23. The Ark

After the massacre of The Massacre and the Doctor picking up young Dodo, we find ourselves on the Ark with the last survivors of Earth. Of course the survivors are wearing shammy rags and sandals and have enslaved an alien race call the Monoids. Some earth habits die hard.

Dodo brings a cold on the ship and infects everyone to the point of death. A cure is found and everyone is lives. And that's only the end of episode two! The story takes an interesting turn when the TARDIS crew travels 700 years. They find that the human race are now passive slaves to the Monoids! Turnabout is fair play! Of course the Doctor helps the humans defeat their former slaves and saves humanity.

This is a great first episode for Dodo that really sets her apart from the previous girl companions. She's not alien, she's more modern with street cred, and she questions and doubts everything. She is a welcomed fresh breathe of air.

The other interesting plot twist is that this is essentially two stories over 4 episodes. Allowing the TARDIS to jump ahead 700 years, you get to see the consequences of one's action.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ark_(Doctor_Who)

Next episode: The Celestial Toymaker!!