The Ark

(Series 3, Episodes 26-29)

Summary: Completely inexplicable new travelling companion, Dodo, is convinced that the spaceship carrying all that remains of humanity on which they’ve landed is Whipsnade Zoo, and promptly sneezes all over the occupants who have long since lost their immunity to the common cold.  In Act Two, the Doctor and his friends return to find the Monoids, previously enslaved by the humans, have now turned the tables.  Steven leads a rebellion, Dodo is outraged to find that she is not, in fact, at Whipsnade Zoo, and the Doctor convinces everyone to live in peace.  Except the Monoids, who rather spectacularly wipe themselves out in a bloodbath reminiscent of the final scene of Hamlet.

Watch it because: The Monoid’s space mop hairstyle.

Original Air Date: 5 – 26 March 1966.

Doctor: William Hartnell.

Companions: Steven Taylor (Peter Purves) and Dodo Chaplet (Jackie Lane).

Writer: Paul Erickson & Lesley Scott.

Director: Michael Imison.

Producer: John Wiles.

Available on DVD? Yes.