The Androids of Tara

The Doctor, Romana and K9 continue their search for the six disguised segments that make up the powerful Key to Time.

The TARDIS lands on the seemingly peaceful planet of Tara, and the Doctor claims that he is owed a holiday. While he takes time off to go fishing, Romana quickly locates the Fourth Segment.  All is going well until the time-travelers are drawn into the complex political intrigues of Tara.  The benevolent Prince Reynart is soon to be crowned king, but the wicked Count Grendel wants both the throne, and Reynart’s bride-to-be, the Prince Strella, for himself.  Grendel plots with the android builder Madame Lamia, and soon both Reynart and Strella are replaced by robotic duplicates.   Unfortunately, for Romana, she also bears a startling resemblance to the princess-which make her enormously valuable to the Count.

With time running out, the Doctor is unwillingly thrust into the roles of android repair-man, king-maker and, ultimately, swash-buckling hero, when he find himself dueling with Grendel, famous for being the finest swordsman of Tara…

• Building on a near flawless season, "The Androids of Tara" is the fourth adventure in the Key to Time arc.  It parodies the famous story of the "Prisoner of Zelda" (and quite well too).

• Of particular note is the performance of Peter Jeffrey as Count Grendel.  He really creates a villain that you love to hate.

• A classic scene to watch for is when the Doctor is coaxed out of the Pavilion of the Summer Winds by Count Grendel.  Grendel promises safe passage, the Doctor (believing him) opens the door which is immediately hailed with energy bolts.  The Doctor slams the door shut and then opens it up again and yells "Liar!" to another hail of bolts.

• This story is also available on DVD as an individual title or as part of the Key To Time Boxset.

  The Key To Time Arc
  "The Ribos Operation"
  "The Pirate Planet"
  "The Stones of Blood"
  "The Androids of Tara"
  "The Power of Kroll"
  "The Armageddon Factor"