Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear

The Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith find themselves crash-landed on a desolate planet, only to discover a crashed alien spaceship containing advanced technology and a mysterious, malevolent alien called Eldrad. Eldrad, a being of immense power, manipulates the humans and the Doctor's companions to achieve its escape. The Doctor must unravel Eldrad's true nature and thwart its destructive plans before it can unleash its power upon Earth.

Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is generally well-regarded by fans as a classic Tom Baker-era story, praised for its atmospheric tension and the performances of Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen. While some critics point to pacing issues in its original broadcast format, its iconic villain and strong character work have cemented its place in Doctor Who history.

• Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and Eldrad as a memorable villain.

• Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen's chemistry is a highlight.

• Some find the pacing slow at times, particularly in the early episodes.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the story's classic Doctor Who feel, with particular appreciation for the performances and the terrifying nature of Eldrad. Some viewers note that, like many serials of its era, it benefits from a modern viewing perspective that accepts its pacing and production values.

None notable.

The character of Eldrad was originally conceived as a male scientist, but the role was rewritten for a female actor, Judith Paris, and the character's gender became ambiguous, adding to its alien nature.