Celebrating fifty years of Doctor Who, the world’s longest-running science fiction series, invites a look back at both its triumphs and its more perplexing moments. “Attack of the Cybermen,” a 1985 serial starring Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor, often falls into the latter category. This episode, intended to bolster the Cybermen’s legacy within Doctor Who lore, instead became a lightning rod for criticisms leveled at the era itself. While some attempt to view Colin Baker’s tenure with more leniency today, re-examining “Attack of the Cybermen” reveals a production struggling with pre-existing issues, rather than forging a bold new direction.
A crushing blow…
Over-Reliance on Past Doctor Who Lore: A Continuity Maze
One of the most glaring issues in “Attack of the Cybermen” is its overwhelming dependence on Doctor Who continuity. The narrative strains to connect various classic Cybermen storylines, creating a dense web of references that ultimately detracts from the immediate story. This wasn’t a completely new phenomenon in the show; Peter Davison’s era had already flirted with sequel-driven narratives. However, “Attack of the Cybermen” amplifies this tendency to an extreme, making prior knowledge almost essential for comprehension.
In 1985, accessing classic Doctor Who episodes was far from straightforward. Home video was in its nascent stages, and stories like “The Tomb of the Cybermen” and “The Tenth Planet”—central to “Attack of the Cybermen’s” plot—were not readily available for repeat viewing. “The Tomb of the Cybermen” was even considered lost, only to be recovered later. “The Tenth Planet,” featuring the Cybermen’s debut, was also incomplete, with its final episode missing.
There
“Attack of the Cybermen” borrows heavily from these largely inaccessible serials. The Cyber Controller and the planet Telos originate from “The Tomb of the Cybermen,” while the Cybermen’s planned 1986 invasion of Earth and their planet Mondas are drawn from “The Tenth Planet.” Even the Cybermen dwelling in sewers echo “The Invasion.” By relying so heavily on obscure continuity, the episode risked alienating a significant portion of its audience. Expecting viewers to possess detailed knowledge of episodes aired decades prior, some even missing from archives, was a risky creative choice. Doctor Who, at its heart, thrives on accessibility. “Attack of the Cybermen”‘s deep dive into niche lore created an exclusionary viewing experience.
Testing their metal…
Doctor Who for the Hardcore Nerds? Alienating Casual Viewers
The Colin Baker era, and “Attack of the Cybermen” in particular, often feels tailored for a dedicated, almost insular, Doctor Who fanbase. The episode prioritizes intricate continuity references over engaging storytelling for a broader audience. While sly nods to long-term fans can be rewarding, “Attack of the Cybermen” foregrounds these references to the point of exclusion.
The involvement of arch-fan Ian Levine in the story’s development further reinforces this perception. The episode often feels like fan fiction, preoccupied with filling in perceived continuity gaps that only dedicated enthusiasts would notice or care about. For casual viewers, the narrative could be perplexing. The existence of two Cybermen planets, Telos and Mondas, for instance, is presented without sufficient explanation, likely leaving newcomers bewildered. Instead of subtly weaving in continuity, “Attack of the Cybermen” loudly proclaims its in-jokes, effectively locking out viewers lacking encyclopedic Doctor Who knowledge.
Feels like going home…
The episode even throws in Easter eggs like the “I.M. Foreman” sign, referencing the junkyard from the very first Doctor Who episode, “An Unearthly Child.” While a treat for dedicated fans, this detail, alongside the Doctor’s offhand mention of Peri as his granddaughter, serves only to confuse or alienate viewers unfamiliar with the show’s extensive history. The joke, in essence, is kept from them. While continuity can enrich a narrative, in “Attack of the Cybermen,” it becomes a barrier, hindering accessibility and enjoyment for a general audience. Episodes like “Remembrance of the Daleks” later demonstrated how to use continuity effectively, weaving it into a compelling and self-contained story, a balance “Attack of the Cybermen” fails to strike.
“Occupation of the Cybermen” was not a bad title…
Darker, More Violent Doctor Who: A Step Too Far?
