C13S06 The seeds of doom
Synopsis
When scientists unearth two seed pods deep in the arctic permafrost, the Doctor and Sarah Jane rush to investigate. Soon the Doctor's worst fears are confirmed: the pods house Krynoids, one of the most parasitic and dangerous life forms in the universe. One of the creatures has already infected a scientist and now a hideous monster is rampaging through the Base, intent on total distruction.
When the second pod is stolen amidst the escalating carnage, it is transported into the hands of insane botanist Harrison Chase. From his mansion in England, the plant-obsessed Chase will allow the pod to split open. Both the ruthless millionaire and the rapidly growing carnivorous Krynoid are intent on infecting and destroying our entire world...
Cover notes
Even with the passing of a few decades, The Seeds of Doom consistently rates highly in fan appraisal. The closing story of Season Thirteen adds to the consistently strong horror stories the preceded it, and brings with it its own images of terror: this time, the viewer has to contend with a lumbering green monster in the snow, alien tendrils bursting from the pods, srabbling towards human flesh; people screaming as they run through gardens where every plant has a carnivorous intent. And above all, the relentless grind of the compost machine.
Amidst all this terrifying imagery, the characters in the story are all well written and expertly played. Here we have a villain who is truly ice-cold and ruthless, flanked by a capable henchman and a handful of terrified scientists, all with motivations of their own. The Doctor and Sarah Jane respond to this with an air of desperation and terror, and indeed we see the Doctor at perhaps his most violent as the maelstrom of events unfolds.
With a well written plot, terrifying images and strong characterisation it is unsurprising how well The Seeds of Doom has passed the test of time, and it continues to stand as an example of how incredible and unique Doctor Who as a programme can be when each element complements the others so well.
Cast
| The Doctor | Tom Baker | listed as Doctor Who |
| Sarah Jane Smith | Elisabeth Sladen | |
| Harry Sullivan | Ian Marter | |
Crew
| Written by | ||
| Written by | ||
| Production Unit Manager | ||
| Production Assistant | ||
| Title music | Ron Grainer and BBC Radiophonic Workshop | |
| Title sequence | Bernard Lodge | |
| Incidental music | Dudley Simpson | |
| Special sound | Dick Mills | |
| Visual effects designer | ||
| Visual effects designer | ||
| Costume designer | ||
| Make-up | ||
| Studio Lighting | ||
| Studio Sound | ||
| Fight arranger | ||
| Film Cameraman | ||
| Film Sound | ||
| Film Editor | ||
| Script Editor | Robert Holmes | |
| Designer | ||
| Designer | ||
| Producer | Philip Hinchcliffe | |
| Director |
DVD Extras
| commentary track | ||
| photo gallery | ||
| Radio Times listings | ||
| Coming Soon | A look at an upcoming Doctor Who DVD release: |
Special Edition DVD Extras
BluRay Extras
Loose Canon Extras
Commentary
| serial code : | 4L |
| episode count : | 6 |
| initial broadcast date : | 1976-01-01 |
| DVD release date : | |
| DVD SE release date : | |
| BluRay release date : | |
| part of the x boxset | |