Doctor Who - The Masque of Mandragora "You can't count, Count!"

OK, figured its time I did another review and this un will be on another Doctor Who story, which I have NOT reviewed yet and the story in question is another from the Tom Baker era: The Masque of Mandragora.  So after 41 years how does this one stack up???  Well let's take a closer look and find out.

And yes the usual warning is coming up...

PLOT SPOILERS ARE AHEAD!!!

STORY 

So the story starts with the Doctor (Tom B!) and his companion, Sarah-Jane Smith (Lis Sladen again) wandering around the interior of the TARDIS and they discover a secondary control room, which the Doctor rarely used.  However they are soon interrupted by the presence of a swiling vortex, which is the Mandragora helix, a form of living energy.  The helix attacks the TARDIS, which ends up inside the helix itself and the Doctor steps outside to look arround with Sarah soon joining him, they see a fragment of helix energy fly toward them, they duck out of sight behind the TARDIS and soon take-off.  However the Doctor and Sarah are both totally unaware that the helix has entered the TARDIS with them.

The TARDIS soon lands on Earth in the 15th century in San Martino, Italy where there is a power struggle between the young Giuliano (Gareth Armstrong) and the villainous Count Federico (Jon Laurimore).  When the Doctor and Sarah leave the TARDIS however, the fragment of Helix energy also leaves and soon wreaks havoc as it kills a peasant.  Sarah is soon captured by the hooded men in robes and the Doctor tries to save her but he is captured himself and taken to Federico.

The Doctor tries to explain to Federico that the helix fragment could do untold damage, which could lead to the end of the world but Federico is sceptical and thinks the Doctor is some sort of seer like the court astrologer, Hieronymous (Norman Jones) who Federico summons to question him.  However the Doctor does not believe in astrology and even mocks Hieronymous, which leads Federico to believe he is a spy so he orders the Doctor to be executed.

Meanwhile, Sarah has been taken to an underground temple by the hooded robe figures, who are as it turns out to be worshippers of Demnos, the Roman God of moonlight and solstice.  The Doctor is taken out to be executed but he manages to escape as he trips up the executioner (played by the series stunt actor, Terry Walsh) and flees through the village and soon locates the underground temple where Sarah is and he rescues her just before she is to be sacrified.  And at this point the helix fragment appears and surrounds the hooded figures, who are lead by Hieronymous.  The helix bathes Hieronymous in red light and suddenly speaks and tells him that he will be given unlimited powers to carry out its will on Earth and allow him to become the supreme ruler of the planet.

The Doctor and Sarah are then taken to Giuliano and his good friend, Marco (Tim Piggott-Smith) and Giuliano shows the Doctor the corpse of a guard, who was also killed by the helix fragment.  Giuliano reveals his fears that if Federico were to take control then all learning in San Martino would cease.  Meanwhile, Federico plots with Hieronymous to predict another horoscope that will see Giuliano's death but in actuality Federico plans to poison Giuliano, so he can take power for himself.

And its from here the Doctor must try and find a way to prevent the Helix energy fragment from using its power to take over the planet and stop the villainous count from taking control of San Martino.

THOUGHTS

The Masque of Mandragora is a very enjoyable story from the Baker era, which is very well written by Louis Marks, who was an expert on the history of the era having studied it as a professor at Oxford in previous years.  The tone of the story is also quite light-hearted, which makes for a pleasant change from some of the more brooding and intense stories that featured in Baker's second season and it sees the Doctor enjoy some playful banter with Sarah aswell as the other characters in the story.

PERFORMANCES AND NOTABLE SCENES (Warning: this section may contain spoilers!)

As for the performances they are all excellent and it features a fine cast playing their parts very well.

To start off as usual with the Doctor played by Tom Baker, who is great once again as the Time Lord, and here Tom plays the Doctor in a more light-hearted manner than in the previous season (Tom's 2nd and 13th season of the show overall with TMOM being the first story of the 14th) and he appears to be enjoying himself here.

Tom naturally also has some great scenes and get's the best dialogue and his best scenes include the opening one where the Doctor takes Sarah around the maze of corridors in the TARDIS.  And Sarah asks the Doctor "Just how big is the TARDIS?" and the Doctor says to her "Well how big's big?  Relative dimensions, you see.  No constant".  And Sarah says "That's no answer" and the Doctor says to her "Listen, listen. There are no measurements in infinity. You humans have got such limited little minds. I don't know why I like you so much!" and Sarah quips "Because you have such good taste!". 

