The Earth is in terrible danger! The Master has arrived with an evil scheme to destroy humanity and silence The Doctor forever. His plan? To awaken the awesome powerof the Nestene – a ruthlessly aggressive alien life form. With their control over all types of plastic, they form into faceless automatons, a willing army of destruction easily controlled by the evil Time Lord himself. This is the terrible threat now facing Earth – the terror of the Autons.
Aided by the Brigadier and his enthusiastic new assistant, Jo Grant, only The Doctor can combat their evil power, but this is easier said than done when every plastic doll, phone flex, or chair can be turned against him. First, however, he must defeat The Master.
NOTES
This story had a working title of, The Spray of Death.
Although credited, Bill McGuirk (Policeman) does not actually appear in the story, his scenes having been cut prior to broadcast.
While working on the TARDIS, The Doctor sings “I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire”, a song by the 1930s-1960s vocal group The Ink Spots.
Part of The Master and The Doctor’s relationship is explored in the book called The Dark Path.
Not counting those meant to pass as humans, such as Channing, General Scobie’s replica, Mickey Smith (Auton) and Rory Williams (Auton), this is the only story in which Autons speak.
* Barry Letts chose to remain uncredited as director for this story.
