The Keys of Marinus
Attack of the Voord
Original Air Date: April 11 – May 16, 1964
Number of Episodes: 6
Rating: 4 of 4 Stars
Plot Summary:
The TARDIS arrives on the planet Marinus on an island of glass surrounded by a sea of acid. The travellers are forced by the elderly Arbitan to retrieve four of the five operating keys to a machine called the Conscience of Marinus, of which he is the keeper. These have been hidden in different locations around the planet to prevent them falling into the hands of the evil Yartek and his Voord warriors, who plan to seize the machine and use its originally benevolent mind-influencing power for their own sinister purposes.
Doctor Caleb’s Review:
I liked the story because each episode left you hanging so you had to watch the next one. I also liked the story because each episode had in itself its own story. My favorite part is when Ian is accused of murder and theft because it shows that those people are stupid. My favorite character is Yartek because he is tricky and cynical.
Eggstirmen8’s Review:
Keys of Marinus was a great early episode. I completely overlooked it when I was younger, but I really liked the quest element of this story. It reminds me of the Tom Baker Key to Time series in that respect. Each episode might not relate to the whole quest, but at some point in the episode the overall through-line of the story comes out. For those of you who love the Key to Time, I highly recommend the Keys of Marinus. The villains, The Vord, in this episode are not all that interesting. They are quasi-reptilian. Eh, no. The are dudes in leather leotards and a snakish mask. The real villain in this story is the prospector in the glacier episode. He is truly a scary man.
Where to Watch:
- Netflix DVD Service
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doctorcaleb
eggstirmen8
Doctoring The Tardis 
Interestingly enough, Terry Nation created the Voord in an attempt to replicate the success of the Daleks…suffice it to say, these cold-blooded fellows came up more than a little short of the mark in that department.
Like you, I really enjoyed the quest element in this one. A fun episode for sure!