The Doctor finally discovers what the Monk is up to and must move fast to prevent his opponent from altering the course of history.The Doctor finally discovers what the Monk is up to and must move fast to prevent his opponent from altering the course of history.The Doctor finally discovers what the Monk is up to and must move fast to prevent his opponent from altering the course of history.
Photos
Dave Anderson
- Sven
- (as David Anderson)
Derek Chafer
- Saxon Warrior
- (uncredited)
Tim Condren
- Saxon Warrior
- (uncredited)
Dougie Dean
- Saxon Warrior
- (uncredited)
Ken McGarvie
- Saxon Warrior
- (uncredited)
Vic Taylor
- Saxon Warrior
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Dennis Spooner
- Sydney Newman(uncredited)
- Donald Wilson(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode only exists as a 16mm film print which was recovered from Nigeria in the 1980s. As such, it is missing a scene which had been transmitted in the UK but cut by censors abroad, featuring Saxons stabbing Vikings.
- GoofsThe Doctor's goal was to prevent the Monk from destroying the Viking fleet, however they left the cannon and nuclear projectiles as they were. The Monk can still alter history the way he planned, though he will still be trapped in 1066.
- Alternate versions12 seconds of violent footage are missing from the only known surviving film prints of this episode. The sequence had been excised by overseas censors. (The B.B.C. had wiped the original master videotape and 16mm film prints of episodes 1, 3 and 4 were destroyed. The existing prints were returned from private and overseas sources.)
- ConnectionsFeatured in Dennis Spooner: Wanna Write a Television Series? (2009)
Featured review
Part 4 Checkmate - A brilliant conclusion, an episode beyond its years
Stephen and Vicki have discovered the Monk's secret, he has a TARDIS, and from the same world as the Doctor. The Doctor discovers the monk's plan, to lure the vikings in with fires, and destroy them. Whilst in the Monk's TARDIS, Stephen and Vicki learn the monk has been meddling with time, discussing powered flight with DaVinci and swindling banks. The villagers must stop the Vikings, and the Doctor must stop the Monk. The Doctor makes an enemy of the Monk.
I love the Monk's TARDIS chockablock with ornaments and antiques, that's exactly how mine would be! The Monk is irresponsible, but is he a totally bad guy? only time will tell.
Alethea Charlton is worth a mention for her performance as Edith, it's what I can only describe as charming. Such an authentic face. Great chemistry between her and Hartnell.
This has been a totally brilliant story, and Part 4 is even better. I love the concept of the Monk as a renegade Timelord, the original idea back in 1965, long before the Master, Rani, War Lord etc.
Gloriously written, this episode defies its years, and feels like a basis or vision for the show's future direction. Absolutely love it. 10/10
How cool are those closing credits too.
I love the Monk's TARDIS chockablock with ornaments and antiques, that's exactly how mine would be! The Monk is irresponsible, but is he a totally bad guy? only time will tell.
Alethea Charlton is worth a mention for her performance as Edith, it's what I can only describe as charming. Such an authentic face. Great chemistry between her and Hartnell.
This has been a totally brilliant story, and Part 4 is even better. I love the concept of the Monk as a renegade Timelord, the original idea back in 1965, long before the Master, Rani, War Lord etc.
Gloriously written, this episode defies its years, and feels like a basis or vision for the show's future direction. Absolutely love it. 10/10
How cool are those closing credits too.
helpful•110
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Aug 26, 2015
Details
- Runtime24 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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