Last updated 17 August 2023


Part Three

Series Episode Number: 486

World Premiere: Sat 14 Oct 1978 - 6:21pm BST [BBC One] (United Kingdom)
First Broadcast: Fri 29 Dec 2000 - 10:30pm CST [Prairie Public Television]
Running Time: 25 minutes 47 seconds

8.20 Million (UK)

Appreciation Index: 64 (UK)

Chart Position: 44 () (UK)

Recorded on Sat 03 Jun 1978 in Television Centre 6



The Doctor has discovered the sinister truth about Zanak and solved the mystery of the missing planet. On the Bridge, the Doctor meets the real ruler of Zanak.


Characters hide uncredited
Doctor WhoTom Baker
RomanaMary Tamm
CaptainBruce Purchase
Mr. FibuliAndrew Robertson
NurseRosalind Lloyd
KimusDavid Warwick
MulaPrimi Townsend
PralixDavid Sibley
MentiadBernard Finch
Guard (Pirate Planet)Adam Kurakin
Voice of K-9John Leeson
Guard (Pirate Planet)Barry Hayes (uncredited)
Guard (Pirate Planet)Billy Hughes (uncredited)
Guard (Pirate Planet)Gary Dean (uncredited)
Queen XanxiaVi Delmar (uncredited)
MentiadTony Hayes (uncredited)
MentiadJames Charlton (uncredited)
MentiadJeff Wayne (uncredited)
MentiadRay Knight (uncredited)
MentiadBrychan Powell (uncredited)
MentiadColin Thomas (uncredited)
MentiadClive Rogers (uncredited)
MentiadPeter Whitaker (uncredited)
MentiadDerek Southern (uncredited)
Technician (Pirate Planet)John Cannon (uncredited)
Technician (Pirate Planet)Clinton Morris (uncredited)
Technician (Pirate Planet)Reg Turner (uncredited)
Technician (Pirate Planet)Gus Roy (uncredited)
Technician (Pirate Planet)John Moore (uncredited)