Fiona Cumming Movies

While trying to take Turlough (Mark Strickson) to his home planet of Trion, the Doctor (Peter Davison) is unable to prevent the TARDIS from being drawn to the volcanic planet Sarn. This phenomenon is no accident -- in fact, it has been engineered by one of the Doctor's oldest and most malevolent adversaries. Nicola Bryant makes her first series appearance as Earth girl Perpugilliam "Peri" Brown, who sets the plot in motion while trying to sell an ancient artifact (actually an alien beacon), and whom Turlough has taken along for the ride on the TARDIS. Beginning its four-episode run on February 23, 1984, "Planet of Fire" was written by Peter Grimwade. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the third episode of the four-part story "Planet of Fire," the Doctor (Peter Davison) tries to elude the clutches of his old adversary, the Master (Anthony Ainley), who has taken on a formidable henchman, the shape-shifting Kamelion. Meanwhile, Turlough (Mark Strickson) makes several startling discoveries about his home planet Trion. Written by Peter Grimwade, "Planet of Fire, Episode 3" first aired on March 1, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the second episode of the four-part story "Enlightenment," the Doctor (Peter Davison) finds himself on board an Edwardian-style yacht, presently engaged in a race through space. The prize is the titular "Enlightenment," an element coveted by the Eternals, an alien civilization which survives by syphoning off the thoughts and emotions of its prisoners. Also figuring into the action is the Doctor's old enemy, the Black Guardian (Valentine Dyall). Written by Barbara Clegg, "Enlightenment, Episode 2" first aired on March 2, 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of the four-part story "Enlightenment," the Doctor (Peter Davison) races against the evil Captain Wrack (Lynda Baron) to win a yachting competition in space, the prize of which would prove disastrous should it fall into the wrong hands. The Doctor's old enemy the Black Guardian (Valentine Dyall) attempts to determine the race's outcome, but he eventually faces defeat from an unexpected source. With this episode, Mark Strickson officially becomes a regular in the role of Turlough. Written by Barbara Clegg, "Enlightenment, Episode 4" first aired on March 9, 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the second episode of the four-part story "Snakedance," the Doctor (Peter Davison) has lost control of the TARDIS, which is in the hands of his companion, Tegan (Janet Fielding) -- who, in turn, has become the mind-slave of the malignant force Mara. Arriving on the planet Manussa, the brainwashed Tegan prepares to help the Mara use a local celebration to revitalize itself to its full malevolent power. Written by Christopher Bailey, "Snakedance, Episode 2" first aired on January 19, 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion to the four-part story "Snakedance," the Doctor (Peter Davison) prepares for a showdown with the malignant mind-force Mara on the planet Manussa. First, however, the Doctor must find the "still point" within himself. Even if he succeeds in this, is it too late to rescue Tegan (Janet Fielding), whose mind has been enslaved by the insidious Mara? Written by Christopher Bailey, "Snakedance, Episode 4" first aired on January 26, 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the third episode of the four-part story "Castrovalva," the titular planet has become a temporary home for the TARDIS crew, at least until the Doctor's (Peter Davison) latest regeneration is complete. Unfortunately, Castrovalva is not a planet at all, but instead a huge Block Transfer Computation, created by a brainwashed Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) at the behest of the Doctor's old enemy, the Master (Anthony Ainley). Written by Christopher H. Bidmead, "Castrovalva, Episode 3" originally aired on January 11, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Peter Davison takes over as Doctor Who in "Castrovalva," the opening adventure of the series' 19th season. Escaping from the planet Logopolis with his companions, the Doctor gradually discovers that his latest regeneration has not been entirely successful. While seeking refuge until the transformation is complete, the Doctor, Tegan (Janet Fielding), and Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) are separated from Adric (Matthew Waterhouse), who has fallen into the clutches of the Doctor's old nemesis, the Master (Anthony Ainley). Written by Christopher H. Bidmead, "Castrovalva, Episode 1" originally aired on January 4, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Although she refuses to acknowledge the fact, Cally (Jan Chappell) is in the telepathic thrall of a derelict space vessel. Things heat up when the artificially sustained intelligence of the ship's long-deceased navigator causes Cally to behave in a near-homicidal manner toward the other crew members of the Liberator. One of the few Blakes 7 episodes to dispense with a guest-supporting cast, "Sarcophagus" was originally broadcast on March 3, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The oft-filmed Robert Louis Stevenson novel The Master of Ballantrae was given its first British TV miniseries treatment in 1971. Set in 18th century Scotland, the story concerned a pair of brothers, James and Henry, who became separated when Henry enlisted in the service of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Upon being misinformed that Henry was killed, the covetous James set himself up as Master of Ballantrae hall. The series' six 50-minute episodes were devoted to Henry's efforts to reclaim his birthright and settle accounts with his usurping sibling. The Master of Ballantrae was a presentation of the BBC. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi