Dance Inferno

"So, free will is not an illusion after all."

                                                                      -- The Third Doctor

Proper PPE is essential

Re-watching Inferno in 2021, I can't help wondering which Earth we're on. Perhaps I had a somewhat smug sense of relief viewing the story in the past. Our universe was fine. Good old Earth prime, where everything always worked out. Not that dumpster-fire of a parallel Earth with its orange filtered skies (sound familiar) and leather jack boots. I'd have a slightly nauseous feeling as that gooey lava rushed forward to consume alt-Greg Sutton and the rest of the doppel-gang. Poor buggers. 

These days, I'm not so sure which universe we live in. As climate change and COVID-19 and right-wing, populous governments remap our realities, I tend to feel a little more anxious about the Stahlmans of the world winning out.

Inferno is an extremely beloved story, from the oft told eye-patch stories to the inspiration of adding the parallel universe plot to beef up its episode count. But its status is well-earned. The performances are elevated. Olaf Pooley (Stahlmann) manages to produce two subtly modulated performances, with his alt universe variation standing as a slightly more aloof, single-minded mad man. I imagine alt-Stahlmann sleeping on his couch in his office, while prime-Stahlmann actually has a wife (albeit neglected) who arranges his dry cleaning and makes excuses for oft cancelled dinner parties. "St-alt-mann" always seems slightly crueler as well, rubbing the faces of his technicians in the green goo to accelerate their transformations into Primords. Or was it just a case of prime-Stahlmann never getting the chance?

Meanwhile Christopher Benjamin adds a sense of comfort, security and a twinkle which never lets the viewer completely give into despair (oh for the Sir Keiths of the world who will always make sure there is seat for everyone in the canteen). And Derek Newark's special brand of edge-of-the-razor machismo (which manifests itself in both a sweaty neck kerchief and a form fitted suit) anchors the action even as the hopelessness factor steadily rises. 

Although Inferno is as dark as Doctor Who gets (see also The Waters of Mars and Orphan 55), there is great catharsis in the ending the story with no more damage than a few barbed comments from the Doctor towards the Brigadier.

Locations: Kingsnorth Industrial Estate, Hoo St Werburgh, Kent. The perfect location for all your dystopian needs.

Call Forwards: "Pete's World" in Rise of the Cybermen/Age of Steel would see another foray into a parallel Earth during David Tennant's freshman year, while series 12's Orphan 55 offers a chilling vision of an Earth ravaged by environmental disaster. 

Hammer Horror or I, Claudius? Er, the ever dependable Pat Gorman was indeed in the latter.

Cheese Please:  A lava hot baked brie

Next Up:   Recycle Your Plastics