Though this is an Earthbound story this by far my favourite story of the Pertwee Era. There are a few reasons for this. The main one is the special atmosphere of the story which sets it side from other UNIT tales, helped by that incredible incidental music. It's also the story I feel where the regulars of the Pertwee Era hit their absolute peak. All of them have something special to contribute to the story and it rarely got this good again. Though there was a battle in the last episode they don't dominate the story like those in Season 7 had.

The location setting also gives it an extra edge. I've been to Aldbourne a few times and it really is as nice as it seems on the TV, can well understand why it was chosen.

I feel the unusual five episode count was just right for the story and it stops the story from sagging. Roger Delgado's many appearances in this Season come to an end I the high quality of the story stops The Master becoming a bore.

I think Stephen Thorne was superb as Azal but there are other great characters such Mrs Hawthorne, Professor Horner and the smarmy Alastair Fergus presenting BBC Three, many year before it happened for real!

Plus, off course, there was that great line from The Brig....'Jenkins, Chap with the wings, Five Rounds rapid!'

This is a strange one for me!

I've always felt obliged to like it and think or say its simply a fantastic Pertwee episode because sooooo many of my DW peers rate it so highly. For me, its ok but it isn't a brilliant story nor one of my favourite Pertwee stories.

I like it as I like any run of the mill DW story but I don't find it particularly special. I feel the same way about Ark in Space!

I was too young to watch the adventure when it first came out. I loved the book, when I read it in the mid-70s. I recently watched the adventure on DailyMotion, and while the scene where the Daemon grows to great size was well done, I found the scene where the Doctor is about to be burnt at the maypole fairly ludicrous, as there is hardly any fuel for the fire, plus there are only thin little cords or ropes that would soon be burnt through by a fire of any description. Also, the idea that the Doctor would just join in a maypole dance with people who, a moment before, were going to execute him, as he does, is frankly, ludicrous, and was done in an absurd attempt to give a happy atmosphere at the end.

It's just an opinion rather than fact when I say this, but I believe the story's popularity is down to what I said at the start, that the regulars all have something to do in this story and the fact it brought them all together on location. It's no coincidence that most of the team including Pertwee himself have cited this as their favourite story and I think the team ethic was probably never higher than when this was filmed. However, I do still think it has a special sort of feel to it that sets it aside from other stories of this period but I guess it's not for everyone.

This also happened in The Awakening which was quite similar to this story where people who had been trying to kill The Doctor end up on the TARDIS shaking hands with one another so it's not unique.

My theory to that event is that the main antagonists like Bert the Landlord had all been either killed or in The Master's case, captured and the villagers themselves were under some kind of spell. So once it was over, maybe they just returned to normal.

Plus, if you watch the scene where The Master uses Bok the Gargoyle to threaten the villagers into doing his bidding, you would notice prior to the Squire being killed that a lot of the villagers were unwilling followers to The Master's cause so it does make a lot of sense that they would celebrate their freedom by joining in the celebrations, plus being the end of the Series they probably wanted to end it on a high anyway!

I last saw this when it was re-shown in the 70's as a full-length feature on a Bank Holiday afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed it - I loved the idea of a beast in a creepy village in the middle of nowhere. I was only about 13 at the time though!
I know it's available to watch on-line......but I'm waiting for its long-due debut on DVD, to watch it with adult eyes! I'm sure I won't be disappointed. It's one of the earth-bound stories that I really liked.

Love this story. You can tell that everyone working on it is thoroughly enjoying it.
It's one of those stories where you wish you were there, with the setting and the UNIT regulars (Benton and Yates) being out of uniform made it feel even more like a holiday.
I also like the Master calling himself Mr Magister, I felt like he was practically taunting the Doctor with that nickname. lol
Plus it's funny knowing that part of the Master's chant to summon Azal is 'Mary Had A Little Lamb' backwards.

I read a review that said the Doctor is rather moody in this story, I had to watch it again to see what they were talking about. I guess it could be true, he certainly gets on his high horse a few times.

Love this story, brilliant

The 'action' stuff being mercifully discreet, I find this to be a thoroughly enjoyable story. As noted above, the atmosphere and the secondary characters really elevate it above the ordinary. For once even The Master's contractual obligation appearance isn't tiresome — and Delgado puts in the usual wonderful performance.

