Doctor Who: Battlefield (BBC-1 6-27 Sep 1989, with Jean Marsh)

Published

7 years ago

July 5, 2017

One of the final stories from original era Who, Battlefield is an effects heavy slice of King Arthur mythology given an alternate dimensional twist.

As the 4 parter opens, the Doctor (played by Sylvester McCoy) and Ace (Sophie Aldred) land the TARDIS in the village of Carbury after locking on to a distress signal. It isn’t too long before the Doctor realises that something is seriously amiss, especially when a bunch of UNIT troops get caught up in a battle with a group of knights who have arrived from another dimension. In fact so great is the trouble that the Doctor decides that Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (played by Nicholas Courtney) needs to emerge out of his retirement. The Doctor discovers that the evil Queen Morgaine (Jean Marsh clearly relishing the role) and thinking that her evil henchmen – a demon known as The Destroyer is the one to achieve it.

production details
UK / BBC One / 4×25 minute episodes / Broadcast 6-27 September 1989

Writer: Ben Aaronovitch / Production Design: Martin Collins / Director: Michael Kerrigan

Series: Doctor Who Season 26 Episodes 1-4

cast
Sylvester McCoy as The Doctor
Sophie Aldred as Ace
Jean Marsh as Morgaine
Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart
Angela Bruce as Brigadier Winifred Bambera
Christopher Bowen as Mordred
Marcus Gilbert as Ancelyn
Ling Tai as Shou Youing

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Alastair James

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.