Christopher Burgess Movies

In the fifth episode of the six-part story "Planet of the Spiders," the Doctor travels to the planet Metebelis 3, in hopes of rescuing his companion, Sarah (Katy Manning). There he is given an ultimatum: immediately return the precious blue crystal, which he stole from Metebelis during a previous visit, or all mankind will be destroyed. Grimly, the Doctor weighs the alternatives, which include his own likely death once the crystal is given back to its rightful owner, spider-empress the Great One. Written by Robert Sloman, "Planet of the Spiders, Episode 5" originally aired on June 1, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the third episode of the six-part story "Planet of the Spiders," three spider-like creatures from Metebelis 3 arrive on earth by way of an English monastery. There mission: To retrieve a powerful blue crystal, previously stolen from them by the Doctor (Jon Pertwee), which is highly coveted by the giant spider empress, the Great One. Unfortunately, the crystal is swiped from the Doctor's friend, Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen), by a crook named Lupton (John Dearth) -- who subsequently loses the valuable artifact to another crook named Tommy (John Kane). All of this has a profound effect on the Doctor, who knows that mankind will be destroyed unless the crystal is returned to its rightful owner. Written by Robert Sloman, "Planet of the Spiders, Episode 3" originally aired on May 18, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Season 11 of Doctor Who came to a spectacular end with the six-part adventure "Planet of the Spiders." Written by Robert Sloman, this adventure finds the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) suffering the consequences of stealing a powerful blue crystal from the planet Meteblis 3 in the previous story arc "The Green Death." In episode one, which originally aired on May 4, 1974, the Doctor's traveling companion, Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen), is summoned by her boss, Mike Yates (Richard Franklin), to investigate a suspicious transcendental meditation group. This assignment turns out to be a direct link to sinister intrigues on Metebelis 3 and the first step towards a profound epiphany for the Doctor. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Season eight of Doctor Who began on January 2, 1971, with episode one of the four-part "Terror of the Autons." In a follow-up to the previous season's "Spearhead From Space," the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) investigates the disappearance of the last Nestene Intelligence energy sphere. He does not yet know that he will soon be crossing swords with a longtime nemesis, a renegade Time Lord known as The Master. This adventure introduced two new regulars: Katy Manning as Jo Grant and Richard Franklin as Mike Yates. Written by Robert Holmes, "Terror of the Autons" was for many years available only in a black-and-white version; the original color version was restored in the late '90s. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of the six-part story "The Enemy of the World, Episode 6," Patrick Troughton again appears in the dual role of the Doctor and his lookalike, 21st century dictator Salamander. Having been thwarted in his plans to rule the world, Salamander tries to make a quick getaway by posing as the Doctor. Manning the controls of the TARDIS, Salamander is almost successful in his escape -- but when all is said in done, there is only one Doctor Who. Written by David Whitaker, "The Enemy of the World, Episode 6" first aired on January 27, 1968; this episode is presently unavailable. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the fifth episode of the six-part story "The Enemy of the World," traitorous scientist Kent (Bill Kerr) has blown up the research station infiltrated by the Doctor (Patrick Troughton). Not long afterward, 21st century dictator Salamander, who bears a startling resemblance to the Doctor, makes an appearance. But is Salamander really the Doctor -- or is it the other way around? Also in the cast is Mary Peach as dauntless copter pilot Astrid. Written by David Whitaker, "The Enemy of the World, Episode 5" first aired on January 20, 1968; this episode is presently unavailable. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi