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{{real world}}
{{real world}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|novelisation= The Ambassadors of Death (novelisation)
|novelisation= The Ambassadors of Death (novelisation)
|image= AmbassadorAtTheGate.jpg
|image= AmbassadorAtTheGate.jpg
|series=[[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|series=[[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|season number= Season 7
|season number= Season 7 (Doctor Who 1963)|
|season serial number = 3
|season serial number = 3
|story number= 53
|story number= 53
|doctor=Third Doctor
|doctor = Third Doctor
|companions = [[The Brigadier]], [[Liz Shaw|Liz]], [[John Benton|Benton]]
|companions = [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|The Brigadier]], [[Liz Shaw|Liz]]
|enemy= [[George Carrington|Carrington]]
|featuring = [[John Benton|Benton]]
|setting= [[England]], [[20th century]]
|enemy= [[George Carrington]]
|writer= [[David Whitaker]]
|setting= [[England]], [[Dating protocol|1973 or 1979]] <ref>[https://www.lethbridge-stewart.co.uk/timeline/ Lethbridge-Stewart TIMELINE]</ref>
|writer= David Whitaker
|director= [[Michael Ferguson]]
|director= [[Michael Ferguson]]
|producer= [[Barry Letts]]
|producer= [[Barry Letts]]
|epcount=7
|epcount = 7
|broadcast date= [[21 March (releases)|21 March]] - [[2 May (releases)|2 May]] [[1970 (releases)|1970]]
|broadcast date= 21 March - 2 May 1970
|network=[[BBC1]]
|network = BBC1
|format= 7x25-minute episodes
|format= 7x25-minute episodes
|serial production code= [[List of production codes|CCC]]
|serial production code= [[List of production codes|CCC]]
|prev= Doctor Who and the Silurians (TV story)
|prev= Doctor Who and the Silurians (TV story)
|next= Inferno (TV story)|Inferno (TV story)
|next= Inferno (TV story)|Inferno (TV story)|clip = The Whole Truth - Doctor Who - The Ambassadors of Death - BBC
|clip = The Whole Truth - Doctor Who - The Ambassadors of Death - BBC
|thwr = 19
}}
|thwr2 = 22|thwr3=40
'''''The Ambassadors of Death''''' was the third and penultimate serial of [[season 7]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was the final story to be written by former [[script editor]] [[David Whitaker]], and was the [[Third Doctor]]'s first adventure into space without the use of [[The Doctor's TARDIS|his TARDIS]].
|thwr4=151}}
'''''The Ambassadors of Death''''' was the third and penultimate serial of [[Season 7 (Doctor Who 1963)|season 7]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was the final story to be written by former [[script editor]] [[David Whitaker]], and was the [[Third Doctor]]'s first adventure into space without the use of [[The Doctor's TARDIS|his TARDIS]]. A [[Doctor Who and the Ambassadors of Death (trailer)|specially filmed scene]] featuring Pertwee as the Third Doctor was filmed to advertise this story.


It also featured the first instance the [[TARDIS console]] was shown in colour format, and for that matter, removed from the TARDIS entirely. The Doctor had disconnected it and moved it to a study room inside [[UNIT]] headquarters now that his TARDIS was rendered inoperative, needing to utilise it in his experiments.
It also featured the first instance the [[TARDIS console]] was shown on-screen in full colour, and for that matter, removed from the TARDIS entirely. The Doctor had disconnected it and moved it to a study room inside [[UNIT]] headquarters now that his TARDIS was rendered inoperative, needing to utilise it in his experiments.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
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An astronaut is bearing down on ''Mars Probe 7''. There has been no contact between the probe and Earth for seven months when it took off from Mars. The Brigadier, who is overlooking the proceedings in the Space Centre, asks Professor Cornish, who is running the recovery mission, if he considers them to be dead. Cornish says he suspects so. The whole recovery mission is being televised live.
An astronaut is bearing down on ''Mars Probe 7''. There has been no contact between the probe and Earth for seven months when it took off from Mars. The Brigadier, who is overlooking the proceedings in the Space Centre, asks Professor Cornish, who is running the recovery mission, if he considers them to be dead. Cornish says he suspects so. The whole recovery mission is being televised live.


The Doctor is trying to reactivate the [[Time Vector Generator]] using his TARDIS control. He inadvertently sends Liz fifteen seconds into the future before doing so to himself — much to her confusion. The Doctor notices the Brigadier on television. He is still bitter about the Brigadier's decision to destroy the Silurians. The recovery vessel is about to link up with the probe.
The Doctor is trying to reactivate the [[Time Vector Generator]] using his TARDIS control. He inadvertently sends Liz fifteen seconds into the future before doing so to himself — much to her confusion. Liz says she hasn't been anywhere and it was the Doctor who vanished. The Doctor explains that Liz vanished first, and he only seemed to have done so because she went into the future and he wasn't there yet. The Doctor notices the Brigadier on television. He is still bitter about the Brigadier's decision to destroy the Silurians. The recovery vessel is about to link up with the probe.


The Brigadier asks the astronaut if he is sure the probe is ''Mars Probe 7''. He says it is. He tries for radio communication one last time and then begins the process of linking up.
The Brigadier asks the astronaut if he is sure the probe is ''Mars Probe 7''. He says it is. He tries for radio communication one last time and then begins the process of linking up.
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[[File:VanLyden.jpg|left|thumb|[[Charles Van Lyden|Van Lyden]] is captured after linking up ''[[Recovery 7]]'' and ''[[Mars Probe 7]]''.]]
[[File:VanLyden.jpg|left|thumb|[[Charles Van Lyden|Van Lyden]] is captured after linking up ''[[Recovery 7]]'' and ''[[Mars Probe 7]]''.]]


Back at UNIT headquarters, the Doctor recognises the sound but can't place from where, which frustrates him. He and Liz set off for the Space Centre.
Back at UNIT Headquarters, the Doctor recognises the sound but can't place from where, which frustrates him. He and Liz set off for the Space Centre.


Cornish is told there are no issues with any of the equipment at the Space Centre, so it must be an issue on the vessels. One of the other doctors, by the name of Taltalian, is being interviewed but gets frustrated with the journalist and walks off.
Cornish is told there are no issues with any of the equipment at the Space Centre, so it must be an issue on the vessels. One of the other doctors, by the name of Taltalian, is being interviewed but gets frustrated with the journalist and walks off.
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The Doctor drives into the Space Centre directly after another vehicle, much to the concern of the guards.
The Doctor drives into the Space Centre directly after another vehicle, much to the concern of the guards.


The probe is holding its position. One of the scientists wonders if it was an excess of [[electricity]] built up in the probe that may have fried the communications but not killed the astronauts. The Doctor arrives, pursued by soldiers that are called off by the Brigadier. The Doctor says that the sound is a message. Cornish is dismissive of the Doctor, but the sound returns. The Doctor identifies it as a series of high frequency accelerated impulses. He demands unlimited computer time and multiple copies of the recording so as to analyse it. Cornish's back is still up. The Doctor becomes more consolatory to him, and he calms down. The sound appears again — but this time it is slightly different. The Doctor states it is a reply from Earth. He sets about coordinating a worldwide triangulation in expectation of a replay.
The probe is holding its position. One of the scientists wonders if it was an excess of [[electricity]] built up in the probe that may have fried the communications but not killed the astronauts. The Doctor arrives, pursued by soldiers that are called off by the Brigadier. The Doctor says that the sound is a message. Cornish is dismissive of the Doctor, but the sound returns. The Doctor identifies it as a series of high frequency accelerated impulses. He demands unlimited computer time and multiple copies of the recording so as to analyse it. Cornish's back is still up. The Doctor becomes more consolatory to him, and he calms down. The sound appears again — but this time it is slightly different. The Doctor states it is a reply from Earth. He sets about coordinating a worldwide [[triangulation]] in expectation of a replay.


