Standard Definition

Originally aired on

22 October 1966

Written by

Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis

Directed by

Derek Martinus

Cast List

William Hartnell - Dr. Who
Michael Craze - Ben
Anneke Wills - Polly
Robert Beatty - General Cutler
Dudley Jones - Dyson
David Dodimead - Barclay
Steve Plytas - Wigner
Christopher Matthews - Radar Technician
Christopher Dunham - R/T Technician
Callen Angello - Terry Cutler

Synopsis

Many aeons ago, Earth's twin planet, Mondas, drifted away to the edge of space. Its inhabitants grew weak, so their scientists created spare parts for their bodies. Limbs and organs were slowly replaced by metal and plastic, and emotions were removed. The Cybermen were born. The TARDIS lands at the South Pole Tracking Station late in 1986, just as a routine space mission starts going wrong. When the base personnel's suspicions are raised, the Doctor informs them that the space capsule is being affected by the gravitational pull of another planet. A tenth planet...
As Mondas returns to the solar system, the Doctor warns that a visit from Mondas's inhabitants is imminent. The Cybermen want Earth's power and resources for themselves. Only the Doctor offers the base any hope against these silver giants. But is this one battle too many for the ailing time traveller?