Doctor Who (1963–1989): Season 22, Episode 3 - Vengeance on Varos: Part One - full transcript

- Not him again?
- Yeah!

COMDIV must be running short
of people to laserise.

Yeah.

- Rubbish! He's not hurt, he's only acting.
- Never!

- Is this all?
- It's what they sent.

How can I work, dig on this?

It wouldn't fill a clinker-mole's belly,
let alone a worker's!

There's shortages, maybe more to come.

Governor's punch-in vote tonight.

Voting, voting! This Governor calls a punch-in
every time he wants to change trousers!

- Sooner he's out, the better.
- What would the next one do different?



Everything! Anything!

What is this I'm eating, Etta?

How should I know? Just get it
out the dispenser! Didn't have a label.

Get off!

I want to chuck it at the screen
when your beloved Governor begs my vote.

Attacking COM-TEC property
can bring loss of viewing rights.

Way you're thinking, you'll be in that one's place.

Why have they stopped?

It's pathetic! When did they last show
something worth watching, eh?

- When was the last decent execution?
- Last week!

- What?
- The blind man?

- That was a repeat!
- It wasn't! You're thinking of that infiltrator.

He wasn't blind. Not at the beginning, anyway.

Yes, he was!



- I'm going to sleep.
- Can't, you've got to vote.

- Do it for me.
- Do you want POL CORPS calling here?

- Do you, Arak?
- How would they know it wasn't me voting?

I'd tell 'em!

That's it!

- I don't believe it!
- I haven't told you what I've done yet!

You sound confident. I don't want to know!

What is the matter with you?

Every time you sound confident nowadays,
something terrible seems to happen.

Does it? What do you mean?

Well, since we left Telos, you've caused
three electrical fires, a total power failure

and a near collision with a storm of asteroids.

Not only that! You've twice managed
to get lost in the Tardis corridors,

wiped the memory of the flight computer and
jettisoned three-quarters of the storage hold!

You even burned dinner last night.

I have never said I was perfect!

If you recall,
I was supposed to have a cold supper!

That was an unfortunate accident!

You're a reasonable man.

Lower the price
of your commodity a little, please.

My people deserve
fair prices for the Zeiton-7 ore.

Who else will buy from you

if my corporation withdraws its contract?

We'll have to find other outlets, I should think.

You are not a rich planet.
Zeiton is all you have to sell.

There are other exports.

We're expanding into entertainments
and communications with some success.

- How?
- The Punishment Dome.

We sell tapes of what happens there.

That is enterprising!

- Your idea, Governor?
- Yes.

Are they really disturbing, these videos you sell?

They show what befalls those who refuse
to obey the laws of the people of Varos.

Torture, blindness, executions?

All functions of the Punishment Dome are
recorded as warnings to miscreants everywhere.

But they entertain as well as instruct?

You must ask my Chief Officer,
he's responsible for COMTEC Division product.

I would hope to help organise
your sales exports...

...IF you consent to lower your Zeiton price!

- I can't, sorry.
- Then my patience is exhausted.

And spent totally!

The people are anxious for a decision
on the new price of our product.

Negotiations between ourselves
and Galatron Mining are far from complete.

- The broadcast must be delayed.
- Impossible.

Rules must be obeyed
by Governors as well as prisoners.

What is the difference?

What point have you reached, gentlemen?

STALEMATE! On contracts, royalties, everything!

Surely, a little movement regarding cost?

Already I have gone beyond my authority

to meet the stubbornness of this Governor.

We must have an increase of price, we must!

I will wait.

Perhaps the next Governor...

will be more sensible of reality.

I am the Governor, you deal with me.

But tonight, you must place yourself

at the mercy of the votes of your people.

Should they not agree
with your stubborn stance,

you may be obliterated!

That's interesting,

not to say arresting!

- Where are we?
- Neither here nor there.

- Doctor?
- Somewhere!

Let's see!

Stalled! In the equivalent
of a galactic lay-by!

- See?
- No.

Mid-way between Cetes and Sculptor!

Materialised into actual and temporal void.

Yes, but why won't it move?

This is the one problem
the Tardis cannot overcome.

