I suspect that the lack of espisodes of this irrascible fellow makes them even more valuable. This particular story, originally transmitted between November 11 and December 16 1967, focuses attention on the problems of a new ice age and man's inability to defend him(her)self against mother nature. Once again there is the case against reliance on computers to find solutions, requiring the utmost obedience and removing the need for the human race to think for themselves. Indeed, those who do think for themselves and see the flaws in the case for computer dominance are derided, denounced and outcast.

The leader of the station is also disabled but he is not handicapped by the disability and leads his team despite the adverse conditions even though the mounting evidence against the computers becomes glaringly obvious. Ultimately he sees the error of his ways and regains his humanity in a final display of leadership.

The Ice Warriors are cast as a militaristic society with soldiers and officers but one has some sympathy with their need for conquest due to the dying planet Mars being unable to sustain life any more. This plays out as a tragic Darwinian survival of the fittest struggle when the warriors are ultimately defeated with the aid of the Doctor's assistance.

Happily this VHS tape was released which includes the soundtrack for the entire show on CD. Unhappily, there are many missing episodes, mainly of the Troughton years and the likelihood of them being found diminishes daily. In England the BBC is releasing CD versions of the missing stories which hopefully will be generally available in the US soon.

This is another excellent Doctor Who Story.