Writer: Brian Hayles
Original Broadcast Date: 11 November 1967 - 16 December 1967
In the distant future the earth has descended into another ice age and the TARDIS lands near Brittanicus Base 3300, where scientists are fighting to fend off the advancing ice glacier. Deep beneath the glacier, something sleeps: a warrior frozen within the ice.
While by the time The Ice Warriors swung around we had seen our fair share of base-under-siege episodes, I never felt we were retreading steps with this rather chilling, atmospheric six-parter, that introduced one of Doctor Who's most iconic monster, the Ice Warriors.
Something that is established right from the start is the high tension nature of this story, which doesn't get in the way of light-hearted moments (see the Doctor landing the TARDIS sideways and Jamie, Victoria and him having to climb out of the TARDIS), allowing for each regular to shine. Whether its Jamie's plead for Victoria to wear tighter clothes, Victoria faking crying to secrete her conversation with the Doctor, or the Doctor failing to pull a lid off a bottle of poison, there are many scenes throughout that remind us of the almost homely feel of the trio, something that never felt quite there with previous companions Ben and Polly.
In their debut, the Ice Warriors are brilliant, from the costume design to their voices, they stun and intrigue you whilst being rather frightening. The special effect of their gun's fire is surprisingly good, and is a neat visual effect that adds to the polish of the story.
There are some heavy undertones present in this story, tying into the conclusion with a well-handled moral, that didn't feel an afterthought at all, but a well construed, and developed idea, while not making itself too obvious with the perfect balance of subtlety.
By the end of its six parts, The Ice Warriors had offered a great base-under-siege, with high stakes and tension, a frightening monster, deep undertones, and a great use and exploration of a highly atmospheric setting, while never under or overstaying its welcome.
9.5/10
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