes.

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 2: 'THE SINGING SANDS'...

The TARDIS, now en route through the Gobi Desert, in a sequence filmed at Ealing Studios for The Singing Sands.

Ready to begin his plan in poisoning the water of Marco Polo's travelling caravan and crew on its long and adventures -packed journey to Kublai Khan in Cathay, Mongol warrior Tegana, heading out to see his band of warriors waiting for him in the desert, is followed by a travel frustrated Susan and her new friend in the lovely Ping-Cho (Zienia Merton), reluctant to be wed to an elderly statesman in a specially arranged marriage which she seemingly has no choice but to honour. Soon enough though, the two are caught in the environmental dangers that the infamous Gobi Desert brings, of strange noises, ethereal hallucinations and sandstorms, that threaten their lives. The Doctor (angry that they must travel to Cathay, yet using the time to repair the TARDIS), Ian and Barbara are vulnerable and powerless to save them. Thankfully, they are rescued by Tegana, who brings them safely back to the travelling party, but they are wary of the warrior and suspect further dangers. Heading out ahead to a desert oasis, Tegana solidifies plans for his warriors to attack Polo and his expedition before they can reach the valuable supply to replenish after their prior supplies had been sabotaged by bandits.

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/BBC Studios

Trapped in the eerie wastes of the Gobi desert, Susan and Ping Cho are ultimately rescued by Tegana, the figure whom they were previously following away from the camp.

Polo's travelling camp comes to a stop as the discover their water has been poisoned by mystery bandits.

Posed publicity image, likely taken at Ealing Studios.

Ian confers with Ping Cho in another publicity image.

On set photos of Zienia Merton as Ping-Cho by set designer Barry Newbery.

Pretending to scout for the group, Tegana gets to the oasis and goads Marco as their water supply runs out. "Here's water, Marco Polo. Come for it." he says, deliberately pouring it onto the ground, as the second episode concludes.

Using a unique condensation build-up in the TARDIS, the Doctor is ultimately able to provide water that will save everybody's lives in the camp, though not before Polo angrily interrogates him, accusing the Doctor of keeping the water for himself

Marco fails to believe in Ian and Barbara's suspicions about Tegana, especially as the warlord rescued Susan and Ping Cho.

Marco Polo is not convinced of their accusations against Tegana.

Barbara secretly vows to keep an eye on Tegana.

The journey must continue, of which a scene in the episode The Wall of Lies of our heroes once more voicing their suspicions about Tegana was filmed but ultimately cut.

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 1: 'THE ROOF OF THE WORLD'!

More problems for our now stranded heroes.

Having escaped the perils of the Daleks on the dead planet of Skaro, followed by their near destruction having been caught up in a destructive space incident, our TARDIS travellers have now come to terms with each other and their ongoing situations. Newly arrived on a world they believe to be Earth, our heroes discover an unusually large footprint in the snowy wastes nearby (in the location known as the Plain of Pamir). Then, adding further complications, the Doctor brings grave news: a key instrument in  his ship had broken down and needs to be repaired with elements not currently available to him. As the group, led by Ian and Barbara, chase a mystery creature that could be the legendary Abominable Snowmen, they explore a weather brutal tundra area mountainous area (referred to by people at the time as 'the roof at the end of the world'), they are soon captured by the malevolent War Lord of the Noghai, Tegana (Derren Nesbitt), and taken to meet the legendary explorer from Ian and Barbara's history, the Venetian explorer Marco Polo (Mark Eden).

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/ Radio Times/BBC Studios.

The TARDIS, newly arrived in the Himalayas.

Posed publicity image of Susan in her opening episode costume. Colorized by Clayton Hickman.

The Doctor and Ian prepare to join in the fun that Susan and Barbara are having, alongside the soon discovery of an eerily large footprint which would end the prior second episode to The Edge of Destruction.

The Doctor informs them that the lights inside the damaged TARDIS are no longer working and there is no water supply. A piece of vital equipment needs to be mended.

Publicity image of the companions on set.

Exploring the tundra region...

Believed to be evil spirits, Tegana (Derren Nesbitt) and his Mongol warriors prepare to kill the strangers.

Thankfully, the soon presence of Marco Polo stops his plans.

Image via The Black Archive.

One of the Mongol warriors on set, likely at Ealing. 

As our heroes comforts are tended to within one of Polo's travelling caravan tents, after their bad experiences in the cold climes (notably altitude sickness), the recovering Doctor is given permission to join the expedition to Cathay so as to repair his unique 'caravan'. But by the time they reach a place of safety in the small area of Lop, Polo sees a unique opportunity and decides to use the TARDIS, against the Doctor's will, what with its unusual abilities as a 'flying caravan', to win the courtly favours of the mighty Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, to whom he's been in long and dutiful service and now wishes to be released from. On his way to seemingly make peace for his people with Kublai Khan, the evil Tegana,  however, wants the TARDIS (which he believes is a spiritual contraption of some kind) for his own ambitious and power-boosting purposes, to deliver to his formerly defeated leader, Khan Noghai, and be the cornerstone to their new army's attack on Kublai Khan's sustained empire. Of which Tegana is willing to kill Marco Polo, his expedition, and the Doctor and his companions, in order to get it...

Now in the warmth of one of Marco Polo's tents, our heroes soon find new challenges ahead with their friendly but demanding custodian.

In the company of Marco Polo (Derren Nesbitt), the Doctor begins to recover from his altitude sickness.

Tegana and Marco talk about the Doctor's soon-to-be-picked-up caravan, of which Tegana doesn't believe in its abilities, saying that it looks more like a 'warlord's tomb', and that the newcomers are clearly evil spirits!

Now a part of the caravan, the TARDIS and its occupants depart the Himalayas. Lovely art by Daryl J. Joyce.

Publicity shots of Zienia Merton as Ping-Cho, escorting Marco Polo to Cathay, newly arrived at the way station at Lop. 

In one of her earliest TV appearances, Merton would be a stand-out guest star in the story.

The Doctor and his friends hear the bad news from Marco Polo regarding the TARDIS's fate.

The Doctor is outraged by Polo's actions but the explorer remains resolute towards the older man as to the TARDIS's fate.

A contemplative Marco knows how the travellers will take his plans.

Ian confers with Marco about the situation.

Note Marco Polo is wearing the gold seal of Kublai Khan, which gives him total authority with his ruler's subjects.

A frustrated but also bemused Doctor has no idea yet how they'll get back the TARDIS and escape this time period...