VENGEANCE ON VAROS

Written by Philip Martin.

Directed by Ron Jones.

Transmitted originally: 19 January 1985 to 26 January 1985.

[Arak] "No more executions, torture, nothing." [Etta] "It's all changed. We're free." [Arak] "Are we?" [Etta] "Yes." [Arak] "What shall we do?" [Etta] "Dunno."

THE STORY

The Doctor is forced to visit the planet Varos to obtain supplies of a rare ore called zeiton 7, vital to the running of the TARDIS. Varos was once a colony for the criminally insane and the descendants of the original guards still rule, while the poverty-stricken people are kept entertained by screenings of public torture from the Punishment Dome. The Governor of Varos has been trying to negotiate a better export price for zeiton ore with Sil , an envoy of the Galatrom Mining Corporation, a greedy reptilian creature. The Doctor and Peri meet two rebels, Jondar and Areta in the Dome, and manage to avoid a number of fiendish traps. Areata and Peri are captured and almost reshaped into beast-like creatures by Quillam, the physically and mentally scarred commandant of the Dome. The Doctor manages to save them and tells the Governor of the zeiton ore's real value, and the Galatron Mining Corporation's exploitation. Quillam and Varos's Chief Officer, who are in the pay of the Corporation, try to kill the Doctor and the Governor, but are themselves dispatched in the Dome. Sil plans to invade Varos with a force from his home worls, Thoros Beta, but is instructed by his superiors to buy the zeiton ore at any price. The Governor, in gratitude for his help, presents the Doctor with the zeiton he requires..

CAST:

The Doctor (Colin Baker), Peri (Nicola Bryant), Governor (Martin Jarvis), Sil (Nabil Shaban), Quillam (Nicholas Chargin), Jondar (Jason Connery), Chief Officer (Forbes Collins), Arak (Stephen Yardley), Etta (Sheila Reid), Areta (Geraldine Alexander), Bax (Graham Cull), Maldak (Owen Teale), Rondal (Keith Skinner).

FACTS:

Well known actor Martin Jarvis appears as the Governor, he had previously been Hilo in 'The Web Planet' and Butler in 'Invasion of the Dinosaurs'.

This was the first appearance of Sil, the slimy alien businessman who subsequently appeared in episodes 5-8 of the following Season's 'The Trial of a Time Lord'.

OTHER FORMATS:

The Sixth Doctor Novelisations

Sixth Doctor Videos

Audio Adaptions

Back to the Sixth Doctor Programme Guide Back to 'Attack of the Cybermen'.