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Classic Who S1 • Serial 8 · (4/6 episodes intact)

The Reign of Terror

Other variations of this story: The Reign of Terror (Animated Reconstruction), The Reign of Terror (BBC Audio Soundtrack)

3.10/ 5 342 votes

First aired Saturday, August 8, 1964
Production Code H
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Henric Hirsch
Runtime 150 minutes
Story Type Series Finale
Time Travel Past
Tropes: (Potential Spoilers!) Pure Historical Celebrity Historical
Inventory: (Potential Spoilers!) Signet ring
Locations Earth France Paris
Synopsis

The TARDIS materialises not far from Paris in 1794 — one of the bloodiest years following the French Revolution of 1789. The travellers become involved with an escape chain rescuing prisoners from the guillotine and get caught up in the machinations of an English undercover spy, James Stirling — alias Lemaitre, governor of the Conciergerie prison.

6 Episodes:

First aired Saturday, August 8, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Henric Hirsch
UK Viewers 6.9 million
Appreciation Index 58

Synopsis

The TARDIS lands during the French Revolution, where Ian, Barbara, and Susan become caught up in the politics of the day. When they are arrested and set to be executed, the Doctor must take on the disguise of a public official to try and save their lives.

First aired Saturday, August 15, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Henric Hirsch
UK Viewers 6.9 million
Appreciation Index 54

Synopsis

Susan, Ian and Barbara are sentenced to be guillotined but an encounter with a dying English prisoner may offer Ian a chance of survival.

First aired Saturday, August 22, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Henric Hirsch
UK Viewers 6.9 million
Appreciation Index 55

Synopsis

Susan and Barbara are rescued by Jules and Jean, two members of the escape chain, while the Doctor gains access to the prison by posing as a revolution official.

First aired Saturday, August 29, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Henric Hirsch
UK Viewers 6.4 million
Appreciation Index 53

Synopsis

The Doctor is forced into a meeting with Robespierre while Barbara's attempts to find a physician for Susan result in them being betrayed.

First aired Saturday, September 5, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Henric Hirsch
UK Viewers 6.9 million
Appreciation Index 53

Synopsis

Ian finds himself held prisoner by the treacherous Leon while the Doctor attempts to engineer Susan and Barbara's escape.

First aired Saturday, September 12, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Henric Hirsch
UK Viewers 6.4 million
Appreciation Index 55

Synopsis

Ian finally delivers his message to James Stirling but in order to secure Susan's release he and Barbara are forced into a dangerous spying mission.

Ratings are from TARDIS Guide members only.

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