The Invasion is overtly a trial run for the Third Doctor set up; this almost feels like an experiment in the sort of gothic horror we'd see under Tom Baker.

This story was also a testament to how popular Delgardo's Master was. How many other Doctor Who stories can you think of when there was a cliffhanger that involved the baddie being in danger of death?

It is also the first Doctor Who story that I can clearly remember watching and, as someone that had just come out of a year of being educated by nuns, I can tell you it really scared this six year old.

You're right, that cliffhanger was an absolute rarity and it's another aspect of the story that makes it unique. Thinking about it, I can't think of any other story either where the villain is in danger leading into a cliffhanger either. Maybe it was due to the enormous affection Delgado had built up in his display of the character that it actually worked.

Perhaps but there must of been a fair few people watching at thetime who's first thought would of been not The Bloody Master again. I know I certainly would of been thinking that. But really you simply can't faultthis story unlike the other 5 to 6 parters in the Pertwee erea this one never slows down for a moment and what I like most is seeing Yeates and Benton getting more screen time.

A bit off topic I know, but after hearing for the umpteenth time on a Katy Manning commentary or extra, about her poor eyesight, why did she not just either wear contact lenses or better still glasses (I like my women wearing glasses and not much else)?

Were contact lenses around then?

Were there stylish frames for glasses?

From memory & watching stuff from that time, people wearing glasses on TV tended to wear the 'classic' NHS style or similar.

(Personally I wore NHS style until I started work in 1987, then swopped to a more stylish pair!)

By the way, if the Beeb decide to repeat 'The Daemons' again, will they show the 'murky mix' from 1992 or the spruced up version as seen on the DVD?

From the start of the man seeing something mysterious this a stone bonking classic. There’s a whole another argument or discussion on whether you would show this story as an introduction to a non converted Doctor Who fan. But you couldn’t get a better story. IMO it stands alongside my other favourite classic Doctor Who stories, the Pertwee era would have been a heck of a better watch if we had a few more of these.
The Master at his best, UNIT and UNIT characters at there best, I agree that they have a strong bond during this story. Scary, I can remember watching this as a teenager and being scared yes scared. Azal just seemed a terrifying opponent, the only other time I felt like this was Suketh out of Pyramids of Mars. He seemed that domineering and at times unbeatable. Bok (Gargoyle thing) as well is a good foe also. Love the ending with the Master also, the Doctor quite amusingly finally (or so it seems) effecting the capture of him. Which brings an end to the series of Master stories. It is arguably the best Master story ever also. Hence, I am a bit of a fan, may even get the DVD just to view the Special Features on them alone!

Too true! She'd have probably ended up with a pair of 'Marge Proops' ... lol

Just reading through mine and the original comments for the thread for this story. Having just watched it again, it's just as enjoyable, though the only thing of note that bugs me is why it takes to the end of the Fourth Episode before Azal is actually seen in person. Everyone else seems to have seen him, but not the viewer. maybe it was a cost thing, I don't know. But he doesn't speak in these instances.

The only other bit annoying is that for the first episode and a half The Doctor takes a real back seat to the action. With the story as a whole, it reminds me of The Mind Robber, in that the First Episode is more a separate setup with the main action not really starting until Episode 2.

The phone call in Ep 2 with The Brig in bed on the phone always makes me chuckle. Was Doris with him then?!

I also like the fact there were some outside stuff contributed to this story. Captain Yates and Jo's audition bit in the church and Katy Manning having the map upside whilst out with Pertwee once.

I still think this is where UNIT hit their peak during their years on screen during this period. Their reduced screen time after this Series and with more stories starting to be set in Space and elsewhere you feel very gradually it went downhill from thereon in. And with only one further story with The Master and UNIT in it, which was no-where as good as this, you feel this was the furthest they went as an effective team.

Just an amazingly atmospheric story which I always enjoy. I love creepy stories set in old villages. If anyone ever gets the chance to go to Aldbourne, I'd go there. The place has hardly changed since the 70's.

Just watched this again, agree with you entirely.

As with all the best pieces of television and indeed Doctor Who stories. Not a line, passage, action or phase of the script or story is wasted. Everything continues to contribute to the plot and feel of the situation. Watch this for a masterclass in all of the above.

