Robot (Doctor Who)

Robot was the title of the first serial of the twelfth season of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, broadcast in four weekly parts from December 28, 1974, to January 18, 1975. It was the first story to feature Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor.

The plot concerns a giant robot, built by the Think Tank organization under the control of Professor Kettlewell, who seeks to restore Britain to its former glory by stealing nuclear launch codes and using them to intimidate the world. The robot, initially controlled by Kettlewell, is eventually manipulated by the New Scientific Reform Society (SRS), led by Miss Winters, who wish to use the nuclear codes for their own nefarious purposes.

The story also marks the introduction of Harry Sullivan and Sarah Jane Smith as companions to the Doctor, although Sarah Jane had previously traveled with the Third Doctor. Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and other members of UNIT also feature prominently. The serial explores themes of technology, power, and nationalism, examining the dangers of uncontrolled technological advancement and the corrupting influence of power. The climax of the story involves the Doctor shrinking the giant robot, leading to its destruction. The serial is also notable for being a traditional Doctor Who adventure, relying more on scientific concepts and less on the occult or mystical elements that had become more prevalent in the previous season.