Like all things in the universe,
she cannot move without power...

...and energy.

Yes, Doctor, but we can!

Don't give up, please!

- It's all right for you, Peri.
- Me? Why's it OK for me?

You've only got one life.
You'll age here in the Tardis and die!

Me...

I shall go on regenerating
until all my lives are spent.

Like this Governor we do not.

Replace you must arrange most soon.

That is what
our secret payments to you are for.

My dear Sil, a little patience
is all that is required. Trust me!

Do you think he suspects
the truth of matters?

He simply wants a better deal!

Maybe I should dispense
with your pay-offs.

Perhaps I should offer
that and you to him?

You simply really
mustn't threaten me.

You need me
for what you hope to gain here.

If I do not succeed one way,

I favour another.

Enough talk!

I would wish to witness

the suffering moments
of this fool Governorship.

Good evening.

For centuries,
the Galatron Mining Corporation

has declared rich dividends
by exploiting our labour.

Now is the time
to steel ourselves for sacrifice

to gain what is ours by right.

As always, I seek ways to market
the resources of our poor planet...

- Blah, blah, blah! Get to the point!
- Shut your mouth!

...I ask seven credits per unit...

- You won't get it!
- One more yak out of you,

and you're in my report as a subvert!

- I'm entitled to an opinion!
- Entitled to a vote is all!

I know how I'll use that!

Viewers of Varos, I ask that we agree
to hold out for a fair price

for our principal marketable resource,
that of Zeiton ore.

Those who wish to fight
alongside me for a prosperous tomorrow,

vote "Yes" to a ten percent
reduction of our food rations.

Those who wish for full bellies today
and nothing to eat tomorrow

have the option to punch their "No" button.

Right!

He's lost! Go on, pour it on and on!

- Yes, he's going! Yes, he's snuffed it!
- Has he?

Next time, next time for sure.

He's strong! That's three losing votes in a row!

Yeah, next vote'll
see him blasted out for sure.

No one's taken four bashings
from that cell disintegrator!

- I wish you'd leave him alone!
- Why? He's the worst Governor since,

- well, since...
...Since the last one!

Is the Governor no more?

He survived, just...

We must arrange good riddance
of this bad Governor - soon!

He is weakened by the human cell
disintegration bombardment.

Engage him in negotiations now
and you may gain advantage.

Permission to leave Governor's domain.

Congratulations, sir, you survived the vote.

Soon, your death will be apparent.

You will see.

Should we try again to reach agreement

before I must communicate
with my executive council?

Later.

Now or never!

Give me a moment or two.

Very well!

Transport me to the office of the Governor!

I find the G-forces
of this Varos-sized world quite excessive.

I'm so tired!

I warned the people would not accept
yet more rationing cuts, whatever the reason.

This system of referendum...
How much longer can I survive?

One more vote?

Governor? May I suggest
you do something to please,

to entertain, to please the people.

Just to give yourself time
to recover your strength.

Why not give them the life of the rebel Jondar?

- After all, it's his death or yours!
- It would have to be something different.

I thought perhaps by laser obliteration, sir,
by a concentrated build-up of power.

Neutralise the "Q" switch. That way the random
laser emitter builds up to a giant pulse of light,

an explosion of focused laser energy
that will wipe the prisoner out of existence.

We have never shown that style of despatch.

Too quick, it would be over too soon.

- We'd never sell so swift an execution.
- It's the uncertainty!

No one knows quite when the power will blow!

We'd get at least ten minutes of tension
out of his apprehension and fear.

It's novel, I suppose.

I'm sure the video of his execution would sell.

You said we must export or die.

Yes, yes, I did.

Very well, arrange it.

- And Bax...
- Sir?

Thank you for the suggestion.

End random pulses. Conserve CB.

Neutralise "Q" switch.
Activate viewing of imminent public execution.

Hmmph!

Here, a little something
to stop you sighing like a steam engine!

- What is it?
- Tardis manual.

I found it in the workshop propping open a vent.

Oh, yeah! Started reading that once.

Hey!

Won't it tell you what's wrong with the Tardis?

I know perfectly well
what category of disaster has befallen us.

The comparator?