Then there is the scene where the Doctor is questioned by Hieronymous and his knowledge of horoscopes.  And H (can't be bothered typing his whole name out!) asks "What does it signify when Venus is in opposition to Saturn and a great shadow passes over the Moon?" and the Doctor says "Well it depends, doesn't it?" and H asks "On what?" and the Doctor replies "On whether the Moon is made of cheese, on whether the cock crows three times before dawn, and twelve hens lay addled eggs!".  And H asks "What school of philosophy is that?!" and the Doctor says "I can easily teach him. All it requires is a colourful imagination and a glib tongue!".

Another scene is when the Doctor shows up to help Giuliano fight against Federico's men, who are out to kill Giuliano.  And as Giuliano makes a good attempt at fighting off Federico's men, Federico shouts "Oh, you craven-gutted curs. He's but one man!" but then all of a sudden the Doctor arrives with a sword in his hands, he grins and says "You can't count, Count!". 

Then there is the scene where the Doctor is told by Giuliano that he is putting on a masque but says he could cancel it given the Mandragora helix crisis.  And Giuliano says to the Doctor "I wanted to ask you about the masque tonight. Everything's arranged, but it could still be cancelled if you..." and the Doctor says "You're going to hold a dance?" and Giuliano says "Well, only if you don't think it's too dangerous".  Then suddenly the Doctor grabs Giuliano by the shoulders and says to him "Dangerous?!  My dear Duke, you've got lots of guests to entertain! Of course you must hold a hop. Sarah will love it! Ask her!" and Sarah smiles and says "Oh yes, just my scene!".  And just before the Doctor leaves he says to Giuliano "And Giuliano, save me a costume. I love a knees-up!".

And last of all is the scene near the end (SPOILER!!) where the Doctor defeats the Mandragora helix threat and wearing Hieronymous's robed costume with the mask on suddenly turns around reveals himself much to everyone's surprise.  And the Doctor says to them "Well, I thought that was rather clever!" and he then mimics Hieronymous's voice perfectly "A case of energy squared. It puts Mandragora back to square one!".  Then he reverts to his normal voice and enthusiastically says "Well, don't just stand there, I'm in the market for congratulations!" and he claps his hands and then says again in Hieronymous's voice "I wouldn't even say no to a salami sandwich!".

Elisabeth Sladen next is great once again as the Doc's companion, Sarah-Jane Smith and here she get's to do a bit more than usual as Sarah is used at one point by Hieronymous as a subject for his hypnosis and he gives her a poison needle to kill the Doctor with at a certain moment.  Sarah also asks an interesting question about how she can understand Giuliano speaking Italian to which the Doctor later tells her because he let her share his "Time Lord gift".

As for Lis's good scenes well they include the one where Sarah comes into the armoury room where the Doctor has been fitted with a breastplate and Sarah asks him "Putting on weight, are you? What's that in aid of?" and the Doctor says "A little plan".  And Sarah shows the Doctor several costumes she has brought in and she says "Giuliano sent you these to choose from" and the Doctor looks through them and says of one "That looks as if it would be very becoming, eh?".  However Sarah is not in the mood for playing about and says "Well, I think it's ridiculous talking about fancy dress. I mean, we're in such terrible danger!" and then all of a sudden the Doctor puts on a lion mask he found in the costumes and starts to make lion roars.  And Sarah says "Oh, stop being so silly!" and the Doctor says "Remember the French at Agincourt!" and Sarah says "But they lost!  You know, the worse the situation, the worse your jokes get!". 

Then in the next scene Sarah asks the Doctor about what he plans to do with the Helix fragment and he tells Sarah "I want you to stay here and keep an eye on this lot" and Sarah asks "What for?" and the Doctor says "A Time Lord has to do what a Time Lord has to do. Besides, you're not equipped".  And Sarah concerned says "But you said it was dangerous" and the Doctor glibly says "Oh, well only if I guess wrong, then its fatal!".  And Sarah is fed up with the Doctor and says "Oh, look!  I wish you would stop giving me flip answers!" and the Doctor explains if he has guessed right then he will be able to defeat the Helix fragment.  But Sarah anxiously asks the Doctor "But what if you've guessed wrong?" and the Doctor walks off saying "When did I ever guess wrong about anything?!" and Sarah quietly says to herself "Lots of times".

As for the supporting cast, Jon Laurimore is excellent as the villainous Count Federico, who is out to kill the rightful heir to the throne in San Martino, Giuliano, so he can claim power for himself.  

Laurimore has his share of good scenes but I will only mention a few to keep things a bit shorter (which is hard enough for me to do on this blog!).  And for starters there is the scene where the Doctor is taken to Federico, who questions him and the Doctor warns Federico of the Mandragora helix.  And Federico summons Hieronymous to question the Doctor over his prediction of the Mandragora's dangers given that H is a seer that uses horoscopes to see into the future and Federico warns the Doc "If you are making sport with us, Doctor, we shall make sport with your body! Be warned!".  And after the Doctor insults Hieronymous's horoscope predictions and says he can teach Hieronymous to have a "glib tongue" Federico says to the Doctor "And you, Doctor, have a mocking tongue.  Prepare the execution!".

