Skip to content

Classic Who S18 • Serial 6 · (4 episodes)

The Keeper of Traken

72% 1,193 votes

First aired Saturday, January 31, 1981
Production Code 5T
Written by Johnny Byrne
Directed by John Black
Runtime 100 minutes
Time Travel Present
Tropes: (Potential Spoilers!) Master of Disguise
Locations Traken
Synopsis

The Fourth Doctor and Adric learn from the wizened Keeper of Traken that a great evil has come to his planet in the form of a Melkur - a calcified statue. The Keeper of Traken is nearing the end of his reign and seeks the Doctor's help in preventing the evil from taking control of the bio-electronic Source that is the keystone of the Traken Union's civilisation.

4 Episodes:

First aired Saturday, January 31, 1981
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Johnny Byrne
Directed by John Black
UK Viewers 7.6 million

Synopsis

The planet Traken. The Traken union is a society living in perfect harmony, watched over by the powerful but benign Keeper. But now the Keeper is dying, and he senses a great evil within his protectorate. Can the Doctor help him discover the secret of the Melkur?

First aired Saturday, February 7, 1981
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Johnny Byrne
Directed by John Black
UK Viewers 6.1 million

Synopsis

Tremas claims consular privilege to protect the Doctor and Adric from execution, though it binds his fate to theirs if they're found guilty of murder. Melkur strengthens his hold over Kassia while Seron decides to have rapport with The Keeper to learn truth, and Adric finds evidence of another TARDIS in the area.

First aired Saturday, February 14, 1981
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Johnny Byrne
Directed by John Black
UK Viewers 5.2 million

Synopsis

With Tremas falling under suspicion, due to his association with the Doctor, a new Keeper Nominate is named. Now, with everything in place, Melkur has only a short wait before his full malevolence can unfold.

First aired Saturday, February 21, 1981
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Johnny Byrne
Directed by John Black
UK Viewers 6.1 million
Appreciation Index 63

Synopsis

With the merciless Melkur in control of The Source, the Doctor and his allies have only a slim chance of deposing him, which also puts the peace of the Traken Union in severe jeopardy

Signal Strength: 50%

What's this?

Also featuring:

Tremas  Melkur