Mawdryn Undead

(Series 20, Episodes 9-12)

Summary: Mawdryn has returned…but who is he??  The Brig is back, telling some bare-faced lies and teaching maths for some reason.  Tegan’s all “nah mate with the brains poking out” whilst Nyssa and the Brig are a little more open-minded. However, it turns out Tegan was right to be so judgmental.  Turlough and his Talking Crystal do some anguished sleeping though it’s not clear why the Black Guardian picked Turlough to do his dirty work since he’s somewhat inefficient.

Watch it because: Blame it on the Blinovitch Limitation Effect!

Original Air Date: 1-9 February 1983.

Doctor: Peter Davison.

Companions: Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) & Vislor Turlough (Mark Strickson).

Writer: Peter Grimwade.

Director: Peter Moffatt.

Producer: John Nathan-Turner.

Snakedance

(Series 20, Episodes 5-8)

Summary: So, it seems that we’re back in Tegan’s trippy dreams where the snake symbolism is off the charts. Awkwardly, a ceremony to celebrate the defeat of the Mara gets crashed by…the Mara.  Nyssa initiates stealth mode, people go gaga over broken pots, there’s some classic maniacal laughs and the Doctor has a stand-off with Tegan’s floaty head.

Watch it because: The snake on Tegan’s arm is truly a terror to behold.

Original Air Date: 18-26 January 1983.

Doctor: Peter Davison.

Companions: Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) & Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding).

Writer: Christophe Bailey.

Director: Fiona Cumming.

Producer: John Nathan-Turner.