Doctor Who: Dragonfire
Doctor Who: Dragonfire

Movie spotlight

Doctor Who: Dragonfire

1987
Movie
75 min
English

As trouble brews on the space trading colony of Iceworld, the Doctor and Mel encounter their sometimes-ally Sabalom Glitz and a new friend who goes by the name "Ace".

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Christopher BarryGenres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery

Plot Summary

The Seventh Doctor and Mel Bush travel to the planet Cabetos, a world known for its advanced technology and its ban on unauthorized visitors. Upon arrival, they find themselves embroiled in a struggle between the icy Rani, a ruthless alien scientist seeking ancient alien artifacts, and the saboteurs of the Dragonfire Mining Corporation, who are exploiting the planet's resources. The Doctor must navigate treacherous betrayals and uncover the secrets of the planet's past to prevent a galactic catastrophe.

Critical Reception

Dragonfire is generally considered a strong finish to the Seventh Doctor's introductory season, praised for its complex plot, Sylvester McCoy's developing performance, and the compelling villain. However, some critics found the pacing occasionally uneven and certain plot elements predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • Sylvester McCoy's portrayal of the Doctor gains confidence and complexity.

  • The villain, The Rani, is depicted as a formidable and engaging antagonist.

  • The story offers a satisfying blend of adventure and mystery, with a strong cliffhanger.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the engaging storyline and the performances of the main cast, particularly Sylvester McCoy's evolution as the Doctor. The season finale is frequently cited as a memorable installment.

Fun Fact

Dragonfire was the last serial to feature Bonnie Langford as companion Mel Bush, who departs in this story to pursue a career in opera.

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