N.B. there might (or might not) be spoilers in this article!
Received wisdom has it that The Ark in Space, being Philip Hinchcliffe’s first as producer, was where Doctor Who started to tell a new type of story – where Doctor Who as Gothic horror began. Where, if Robot is a fond farewell to the UNIT-based story we’ve become accustomed to, the change of producer and script editor brought in a noticeable change of tone. I was all set to pass on said received wisdom to my son when, reminded of the stories Inferno and The Green Death, he commented ‘Oh no, more green goo’.
So perhaps The Ark in Space was not so different after all.
It is horrific though. My daughter found Noah’s metamorphosis too scary and left the room, after having sat in absorbed silence during the tremendously atmospheric first episode. I couldn’t help thinking during that terrific opener that this story would not be at all out of place in 21st century Doctor Who – and then I remembered Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat have both said it’s one of their favourites from the classic series, which perhaps explains why.
“Gremlins can get into everything, old girl. First law of the sea.”
Harry, The Ark in Space:
Part Two
The ark sets look great, the model work isn’t bad and even my son’s joyous cry of ‘it’s bubble wrap, it’s bubble wrap’ couldn’t diminish the horror of Noah’s transformation. I dutifully explained that bubble wrap wasn’t so common in 1975 (and as this is Philip Hinchcliffe’s line of argument in the DVD extra A New Frontier, it’s good enough for me!), but in truth it didn’t seem to affect his enjoyment of the story.
Actor Kenton Moore explained how the realisation of Noah’s hand transforming into that of a Wirrn’s was far from what he had visualised it during rehearsals. If it’s any consolation, for me he still acts his socks off!
That core idea, his metamorphosis into a parasitic insect, is such an awful one to contemplate that as ever with Doctor Who, you’re willing to forgive the odd unconvincing moment. As Alien and especially the films of David Cronenberg would also show, there’s always something compellingly disturbing about body horror.
“It may be irrational of me, but human beings are quite my favourite species.”
The Doctor, The Ark in Space:
Part Three
The regulars are great here too, in particular in that first episode when it’s just the three of them, Harry’s somehow endearingly old-fashioned attitudes offering a lovely contrast to Sarah’s more modern sensibilities. Tom Baker already looks as though he’s been playing the part for years.
That said, I couldn’t help feeling anxious that the Doctor’s supreme confidence in his ability to fix the transmat’s receiver terminal is perhaps a little frivolous. What if he can’t fix it – he’d be stuck on Earth with his TARDIS up in orbit on Nerva! Oh well, I’m sure he’d figure something out. (Perhaps he still has that little box with which he can call the Time Lords, although how would he find it in those TARDIS-like pockets of his?)
Green goo (and slightly unbelievable make-up) aside, the difference in tone in The Ark in Space is palpable, setting us up for what’s to come in the Hinchcliffe/Holmes years. Besides, unlike those Third Doctor stories where green goo equals something bad, this time it’s the green goo that touches Noah and sets off his awful transformation, rather than the other way around!
So there’s your new type of horror in Doctor Who – green goo with agency!
"This won't hurt a bit … Perhaps just a little bit."
Harry, The Ark in Space:
Part Two
"I like Harry's line about Sarah's injection not hurting, because he regrets what he says straight away."
"The Ark in Space is another 'Don't touch the green goo' story although this time the green goo touches him."
"Giant insects!!!"
Son of UT Rating: 8/10
