Fury from the Deep : Episode 6
First Broadcast April 20th, 1968 @ 5.15pm (6.9m viewers)
This episode sees the departure of Victoria Waterfield, companion of the Second Doctor. The final part of this six episode story is largely focused, on Victoria as she provides the solution to overcome the weed creature. Originally introduced in ‘The Evil of the Daleks’ Victoria was orphaned following her father’s death at the hands of the Daleks. She would then come under the care of the Doctor and Jamie but unfortunately their adventurous lifestyle meant that at a young age she had to encounter a number of monstrous creations. As well as the Daleks she would meet the Cybermen, the Yeti (twice) and the Ice Warriors, plus Salamander and the Weed Creature. It’s no wonder she screamed so much!
Fortunately, Victoria’s screams would prove to be the perfect antidote to repel the Weed Creature in this concluding episode. The whispery tones used by Robson are unnerving and would later be recaptured for the Sea Devils. It is a shame that this story is largely absent from the archives, save for a few clips and the scene of Oak and Quill attacking Mrs. Harris, one of the most terrifying sequences in the programme’s history. Also still surviving is footage from the Ealing studios of the Weed Creature attacking the control room from this final episode. Although not all televised footage it gives an indication of the spectacular foam effects used and shows the Weed Creature itself which looks rather impressive and was worn by visual effects designer Peter Day having designed the X shaped costume.
Memorable Moment (Spoiler Warning)
Victoria’s departure has a significant proportion of time allocated to it, compare it to the departure of Leela for example, and is deeply touching. She struggles with the decision, tears welling up in her eyes and the Doctor in his wisdom gives her time to consider her decision. Jamie, being so fond and protective of her, is hurt and tries to persuade her not to stay in a very emotional scene which is a credit to both actors, Frazer Hines, and Deborah Watling. It is however only fitting that this frightened orphan would stay with the Harrises who can finally provide the safe family environment that the Doctor and Jamie sadly could not, bringing her seventh and final story to a close.
Cast:
The Doctor – Patrick Troughton
Jamie – Frazer Hines
Victoria – Deborah Watling
Carney – John Garvin
Chief Baxter – Richard Mayes
Chief Engineer – Hubert Rees
Guard – Peter Ducrow
Harris – Roy Spencer
Maggie Harris – Jane Murphy
Megan Jones – Margaret John
Oak – John Gill
Perkins – Brian Cullingford
Price – Graham Leaman
Quill – Bill Burridge
Robson – Victor Maddern
van Lutyens – John Abineri
Crew:
Writer – Victor Pemberton
Director – Hugh David
Producer – Peter Bryant
Also on this day…..
- The Monster of Peladon : Part Five
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