Then there is the scene where Federico meets with his guards Captain, Rossini (Antony Carrick) who gives him a small scroll with a list of names on it.  And Rossini says to Federico "A list prepared by the Duke Giuliano's secretary" and Federico asks "Where did you get it?" and Rossini says "You have many friends, my lord".  Federico then takes the list and reads from it "The King of Naples, Duke of Milan, Duke of Padua, Doge of Venice, Signora of Florence. Very impressive" and Rossini says "

They are the rulers who have accepted Giuliano's invitation and are coming to San Martino" and Federico says "To celebrate his accession to the dukedom. The arrogant puppy!".

And lastly there is Federico's last scene where he goes with the Doctor to confront Hieronymous, who by this time has been possessed with the powers of the Mandragora helix.  And the Doctor warns Federico "Whatever you do, Count, don't go near him" and Federico says "Do I need your advice?  When I give the word, seize him".  And just as Hieronymous's energises the last of his Brethern with the Helix's powers, Federico moves forward and shouts out "Hieronymous!" and he steps up to him and removes his mask and shouts "You traitor" but looks on in horror when he sees that Hieronymous has no face and is just a glowing light, which zaps Federico.

Gareth Armstrong is also very good in his role as Giuliano, the heir to the Dukedom of San Martino, who is involved in a power struggle with his villainous Uncle, Count Federico.

Gareth also has some good scenes but I will only mention a few, first off is his first scene where Giuliano's father has just passed on and he is soon met with by Federico shortly afteward.  And Giuliano says to him "I'm sorry you couldn't be present at my father's deathbed, Uncle" and Federico says "I came as quickly as I could. There were important matters of state to attend to" and Giuliano angrily says "I see. I'm sorry, I thought you were out enjoying some sport!".  And Federico says "There was some trouble among the peasants in the villages. They needed a lesson!" and Giuliano says "Isn't that your sport, Uncle?!" who then leaves angrily.  And Giuliano's friend, Marco warns him not to anger his uncle but Giuliano says "If I do not speak the truth, who will, Marco?".  

Then there is the scene where Giuliano meets the Doctor and Sarah for the first time and he shares his concerns with the Doctor and Sarah over Federico's corrupt ways.  And Giuliano tells them "I don't fear so much for myself as for the people. Were he ever to rule San Martino, all knowledge, all attempt at learning, would be suppressed". 

And the Doctor asks how Giuliano knew his name and he says "I was present when Hieronymous questioned you. From the way you spoke to him, I take it that you, like me, are a man of science" and the Doctor says "Oh, I dabble a bit!".  And suddenly Giuliano is excited by this and says to the Doctor "Oh, excellent. Some wine, Marco. I crave for contact with men of intellect and understanding!".  And the Doctor says "You're too kind.  But that isn't the only reason you brought us here" and Giuliano says "No.  There is something I want you to see" and he shows the Doctor and Sarah the body of the guard killed by the Mandragora helix fragment.

Then there is the scene where Giuliano tells his theory about the world to Sarah "I have this theory, you see, that the world is really a sphere" and Sarah says "Go on" and Giuliano continues "It's not only me. Other scientists are coming to the same conclusion that the world can't possibly be flat because the..." and we hear the noise of a twig snapping.  And Giuliano continues "Nothing. You see, it's obvious when you come to think about it" but they are interrupted by Federico and his men and the Count shouts "Death to Giuliano!".  But Giuliano expertly manages to fight off Federico's men and he shout at Federico "Go on, for you'll need an army to do your work!!" before he is joined by the Doctor.

Norman Jones next up is also pretty good in his role as Hieronymous, the astrologer, who is secretly the leader of a cult who supports the Roman God, Demnos and becomes possessed with the powers of the Mandragora helix.

Jones also has some good scenes that include the one where Federico enters Hieronymous's living quarters without knocking, which angers Hieronymous, who says "I did not say enter!" and Federico barks "In this palace I come and go as I please!  Do not get above yourself!  I've warned you before, Hieronymous!".  And Federico tells Hieronymous to come up with another horoscope that predicts Giuliano's death "You will announce some new finding. You will say that some new conjunction has come to light. You'll find a way. Sudden death!".  However Hieronymous says "You are asking me to invent a horoscope??!" and Federico mocks him saying "Ha!  Isn't that what you always do?!" and a furious Hieronymous says "Do you know what it is you're mocking? Do you know what power is held by the celestial bodies? They are not at our beck and call!".  

