The Sun Makers

Far in the distant future, Earth has become uninhabitable, forcing mankind to colonize first Mars, then Pluto.

No longer the coldest planet in the solar system, Pluto is now warmed by a series of artificial suns. But access to the sunlight is limited to a select few... The majority of the citizens of the vast Megropolis cities are being overworked and overtaxed by the ruling elite, led by the Gatherer, and the sinister Collector.

The Doctor, Leela and K9 arrive, and discover that all is not well on Pluto. The human population is being totally exploited, whilst deep in the Undercity, a small band of rebels seeks to overthrow the mysterious 'Company' that controls all aspects of everyday life.

As the situation gets more desperate, the Doctor is forced to fight the oppression of the evil corporate rulers of Pluto. And their taxes...!

• Robert Holmes left the series as script editor after having finished writing "The Sun Makers." He would not write again for the series until 8 years later (penning "The Two Doctors" and then later several episodes of "Trial of a Timelord." 

• Watch for a great cliffhanger to episode one as the Doctor is trapped in the equivalent of an ATM booth and gassed.  

• A forgotten classic (IMHO), the Sun Makers boasts many memorable performances.  Among them are Michael Keating ("Villa" from Blake's 7), Richard Leech as the Gatherer, Henry Woolf as the Collector and David Rowlands as Bisham.   

• For a short time the production team considered killing off Leela in this story.  It was decided that that sort of ending would be too traumatic for the younger viewers.  Leela's departure would have to wait until "The Invasion of Time."