I like the fact it is a story with lots of outdoor scenes in and around the village and countryside, it has a fresh feel about it. However, there is great peril in and around though, with the Doctor being shot at on his motorbike or swooped down on by a helicopter, sinister Morris Dancers, the Doctor nearly burnt at the stake by the villagers and Bok the Gargoyle zapping people out of existence.

Miss Hawthorne I enjoyed and very valuable she proves to be at one point. The Doctor follows her lead when tied up to the maypole, with all the wizard stuff to help him escape. Shortly after knocking out the Morris Dancer getting the better of Benton in the Pub.

Interesting to note the Master is kept away from the Doctor, Jo and the UNIT people until the end of episode four. A fine performance from Roger Delgado's Master, emphasising his complete focus on complete and utter power, even the Doctor likens him to Hitler and Genghis Khan.

Jo making the sacrifice in standing in front of the Doctor and unwittingly defeating Azal is a satisfying moment. It is noticeable and perhaps done on purpose, the Doctor is quite critical of some of her questions and actions. So this feels like redemption or proving herself to all including the Doctor as he points out.

Such a jolly ending also, the Master brought back by the Doctor's umpteenth use of being able to control Bessie, and being carted off to boos. Dancing around the maypole and the Brigadier and Yates off for a pint in the pub.

A great Pertwee story and a great Jon Pertwee performance. If only more of his stories were more like this in terms of quality, what an era it would be.

"Jenkins... chap with the wings there... five rounds rapid"

Must visit Aidbourne as suggested, as mentioned I loved all the scenes in and around it.

Yes, I agree, a lot of the outdoor stuff works really well and even though you can tell which is studio and which is not, the join actually works really well.

I love all that stuff in Episodes 4 and 5 where The Doctor nearly comes a cropper on the Green. The fact you have the villagers there as well really adds to the atmosphere. All that wizard stuff is a rare moment of light relief in the story as is the use of Bessie, who like the rest of the team, has a small contribution of her own to make in this story!

I think it was a good thing The Doctor and The Master were kept apart until the last episode, don't think it would have worked with them meeting up earlier.

Watching the last episode today, I love the ending where they all dance round the maypole and as you say, The Brig pops in the pub for a pint with Yates. A great way to end of for what was one of the best Pertwee Seasons for me.

The first thing I remember seeing is the TV Movie, so the recent run on The Horror Channel (plus You Tube) has ensured that I've now seen at least a few stories from each Doctor. I really liked the Daemons. I loved the atmosphere and the sinister happenings in a charming little English village! My (modern) Who is less English somehow - certainly less appealing - maybe because it feels like it's written with a cynical eye on the international market. The regulars/semiregulars/guest actors all worked well together - I do like UNIT. The story was also enjoyable, with a good attempt at weaving genuine history (or rather genuine myth) into the real World. Trying to explain how the idea and fear of Devils/Daemons/Horned Beasts came about.

I do sometimes find the pacing sags a little in Classic Who, however the fact that this story didn't really waste time with the whole {Doctor and Companion(s) arrive somewhere new at the same time as a mysterious death(s) and are accused/arrested/suspected until at last a death occurs at a time/place when they really couldn't have done it} thing, meant that it could get into the story quicker. It was all about the actual mystery, as opposed to about 1/2 hour where everyone mistrusts the Doctor which is (imo) false drama It tends not to lead to anything dramatic - the Doctor is unlikely to be executed - just delays the actual story. This story was really well paced.

Jo sacrificing herself was not the highpoint (just my opinion) It would be nice if she could use her brain instead of just throw herself in front of the Tank, but she really wasn't that sort of companion I suppose. (My first companion being Grace) To be fair, maybe it was the era in which her character was written, however the fact that it solved everything was the one thing I didn't like about the story. The Daemons have been watching over mankind since the beginning and have never witnessed any irrational behaviour from us? Really? At least with 'Closing Time' (not a favourite) it only took 45 mins to get to an ending that was hard to believe. That, plus the fact that Cybermen no longer had human emotions and didn't like them, had already been established.