The Colin Baker era of Doctor Who is marked by a deliberate attempt to inject a darker, more “mature” tone into the series. “Attack of the Cybermen” exemplifies this shift, pushing the boundaries of violence and cynicism, sometimes to the detriment of the show’s traditional appeal. Scenes of brutality are notably heightened. Cybermen graphically crush a character’s hands, the Doctor delivers a brutal kick to the face of a disguised policeman, and Peri brandishes a firearm with unsettling ease. Bodies litter the sewers, and the Cybermen bleed a conspicuous green fluid when injured, a transparent attempt to circumvent censorship while still depicting violence.
Brough to you by 1985-vision!
Despite this level of violence, “Attack of the Cybermen” received a “U” rating in Britain, a classification that seems incongruous with its content. The Irish Film Classification Bureau more appropriately rated it PG, highlighting the episode’s arguably inappropriate content for younger viewers. This escalation of violence reflects a broader trend in 1980s media, where “maturity” was often equated with increased cynicism, nihilism, and graphic content. Doctor Who, historically known for its imaginative storytelling and moral compass, seemed to be chasing a darker aesthetic, sometimes losing its way in the process. While some level of threat and danger is inherent to Doctor Who, “Attack of the Cybermen” often leans into gratuitous violence that feels out of step with the show’s core values.
He almost fell into a plothole…
Lytton’s Confusing Heroism and the Doctor’s Diminishment
Adding to the unsettling tone is the ambiguous portrayal of Lytton, a mercenary character who arguably overshadows the Doctor in terms of competence and even heroism. Lytton, introduced in the previous serial “Resurrection of the Daleks,” is a ruthless killer, yet “Attack of the Cybermen” often positions him as more effective and proactive than the Doctor. Lytton’s opening scene establishes his brutality, instructing a henchman to murder a recruit for potential disloyalty. Despite this psychopathic tendency, the narrative seems to favor Lytton’s directness and agency, contrasting it with the Doctor’s perceived bumbling and reactive approach.
Blowing his brains out…
While the Doctor fumbles around London, Lytton swiftly locates the Cybermen. When captured, Lytton endures torture to protect his allies, while the Doctor is comically trapped in a freezer. Even the Doctor’s dialogue romanticizes Lytton, describing him in almost admiring terms. The script emphasizes the Doctor’s misjudgment of Lytton, portraying the mercenary as a martyr and the Doctor as somewhat inept. This undermining of the Doctor’s heroic stature, a trend that began in Peter Davison’s final season, continues into Colin Baker’s era, suggesting a show grappling with its own protagonist’s role and effectiveness in an increasingly “dark” universe.
The eighties, ladies and gentlemen…
Cybermen in “Attack of the Cybermen”: Iconic Monsters or Listless Foes?
Despite being the titular villains, the Cybermen in “Attack of the Cybermen” feel strangely peripheral. Since their chilling appearances in the Patrick Troughton era, the Cybermen have struggled to regain their menacing edge. Even in modern Doctor Who, writers have often grappled with how to effectively utilize these iconic monsters. “Attack of the Cybermen” unfortunately does little to reinvigorate them.
Cop yourself on…
The episode brings back Michael Kilgarriff as the Cyber Controller, a role he originated in “The Tomb of the Cybermen.” However, his performance, characterized by stiff, robotic movements, comes across as unintentionally comical. Instead of a unified, emotionless force, the Cybermen in “Attack of the Cybermen” appear as a collection of disparate performances. The Cyber Leader’s frequent “excellent” and another Cyberman’s frantic “run away” gesture at the climax further detract from their intended menace. The episode fails to establish a cohesive or compelling identity for the Cybermen, reducing them to generic antagonists rather than the chilling, body-horror cyborgs they once were. Their return, ostensibly to celebrate their legacy, ironically diminishes their impact.
Silver bullets…
Plot Holes and Continuity Errors Undermine the Story
“Attack of the Cybermen”‘s plot is riddled with inconsistencies and plot holes, ironically exacerbated by its focus on continuity. The Cybermen’s ambush of the TARDIS at the story’s outset is never adequately explained. The Doctor’s supposed instability becomes a convenient, but flimsy, justification for such lapses in security. Similarly, the much-touted chameleon circuit malfunction, intended as a PR stunt, introduces an unnecessary and illogical element. The idea that the TARDIS’s iconic form would be casually altered feels fundamentally misguided and undermines the show’s established mythology.