No, not this time.

Might as well confirm my diagnosis.

Something to pass eternity with, I suppose.

- Doctor, the column moved!
- Oh?

Probably some vestigial power
passing through to the transitional elements.

Which would mean...

- Where are we?
- What is it?

Yes. Hold that!

Don't lose the place,
and don't give up hope! Not yet!

Yes, Doctor

Another attempt will be made to obtain
better terms for the mining of our resources.

One other pronouncement.

As Governor, I hold final say
as to the appeal against sentence of death.

The rebel Jondar, although enduring
his pre-execution ordeal well,

must nevertheless suffer the fate of all
who transgress the rules of our society.

At eight o"clock, then,
attend to your screens

to witness what must befall all

who oppose the reality

of our just constitution.

The order for your husband's execution
has just been received.

- When is it?
- Soon.

- Jondar was your friend!
- Before he rebelled against orders.

Curious how being a guard has changed you!

- I can do nothing!
- Rondel!

- Do you know what he found? What he saw?
- No, please!

While the rest of us toil without hope,

the officer ?lite enjoy power and luxury.

- Lies!
- Varos is what it always was,

a prison planet,

a colony for the criminally insane!

The descendants
of the original officers still rule... by fear!

With the spectacle of death
our only entertainment.

That is what Jondar found, what he learned.

That is why they want to kill him.

- I must leave!
- Can't we make an attempt to save him?

- Rondel, please!
- It's too late!

TR reading from the IV table?

- Is that in the hyper-time ratio section?
- Where else?

Orthoganal reading is
Zee S plus 101 EQ.

"Zee"? "Zed"!

Yes.

That's as it should be!
The power converter factor seems stable,

so why aren't we receiving
full transmission of that power?

There's a possibility! May I?

What is it?

Yes, we might...

We'll try! Hold that!

Doctor, it's working!

With the last vestiges
of our emergency power booster.

Enough for a limited flight, no further!

What depresses me most
is that the transitional elements

have lost their capacity to generate
orbital energy and must be replaced!

- How long would that take?
- No time at all.

If we obtain enough Zeiton-7 to reline
the trans-power system, the Tardis should be...

well, as she was.

It's not the fitting that's the problem.
Zeiton is a very rare element.

- It's only found on one planet.
- Let's go there, then!

Mm?

I suppose if we use the emergency power
booster to bypass the failing circuits,

we could just reach the planet Varos
in the constellation of Cetes.

Question is, when?

If we missed their mining era,
we'd be stranded for evermore!

Anything's better than being stuck here!

What's inside that skull?

- Anger? Fear?
- Hatred of you, Quillam!

Ah, but hatred of yourself as well!

We all have some parts
of our mind that we consider unworthy,

some memory that makes us shudder

and squirm.

Do you know what my process
of transmutation does?

It focuses on the seeds of fear in your mind

and makes them grow,

until you, your body,
your face, your entire being

transforms into the image in your mind.

You should turn into
something quite interesting.

A reptile!

Or something simian perhaps!

Or something truly loathsome, such as you!

- Take her to the rehabilitation unit!
- Sir!

For sedition, thought rebellion
and incitement of other rebels to organise,

to unionise and to terrorise
the workforce of Varos,

the vote of the people was for your death
to take place by laser obliteration.

The Governor was to consider my appeal!

Our Governor bows to the will of his people.

As System Arbiter and Chief Officer,

I confirm that the conditions
of the constitution have been complied with.

I therefore permit your execution to proceed.

When will this be, Chief Officer?

At eight o'clock.

You will have ample time
to compose yourself for eternity.

All of five short minutes!

It isn't exactly certain
when obliteration takes place.

Stand clear of the execution site.
You have your anti-hallucination helmet?

- Yes, sir.
- Good. Switched on?

- Yes, sir!
- Good, we wouldn't wish for my guards

to succumb to the phantoms
of the Punishment Dome.

- Not with all of Varos watching.
- No, sir.

Ah! Who's this coming to welcome us?

Control? Senior Guard Meldak 239.

Report of fault on anti-hallucination helmet.

Am experiencing sensory distortion.
Permission to withdraw?

