Nightmare of Eden

(Series 17, Episodes 13-16)

Summary: Two spaceships materialise on top of each other and the crews proceed to bicker about liability as though they’ve had a low speed collision reversing out of a space in a supermarket car park.  The Doctor and Romana attempt to mediate and salvage the situation but things are complicated by Professor Tryst, a scientist with a collection of alien slaves and a dodgy accent, and the fact that crew members and passengers keep getting mauled to death.  In the end, it all turns out to be about drug smuggling. Romana is pretty wet and the Mandrels are ridiculous Muppet rejects, but they do have lovely flares.

Watch it because: Despite its flaws, it’s an interesting morality tale about the drugs trade.

Original Air Date: 24 November – 15 December 1979.

Doctor: Tom Baker.

Companions: Romana (Lalla Ward) & K9 Mk II (Voiced by David Brierley).

Writer: Bob Baker.

Director: Alan Bromly.

Producer: Graham Williams.