Last updated 24 March 2024


Episode One

Series Episode Number: 228

World Premiere: Sat 28 Dec 1968 - 5:15pm BST [BBC One] (United Kingdom)
First Broadcast: Sun 2 Nov 1986 - 11:00pm CST [WTTW 11 Chicago]
Running Time: 23 minutes

9.00 Million (UK)

Appreciation Index: 59 (UK)

Chart Position: 55 () (UK)

Recorded on Fri 22 Nov 1968 in Lime Grove D
Archive State: 16mm t/r



The TARDIS lands on the planet of the Gonds, a primitive and enslaved people. Every year, two of the finest Gond students are sent to be 'companions' of the mysterious and unseen Krotons. But the Doctor reveals that only death awaits them.


Production Team hide uncredited
WriterRobert Holmes
DirectorDavid Maloney
ProducerPeter Bryant
DesignerRaymond London
Script EditorTerrance Dicks
Film CameramanAlan Jonas (uncredited)
Film SoundRon Blight (uncredited)
Film EditorMartyn Day (uncredited)
LightingHoward T. King (uncredited)
SoundJohn Holmes (uncredited)
CostumesBobi Bartlett
Make-upSylvia James (uncredited)
Special Effects designed byBill King (Trading Post) (uncredited)
Special SoundBrian Hodgson (uncredited)
Special Sound BBC Radiophonic Workshop (uncredited)
Title MusicRon Grainer
and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Title SequenceBernard Lodge (uncredited)
Title Music ArrangerDelia Derbyshire (uncredited)
Assistant Floor ManagerDavid Tilley (uncredited)
Production AssistantEdwina Verner (uncredited)
AssistantRaquel E. Ebbutt (uncredited)
Grams OperatorRon Arnett (uncredited)
Technical Manager(TM2)Fred Wright (uncredited)
Floor AssistantDavid Collins (uncredited)
Vision MixerDavid Langford (uncredited)
Scene SupervisorRon Bailey (uncredited)
BookerBarbara Buchanan (uncredited)
Design AssistantJane Anderson (uncredited)
PropsJoe Hughes (uncredited)
PropsSheila Bray (uncredited)
GraphicsDon Shaw (uncredited)
GraphicsPeter Netley (uncredited)
Film Camera AssistantJohn Walker (uncredited)
Film Sound AssistantIan Morton (uncredited)