| THE KEYS OF MARINUS by Terry Nation |
| Story 5 Synopsis: The TARDIS lands on Marinus, and the travellers meet Arbitan, who protects the Conscience, a machine that protects life on the planet. To use the machine requires five keys, which are scattered all over the world. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Susan are sent to recover the keys, but get into some tricky escapes along the way. When they return, Arbitan is dead, and the Voord, led by Yartek, want to use the Conscience to control Marinus. Ian is forced to hand over the keys, but by substituting one as a fake, Ian causes the Conscience to blow up, thwarting the Voord. |
| Review:- Hey, it's old man Nation, and the first quest tale. Although the various locations are diverse and interesting, and all the regulars get used to propel the plot, the whole thing just feels so dull. I am going to think of something worth mentioning about this story... um, nothing's coming to mind. For those who may love loose ends getting tied up, it should be remembered that in DWM's comic strip, The World Shapers, the Voord hijack a machine that changes their planet, and they become the Cybermen, in a surprisingly dramatic break with tradition. ADDITIONAL - Having now actually seen the story, I should say a bit more. The differing locations all provide a new impetus each week, reminiscent of the American anthology show format. Arbitan's death in the 1st episode lends a gloomy air to the quest, as the travellers are blissfully unaware of the danger. The conclusion to the 3rd episode, with Ian and Barbara frantically searching for a lost key in a laboratory, has uncanny echoes of The Crystal Maze, only about 25 years early. The snow zone is rather strange for the warriors protecting their key. Without any explanation, their revival and pursuit is understandable but mysterious. The judicial system of Millennius seems rather silly, though in time-honoured tradition, the Doctor has to catch the murderer with the evidence - supposition is not enough. Whether Altos and Sabetha would make a better job in bringing Marinus together without the Conscience is the stuff of sequels. The Voord masks resembling skulls was rather eye-catching. At least the story improves as it goes on, after a rather dodgy opening episode. |
| Disclaimer: I have read the novelisation. |