Ahhh yes....everyone who's seen it remembers it as "the one with the giant maggots." They are the undisputed stars of the show, but I want to make a few other observations on this one.
It is perhaps the most overt of the "message" stories produced during this era, rather than couch current affairs in the guise of science fiction.
This is the last appearance of Katy Manning as Jo Grant on Doctor Who. Her character's departure was well thought out and written, unlike most companions' exits by comparison. You could see Jo fall in love with Clifford Jones throughout the story, so her engagement at the end wasn't right out of left field. It helped make it more believable, perhaps, because at the time Katy and actor Stewart Bevan were falling in love as well.
The scene where she announces her engagement is particularly emotionally powerful. The Doctor gives her his congratulations and quietly slips out of the party...alone...and drives off in Bessie, his two hearts obviously broken, while Jo looks over her shoulder realizing he's gone. It's truly heartbreaking and one of the most tender moments in all of Doctor Who's 50 years. I'm welling up just typing this...
SeaDevil
