The Invasion

Following his appearance in 1968 in "The Web of Fear," Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart became a firm favorite with Doctor Who's many viewers. So, it is fitting that he should return - this time in the guise of actor - creator Nicholas Courtney. On this special video, Nicholas introduces the character's second appearance, his narrative bridging the gaps in this original 8 part adventure left by the loss of episodes 1 and 4. Originally broadcast November 2nd - December 21st, 1968, "The Invasion" can go ahead at last on BBC Video . . .

When the Doctor, Zoe and Jamie investigate the mysterious disappearance of an eminent scientist, their search takes them to International Electromatics, a powerful firm run by the sinister Tobias Vaughn. Under surveillance by the Brigadier's top secret United Nations Intelligence Task Force (UNIT), it soon becomes apparent that there is more to Vaughn's activities than meets the eye. Just who ware his mysterious allies? What is lurking down the sewers of London? Is the Doctor ready to face an old enemy once more?

• "The Invasion" is an 8 part story with only 6 remaining episodes in existence.   Episodes 1 and 4 are still missing (although they DO exist as off air audio recordings).  Nicholas Courtney (Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart) provided short narrating links for the two missing episodes.

• This story is the very first U.N.I.T. story ever done.  The character of the Brigadier had appeared the previous year, but as Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart.  At the time he was part of the British Army and helped the Doctor defeat the Great Intelligence in "The Web of Fear."  Apparently, after that incident, U.N.I.T. (United Nations Intelligence Taskforce) was formed and the Brigadier signed on.

• This story served as a test for what would later become a standard of the Pertwee era, Earth/U.N.I.T. based stories.

• Watch for the particularly effective cliffhanger for episode #6 as Cybermen emerge from the sewers and invade the deserted streets of London.

• Although still tame by today's standards, Kevin Stoney gave a very sadistic and abusive (and effective) performance as Tobias Vaughn.

• And, if you look closely, you'll see the first appearance of John Levene as Sergeant Benton (then a Corporal) who would later appear in most of the Pertwee/U.N.I.T. stories of the 70's.