And lastly there is the scene where the Doctor enters the temple where Hieronymous is, waiting for the astrologer, he uses his yo-yo to pass the time and all of a sudden Hieronymous enters, furious "You profane the sacred stone?!".  And the Doctor, irritated says "Oh, come off it, Hieronymous! You know who I am. You can drop all that bosh about sacred stones and profanity. Just be your natural horrid self!".  And Hieronymous asks "Why have you come here, Time Lord??!!" and the Doctor says "Would you believe it?  I had no choice".  

And Hieronymous rants at the Doctor "Had it not been you, there would have been other travellers drawn into Mandragora Helix. Earth had to be possessed. Unchecked, man's curiosity might lead him away from this planet until ultimately the galaxy might not contain him, and we of Mandragora will not allow a rival power within our domain!".  The Doctor then says "Well, you see, that's a great pity because I can't allow you to interfere with Earth's progress" which enrages H who shouts "You arrogant dolt! How dare you oppose the might of Mandragora!".  And the Doctor says "It's part of a Time Lord's job to insist on justice for all species" and Hieronymous threateningly says "Then you will be swept aside like the dirt that you are. Die, Doctor!" and he zaps him with his helix energy in the chest but the Doctor is protected by his armour brestplate.  

And last of all Tim Piggot-Smith is excellent as Marco, Giuliano's friend, who provides him with counsel throughout the story.  

And Tim's most notable scene comes when Marco tries to persuade Giuliano that his masque should go forward and to not fear Hieronymous's rise.  So Marco says to his friend "Giuliano, you're the ruler now, the leader. If you're seen to falter at the first challenge, you may lose everything. There are eyes watching you. There are those who will go from here saying that the Duke of San Martino is weak, ready to be toppled. Better trust to your guards and hold the masque as though all was normal".  And Giuliano thinks for a moment and says "Oh, you speak sense as always, dear Marco. But all is not normal, you and I both know it. I'll seek the Doctor's advice. Where is he?" and Marco smiles and says "In Hieronymous' room. He's been there since this morning. But what he does there, I know not!".

DIRECTOR AND MUSIC

As for the direction, Rodney Bennett makes a welcome return to the directorial duties on this story and he does an excellent job and paces the story out well and get's some fine performances from the cast.  Bennett previously directed two stories on the Tom Baker era, his early classic "The Ark in Space" and the following story "The Sontaran Experiment" although Mandragora would be his last story that he worked, which is a pity given he did a fine job.  Bennett himself sadly died recently at the start of this year at the age of 81.  

Music wise we have the regular series composer of the time, Dudley Simpson provide another very fine score and he includes some nice historical passages of music along with his usual mix of drama, suspense and playful tracks.  So its another good one and its testament to the quality and quantity of music that Simpson continually put out during this era.

FLAWS

As for flaws....well yeah OK TMOM has one or two.

And for starters I found it a bit daft how the Doctor decided to step out the TARDIS when it landed inside the Mandragora helix at the start of the story and have a look outside after telling Sarah to stay inside (which as always she never listens to the Doctor and does go outside with him!) yet she leaves the door open!  And by doing this of course, the Mandragora fragment manages to fly into the TARDIS and make its way to Earth and wreak its havoc there.  Now if only Sarah had closed the TARDIS door then none of this would have happened!  

I also found it a bit peculiar just how Hieronymous was able to talk after he had been possessed with the helix's power because at the end of the 3rd episode he no longer has a face to talk with, just a glowing ball of light!  So how is he supposed to talk without a pair of lips???!!  And after that Norman Jones just had to keep the mask on so he could keep on playing the part, but its another silly illogical moment in the story.

It also seems rather unusual how Sarah never thought to ask the Doctor about her ability to understand foreign languages sooner than when she asks in this story how she can understand Giuliano as he supposedly is speaking Italian.  This would later be expanded on in the new series when the 9th Doctor (played by Christopher Eccleston) tells his companion of the time, Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) that this is due to the TARDIS's telepathic field that it will translate any language for anyone that is close to it.  

Also later in the first episode of the 10th Doctor's era (David Tennant of course) he states that the Doctor is part of the telepathic circuit that completes the link with the TARDIS.  But in Mandragora, the Doctor simply tells Sarah its a "Time Lord" he has shared with him, but it seems a bit strange that Sarah never thought to ask about it before regardless!

Anyway that's it for the flaws.

SUM UP

So to sum up, The Masque of Mandragora is very entertaining story that is well worth watching and I enjoy it myself every time I see it, which is good sign in itself that any story that warrants repeated viewing is one that's checking out.  The performances are excellent, the script is of a high quality as are the set designs and costumes of the period and as usual we get a fine score by Dudley Simpson not to mention a solidly director in Rodney Bennett.  So with that all in mind there is no reason not to give this story a look-in as it certainly stands as one of Tom Baker's strongest stories.

Right, so that's it for now and I'll be back sometime soon with yet another post.

Till then its bye the now!