Episode #141 : Timelash

"The stories I've heard about you. The great Doctor, all knowing and all powerful. You're about as powerful as a burnt out android."


Episode 141:   Timelash.
Companions:   6th Doctor and Peri.
Air Date:         9th to 16th March 1985.

On the planet Karfel a high ranking official, Maylin Tekker, uses threats against Peri to force the Doctor to go to Earth and bring back a young woman called Vena who, while holding a precious amulet, has accidentally fallen into the Timelash - a time tunnel through which the planet's tyrannical ruler the Borad banishes all rebels. The Doctor also inadvertently brings back Herbert, a man from the 19th Century, who stows away aboard the TARDIS.

Timelash at first glance is a story with potential but other a few elements really doesn't live up to it. The whole story appears to be an homage to the writings of H.G. Wells even going so far as to have the young Wells stowaway on board the TARDIS and experience the very things he would write about in his books. It just seems a gimmick story to get all of that in one place rather than to tell an interesting story.

The story ties in to something that the 3rd Doctor talked about -  taking Jo Grant on a trip to Karfel, but was never seen on screen. In Timelash we learn that they did indeed come here and defeated the Borad much earlier. It is hinted that he had more than one companion so who did he bring?

Most of the effects seem even more basic than usual which feels like a let down. However, the facial make up for the evil Borad (see the picture above) is superb and when seen it action does not seem at all like a dodgy BBC make up effect.

Timelash, just like The Two Doctors, features a well known actor from Blake's Seven, this time Paul Darrow who played Aven. Just as then, he plays a bit of a villain.

While I rate this story as being below average it isn't so bad that I don't suggest watching it. Just don't expect much.