However I'd enjoyed hearing about this new and powerful race which was well built up, only for them to be dismissed with a "Does not compute! Does not compute!" ending. They weren't robots (were they?) so why shouldn't they have their own understanding of love? Rather then not understand the concept, it'd be more chilling if they understood, but just didn't care about human feelings - we were just a bunch of lab rats after all. Personally, I'd have preferred it if the Daemon left as the Doctor suggested, with the threat that his species would return to finish the experiment...one day. Not quite as dramatic, but not as silly either. He could still have left with a bang, if Production wanted to use their smoke bomb in the Church. The Daemons could also have been used again as a dangerous species in the future. Still the Master failing to get away and the various members of the cast frolicking away at the end, not all willingly, made me laugh. That and the Military going to the pub.

This is my ultimate favourite dr who episode.

I was intrigued by the colour restoration done in the early 90s after watching tomorrow's world, I had a black and white copy that I'd taped from uk gold, then after several attempts managed to get the colour version, which I made my own DVD copy of way before the proper DVD came out.

I've been to Aldbourne several times and as others have commented, it's barely changed since the story was filmed. You can walk around the green and imagine it all happening.

It's a perfect third doctor story and everyone is on top form, loved the Master getting his own cliffhanger, loved that someone complained to the bbc about them blowing up a church!

It's a creepy story in places, it must have been more controversial at the time and I can overlook the slightly ropey ending.

For the DVD release they finally fixed the dodgy sound and got the best out of the old monochrome film, shame about the colour bleed at times but a great effort.

Put simply, The Daemons is my favourite Doctor Who story, period. It has my favourite Doctor, my favourite Doctor-companion combo, UNIT, an earthbound setting (which I always prefer), the Master at his peak, and a rollicking good script.

Yes I think it would have diluted the story a little if the Doctor and Master had met up beforehand, it heightened the moment when they did meet, with Azal present.

Its a very good season ending moment, and as for the season itself. I may pick this one above season 10, as my favourite Pertwee season.


The pacing and general momentum of this story is most impressive, gripped for all five episodes I am always.

I still think it is a sweet thing Jo did, no hesitiation in wanting to save the Doctor like that. I love it just for that alone.


Another favourable recommendation to visit, I certainly am I can't wait to stand there and pretend I am apart of The Daemons story.

Yes, I agree it is just above Season 10 as my fave Pertwee Season. Not a lot in it but The Daemons certainly tips the balance in it's favour.

As for Aldbourne, does anyone know where the scenes for the heat barrier were filmed, looks like a aerodrome of some sort? Have a mate who does location visiting and wants to know where it is. I imagine it isn't that far from Aldbourne.

One last thing I forgot to mention that I love about this story is the signposts. One of them has directions for Satanshall on it!

Just adding to the general praise here. Dug out my old VHS copy and thoroughly enjoyed The Daemons. I like the device of the TV reporter (reminiscent of the Ambassadors) there on the spot to set the atmosphere build up the tension for us as the audience and the imaginary audience for BBC3. The sound of the wind and all the other little tricks they use.
As I haven’t seen all the Pertwees yet I cant judge about UNIT’S future but Mike, Benton, the Brigadier all seem to get a nice chunk of things to do. Everyone looks like they are having fun and have gelled as a team. The bit at the end dancing away is perfect but not at all mawkish


The location really works doesn’t it. It is so English with all the eccentric but familiar characters that live there that it just flows and works. I think the story pulls on a lot of familiar themes from different genres particularly horror: a mysterious stranger, doom laden warnings, all thrown together with Pertwee’s action pieces in between.

It struck me that being on Earth with Pertwees doctor actually really suited him (even though as a character he hated it) . He was a bit of a moralizer at times but the 3rd Doctor’ exile was good as he was able to raise a mirror to contemporary concerns which the audience could easily recognize. .


Some really good points here. Agree about Jo sacrificing herself. It was silly and I like your ideas better for the Daemon to leave .

So the end of Season 8 and I know there is a lot of love for this season but do I rate it higher than Season 7 ? . They are both very different. There is seriousness about Season 7 and it feels a bit more consistent on the quality of the story telling ( bit more grown up) but too many episodes per story. Really liked Liz

Season 8 is a bit lighter, with a good beginning and end but overly reliant on the one major villain (a good villain mind. Very impressed with Roger Delgado – charming, suave and a villain most of the time) . Jo was charming and warm.
Tough to call it but maybe a draw for different reasons as overall i'm really enoying this era.