Stay until after execution.

Understood.

Artificial atmosphere: Enclosed.
Underground: Breathable.

But distorted readings
from a nearby power source.

What kind of place is this, Doctor?

Why did that man fire at us
and then turn away as if we didn't exist?

Let's go and ask him!

- Sir, Chief, something's wrong!
- Be quiet! Attend your function!

- But...
- SILENCE!

Execution is imminent!

What is it?

This is the most wonderful entertainment.

- Hello!
- Hi!

- Not interrupting anything?
- I know how this place works!

You are a product of my mind.
I will resist you to know you cannot exist.

- Quite right!
- Control, my helmet's malfunctioning!

- Permission to withdraw!
- That's what we've come to fix, eh?

- Sure!
- Let me have it!

Come on, give it to me, NOW!

Doctor! Careful!

Thank you!

- Is this planned?
- Certainly not. What's happened?

I'll alert the IR Squad immediately, sir.

- There's another group...
- We have seen!

- Are they rebels?
- I don't know.

We must... we must act!

They must be apprehended,
sentenced, executed, ALL OF THEM!

- Attend to it!
- Sir!

- Bax!
- Sir.

My company is only interested
in stable situations.

Varos has been stable for more than 200 years.

See you remain so!

Or a most unfavourable report I will give!

I'm... I... I...

Help him!

Now, my dear friend,

what is good price for your Zeiton-7 ore?

Seven credits per unit...

I'm so, so tired...

Seven credits a unit?

When the engineers
of every known solar system

cry out for his product

to drive their space-time craft?

A planet of fools who don't realise their luck

and don't deserve to!

Return to our craft!

Alert the Council to have
a colonising force sent here.

Right!

When I control this planet,

I will possess the means of power

throughout this entire galaxy!

And, perhaps,

for all others beyond!

- Help me, whoever you are! Quickly!
- Pull him away from the wall!

- Like this?
- That's it!

Right, hold! Close your eyes and wish for luck!

Here we go!

Now the other one!

- Who are you?
- I'll explain in the Tardis.

- Doctor!
- To retreat another way might be more viable!

- They're too close!
- Help me turn this round.

Come on!

Kill laser connection!

Run, run, go on, run!

It's a dead end!

- I can't go on!
- Nor me!

What is this place?

An ordinary prison once, but...

There's a patrol car coming.

I thought there was an escape cell here.

Let's create some difficulty
for our uniformed friends!

- Why help me?
- You're the only one who hasn't attacked us!

Help me, pull! PULL!

Right, see what I can do with this!

Stand back!

Where's that emergency lighting?

If you insist!

This way!

I thought we'd lost you!

They arranged your execution so quickly,
we couldn't attempt a rescue.

- You didn't send him?
- No.

I'll explain, but I'd rather get back
to the safety of the Tardis, er... ship!

- Spaceship?
- Something like that!

We'll escape through the guards' entrance.

- We must leave!
- First, what is this place?

This place is where the innocent are tortured,

while the population gloats
at our efforts to survive!

Not all enjoy, some seek to help.

For every Rondel, there are a thousand
Varosians slumped before screens,

- deadened by overwork and starvation.
- Starvation?

Varos has precious minerals! Zeiton-7!

That stuff! Who wants it?

- I wouldn't say no to a little!
- We must go!

Great! Great! They're getting away!

Yeah, but wait for the guards in the tunnel!

They'll be all right!
This batch of rebos are good!

I like that one, the one in the funny clothes!

Back!

These cameras,
do they feed pictures into every home?

The whole dome is wired.
Areas of ingenious danger lurk everywhere.

You can die in so many
varied and spectacular ways.

The cruel thing is there's supposed
to be a safe route, leading to an exit, freedom.

If we get to the Tardis,
we can get away more easily.

- How?
- The Doctor will demonstrate.

- Do you know where we are?
- Near the Purple Zone.

- Adjoining interrogation and execution areas.
- Is there another way to your ship?

- Tardis.
- Not without traversing the Purple Zone.

- Then, we're trapped! Good as dead!
- Not yet!

Let's see what this purple passage has to offer.

