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“THE KEEPER OF TRAKEN: A FAIRYTALE TRAGEDY WITH A MASTERFUL TWIST”

As Doctor Who’s eighteenth season nears its climax, The Keeper of Traken kicks off the Master Trilogy and sets the stage for Tom Baker’s departure while introducing key elements for the future—most notably Nyssa and the return of the Master. It’s a story that feels like a mix of Shakespearean court intrigue, high fantasy, and science fiction, with an atmosphere that sets it apart from much of Season 18’s more clinical tone.

A MYSTERIOUS INVITATION TO TRAKEN

The adventure kicks off with the frail and aged Keeper of Traken appearing inside the TARDIS to ask for the Doctor’s help, setting up a rather unusual opening scene. It’s half-mission briefing, half-lore dump, as the Keeper explains the nature of Traken’s peaceful society, its ruling system, and the arrival of an ominous evil. While it’s not the most dynamic way to start, it efficiently introduces us to Tremas, his wife Kassia, and his daughter Nyssa, as well as the lurking threat of Melkur.

MURDER, MISTRUST, AND MELKUR

The first episode leans heavily on worldbuilding, with the Doctor and Adric learning about Traken’s history while the plot is kickstarted by an unexplained murder. It’s a familiar Doctor Who trope—the Doctor and his companion arriving just in time to be suspected of foul play—but it at least gets them involved quickly. Meanwhile, the eerie, unmoving statue of Melkur standing ominously in the grove, coupled with Kassia’s unwavering belief in its influence, builds a creeping sense of unease.

THE MASTER HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Melkur is a striking presence—both visually as a menacing stone figure and vocally, thanks to Geoffrey Beevers’ chilling performance. The reveal that Melkur is actually the Master’s TARDIS, and that the decayed Master himself has been orchestrating events from behind the scenes, is satisfying even if the hints are fairly obvious. What’s more interesting is how long it takes the Doctor to catch on—he only realises the truth deep into Part 4, long after the audience has likely figured it out.

A HEARTBREAKING TWIST

The most effective twist of the story isn’t the Master’s return, but his method of survival. By the end, he manages to steal Tremas’s body, leaving Nyssa orphaned and unaware of her father’s fate. It’s a cruel and tragic moment, one that lingers long after the credits roll, especially with the final shot of Nyssa wandering through the halls, unknowingly searching for a father who no longer exists.

SHAKESPEAREAN GRANDEUR

Traken’s society, with its elaborate costumes, formal courtly mannerisms, and lush sets, feels more like a Renaissance kingdom than a futuristic civilisation. The throne room and the grove provide a grand backdrop, while the musical score reinforces the ethereal and regal tone. The entire setting feels like something out of a fantasy epic rather than traditional science fiction, which helps the story stand out.

A STRONG SUPPORTING CAST

The Court of Consuls is filled with memorable characters, with Tremas standing out as a highlight. He’s intelligent, noble, and quickly establishes a strong rapport with the Doctor, making his ultimate fate all the more tragic. Kassia, meanwhile, is a compelling villain in her own right—manipulated by Melkur, yet increasingly power-hungry, her descent mirrors that of Thea Ransome in Image of the Fendahl. Sheila Ruskin delivers a strong performance, making Kassia’s tragic arc genuinely engaging.

Elsewhere, the ever-pompous Seron, played by John Woodnutt (last seen in Terror of the Zygons), adds another layer of courtly politics to the mix. His voice alone carries an air of authority, making him a believable high-ranking figure within Traken’s society.

TOM BAKER’S FINAL SPARK

Despite being in his final stretch as the Doctor, Tom Baker is still in fine form here, delivering a performance that feels more energetic and engaged than in some earlier Season 18 stories. He’s commanding, witty, and still very much the hero, even if this is all ultimately a prelude to his final showdown with the Master in the next serial.

NYSSA’S PROMISING DEBUT

Nyssa is one of the best things about the story. Unlike Adric, she’s intelligent without being irritating, resourceful, and quietly independent. The serial wisely pairs her with Adric for much of the runtime, allowing her to establish herself as a capable character before she officially becomes a companion. By the final episodes, she feels more integral to the plot than Adric does, making her eventual return in Logopolis feel like a natural continuation rather than a random decision.

A SLOW-BURNING FINAL CONFRONTATION

The latter half of Part 3 builds up tension effectively, with Kassia taking control and Melkur tightening his grip on Traken’s leadership. The storm erupting in the final moments of the episode adds an extra layer of chaos. Part 4, however, is more of a slow battle of wills between the Doctor and the Master, with events gradually leading to the climactic body-snatching twist. The pacing might feel drawn-out, but it’s clear that this is all setting up the bigger confrontation in Logopolis.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

The Keeper of Traken is an elegant, atmospheric tale that blends sci-fi with Shakespearean court drama. While its pacing is occasionally slow and its opening is more exposition-heavy than thrilling, it builds steadily into a gripping narrative filled with intrigue, betrayal, and tragedy. The Master’s return is well-handled, and the final twist with Tremas is one of the most haunting moments of the era. Strong performances, particularly from Anthony Ainley in his original role as Tremas, Geoffrey Beevers as the Master, and Sarah Sutton as Nyssa, make this a memorable entry in Season 18.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• As of writing this review, this is the final televised DOctor Who story not to feature any human characters.
• This is also the final story in Classic Who not to have at least one companion from temporary Earth travelling with the Doctor.