The TARDIS materializes on the desolate, red landscape of Mars in 2059, and the Doctor finds himself amidst humanity’s first Martian colony, Bowie Base One. Led by the resolute and commanding Captain Adelaide Brooke, this seemingly utopian outpost, complete with an impressive onboard garden, soon reveals a terrifying secret. The idyllic facade crumbles as a gardener succumbs to a mysterious infection, his body grotesquely transformed. The Doctor, sensing danger, initially attempts to flee, but is compelled to stay and assist as the situation rapidly deteriorates. Another crew member, Maggie, is discovered unconscious and quarantined, only to fall victim to the same horrific contagion. Soon, Tarak, and others, display the gruesome symptoms – water erupting from their bodies, skin distorting into something monstrous. As the infected crew attempts to prevent the remaining humans from returning to Earth, the Doctor confronts a monumental ethical dilemma: intervene and alter a fixed point in time, or allow the crew to meet their predetermined tragic end.
This episode marks a significant high point, especially following the less impactful “Planet of the Dead.” The hour-long format of “The Waters of Mars” proves to be a masterstroke, allowing for a richer narrative and more nuanced character development. The episode excels in building suspense and dread, establishing a genuine sense of menace emanating from the infected individuals. The scene where Andy infects Tarak is particularly unsettling and underscores the visceral horror at the heart of the episode. The pacing is significantly tighter and more dramatic, injecting a palpable feeling of peril and urgency into the narrative.
A standout element of “The Waters of Mars” is undoubtedly Lindsay Duncan’s portrayal of Adelaide Brooke. For viewers familiar with Duncan’s compelling performances in Stephen Poliakoff’s dramas, her guest appearance in Doctor Who is a true delight. She embodies Brooke with a powerful blend of charisma and iron will, creating a character who is both admirable and tragically flawed. Her nuanced reaction to the Doctor’s revelations, including a poignant discussion about encountering a Dalek in her past, adds layers to her already compelling presence.
However, the episode concludes on a somewhat unsettling note. The Doctor’s actions at the climax of “The Waters of Mars” signal a shift towards a darker, more hubristic persona. He begins to perceive himself as unbound by the established rules of time, venturing into dangerous territory where he seems to be playing God. This nascent “Time Lord Victorious” arc, while intriguing, casts a shadow over an otherwise exceptional episode.
Despite this slightly sour aftertaste, “The Waters of Mars” remains a compelling and chilling entry in the Doctor Who canon. It successfully delivers a frightening monster-of-the-week scenario while simultaneously delving into complex themes of destiny, free will, and the intoxicating nature of power. It earns a strong 7 out of 10, and on a particularly good day, it might even nudge up to an 8.