- Is he sane, this Doctor?
- Sometimes!

Peri! This is no time for casual conversation!

Coming!

Quickly!
The guards might return any time!

We must try!

I like this section!
I wonder if they know what's waiting?

This'll sort 'em out!

Of course! That's it! Close your eyes!

I can't!

Close them, NOW!

Right, all take hands.

Now, follow me. It's just an illusion!

Whatever happens, keep your eyes closed!

He's not a fool, your intruder.

Perhaps just lucky.

Or he has received information
on how the dome works.

There was a guard helping them!

The prison contains too many devices.
No one could know or survive them all.

They do not seem or act like Varosians.

They could be from a rival company!

The Amorb Prospect Division!

I want the strangers removed for questioning!

- Get me a line to patrol headquarters.
- Yes, Chief!

Then check on that object
found at the execution chamber!

Have it brought here at once!

All clear!

Oh! What was that thing we saw?

A creature from my worst imaginings!

In fact... Aha!

- There we are!
- A gee-jee fly! But it was huge!

We thought it was! It was enlarged by the effect
of the purple zone on our visual cortex.

Once the purple light was eliminated,
we returned to a proper sense of proportion.

- Interesting!
- Is everything we experience here like that?

No, some dangers are very real.

The crowds love to watch trialists
face a danger they believe is imaginary.

They applaud and shout with laughter
as we poor fools face certain death.

- Who loves to watch?
- Almost all of Varos!

It's the way officers divert discontent,
questions, thoughts of revolution...

Oh! Let's see what else
this fun palace has to offer.

Ooh! What a stench!

- Animal!
- Real or imaginary?

Just as loathsome!

The niff is certainly not an illusion! Or is it?

Just like COMTEC
to put a real monster behind an imaginary one!

That's exactly how
they would expect us to reason!

- One way to find out!
- No, Doctor!

All right! They're lights!

Green lights!

Two of them!

The view-pop like them!

We've received very good
punch-in appreciation figures.

Good!

All the more impact
when they are captured, tried and executed.

A rebo leader, and his woman,
and intruders from another world.

That's not only prime-time viewing here,

but the recording of their final agonies
will sell on every civilised world!

- The Tardis should be...
- Just here!

- It was just here!
- Your ship has gone?

- It most certainly has!
- Where?

- Yes, Doctor, where?
- It can't be far away!

Come on!

This mysterious most is!

There's an explanation!

The strangers will be captured soon,
then we'll force some answers!

Who are other people helping rebels?

If they should be of another mining
corporation, our contracts are ended!

No, he is unknown to us.

I would wish them dead!

Only that would please my company!

Close them out, Chief.
Use every guard available!

I'll talk to the people. Arrange it quickly!

What about this?

Keep trying to open it!

All these corridors look the same to me!

Check down there!

Sh!

There's a patrol car coming, quick!

Doctor, look out!

There's one!

They've had it now!

- Ow!
- Make a fool of me, would you?

Take her to the Prison Control Centre!

The others, to the termination cell!

Oh, dear! And I really liked him!

- Good evening!
- Oh, no!

- What's he want?
- Shut up and listen!

I must report that the attempt
to divert the course of justice has been repelled.

The rebel and his compatriots
have either been captured or destroyed.

The extent of the rebellion
is greater than feared.

Help from another source,
perhaps from another world, is suspected.

The vehicle of their transport is now
in the possession of my officer guard.

The leader of the invaders is now
walking into a no-options kill centre,

there he will suffer the fate of all
who seek to overturn the law of Varos.

I ask you to vote now
upon my campaign to halt insurrection.

I await your verdict.
"Yes", and the rebellion will be crushed.

"No", and no doubt
another Governor will have other plans.

Thank you.

Drink, Doctor?

Drink. Drink water.

Peri?

What a wonderful thing a man's mind is!

The hallucinatory inductor
makes him believe he cannot survive,

and soon he will be unable
to draw one breath after the next.

We got anything to drink?

- Doctor!
- Keep quiet, we're recording!

The moment approaches.
Close-up on death throes, please.

- No sign of life, sir.
- Dead as death!

- How long should I hold?
- And cut it...

...now!