Heading to a dead end…
Furthermore, the episode’s attempts to reconcile continuity create even more contradictions. The depiction of Earth in 1985 clashes significantly with the Earth of 1986 as portrayed in “The Tenth Planet.” Similarly, the catacombs of Telos bear little resemblance to their appearance in “The Tomb of the Cybermen.” While production discrepancies are understandable across decades of television, “Attack of the Cybermen”‘s central premise – to solidify continuity – makes these inconsistencies more glaring and detrimental to the narrative’s coherence.
Work in progress…
A Toxic TARDIS: The Doctor and Peri’s Abusive Dynamic
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of “Attack of the Cybermen” is its portrayal of the relationship between the Sixth Doctor and Peri. The dynamic is frequently interpreted as emotionally abusive, creating an uncomfortable and unsettling viewing experience. Peri is consistently depicted as fearful of the Doctor, navigating his volatile moods and unpredictable temper with trepidation. When she cautiously suggests he might be “unstable,” his aggressive outburst, “Unstable? Unstable? Unstable! This is me, Peri. At this very moment I am as stable as you will ever see me,” only reinforces her fear and the audience’s unease.
Six of one, Baker
The Doctor’s subsequent assurance, “But don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. I promise,” is far from reassuring; the very need to make such a promise highlights the deeply problematic nature of their interaction. Peri remains trapped with a man who fluctuates between charm and rage, creating a toxic and distressing dynamic within the TARDIS. While physical abuse isn’t explicitly depicted in “Attack of the Cybermen,” the emotional manipulation and intimidation are palpable, making Peri’s continued presence in the TARDIS increasingly difficult to comprehend and raising serious questions about the show’s portrayal of relationships.
Dead wrong…
The Uncompromising Sixth Doctor: A Turn-Off for Viewers?
“Attack of the Cybermen,” as Colin Baker’s second story, firmly establishes the Sixth Doctor’s abrasive and uncompromising personality. Any hope that the regeneration-induced instability of “The Twin Dilemma” would subside is quickly dispelled. The script explicitly reinforces that this is “the real me,” presenting a Doctor intentionally designed to challenge and even alienate viewers. This confrontational approach, coupled with the increased violence and convoluted storylines, arguably contributed to the show’s declining viewership during this period. While character development is a crucial aspect of long-running series, the Sixth Doctor’s initial portrayal lacked nuance and risked actively repelling the audience.
A raygun of hope…
Seeds of Good Ideas: Time Travel and Failed Conversion (But Bungled)
Despite its numerous flaws, “Attack of the Cybermen” does contain glimmers of interesting concepts. The central plot, involving the Cybermen attempting to alter their history through time travel, is intriguing. Doctor Who, despite its time-traveling premise, had rarely explored such temporal manipulation by its villains. The potential repercussions of the Cybermen waging a time war could have been rich with narrative possibilities.
Similarly, the idea of failed Cyber-converts, relegated to slave labor, hints at a more complex and unsettling Cyberman society. This concept suggests that the conversion process isn’t always perfect and that even within their emotionless collective, there are hierarchies and social strata. However, both these promising ideas are ultimately underdeveloped and overshadowed by the episode’s continuity obsession and muddled execution. The Cybermen’s time travel plot serves primarily to connect disparate past stories, rather than explore the truly vast and imaginative possibilities of temporal warfare. The failed convert concept, while briefly touched upon, lacks depth and exploration.
“Attack of the Cybermen” is, ultimately, a flawed and controversial episode. While not definitively the worst of its era, it embodies many of the creative missteps that plagued Colin Baker’s early tenure. Its over-reliance on continuity, darker tone, and problematic character dynamics overshadow any potential strengths, leaving it a curious, but ultimately disappointing, entry in the Cybermen’s long and storied history within Doctor Who.