The broadcasters suggest that the noise is some kind of distress signal.
The broadcasters suggest that the noise is some kind of distress signal.
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=== Episode 2 ===
=== Episode 2 ===
[[File:Third Doctor Robustly Yells at Collinson.jpg|thumb|The Doctor screams at the Sergeant to set off his military conditioning.]]
[[File:Third Doctor Robustly Yells at Collinson.jpg|thumb|The Doctor shouts like an army officer at the Sergeant to set off his military conditioning.]]
Taltalian demands the tape. The Doctor asks if he understood the message, and Taltalian says he did. The Doctor holds the tape out to Taltalian — only to make it disappear. Taltalian searches the Doctor for it, but is interrupted by the entrance of the Brigadier. Panicked, Taltalian takes Liz hostage until he can escape. The Brigadier pursues. The Doctor makes the tape reappear and explains to Liz that he transmigrated it, but won't explain how. The Doctor and Liz find the analogue to digital converter. The Brigadier returns and says that Taltalian escaped. The Brigadier tells the Doctor about what happened at the warehouse and says they have taken prisoners. The Doctor wishes to talk to them.
Taltalian demands the tape. The Doctor asks if he understood the message, and Taltalian says he did. The Doctor holds the tape out to Taltalian — only to make it disappear. Taltalian searches the Doctor for it, but is interrupted by the entrance of the Brigadier. Panicked, Taltalian takes Liz hostage until he can escape. The Brigadier pursues. The Doctor makes the tape reappear and explains to Liz that he transmigrated it, but won't explain how. The Doctor and Liz find the analogue to digital converter. The Brigadier returns and says that Taltalian escaped. The Brigadier tells the Doctor about what happened at the warehouse and says they have taken prisoners. The Doctor wishes to talk to them.


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The craft is opened and found to be empty, save for a tape recorder — which is not standard equipment, according to Cornish — with a recording of Van Lyden's voice, which automatically activates in response to the radio; and a high amount of radiation.
The craft is opened and found to be empty, save for a tape recorder — which is not standard equipment, according to Cornish — with a recording of Van Lyden's voice, which automatically activates in response to the radio; and a high amount of radiation.


[[George Carrington||General Carrington]] has ensured the capsule's crew — three spacesuited astronauts — are detained elsewhere, feeding them radiation to keep them alive. Carrington is introduced to the Doctor by Quinlan who explains that he is head of the newly formed Space Security Department and that his actions were to protect the astronauts as they had been infected with contagious radiation. Quinlan states that they did not want the public to become panic-stricken, so Carrington had been acting with authority in his actions. By the time Carrington takes the Doctor and his friends to meet the astronauts, the situation has changed again.
[[George Carrington|General Carrington]] has ensured the capsule's crew — three spacesuited astronauts — are detained elsewhere, feeding them radiation to keep them alive. Carrington is introduced to the Doctor by Quinlan who explains that he is head of the newly formed Space Security Department and that his actions were to protect the astronauts as they had been infected with contagious radiation. Quinlan states that they did not want the public to become panic-stricken, so Carrington had been acting with authority in his actions. By the time Carrington takes the Doctor and his friends to meet the astronauts, the situation has changed again.
[[File:BodiesInAGravelPitTAOD.jpg|thumb|[[Reegan]] dumps the dead bodies in a local gravel [[quarry]].]]
[[File:BodiesInAGravelPitTAOD.jpg|thumb|[[Reegan]] dumps the dead bodies in a local gravel [[quarry]].]]
A criminal named [[Reegan]] has organised their abduction, killing the soldiers and scientists protecting them. Two of his henchmen are ordered to protect the astronauts, but the radiation they emit later kills them. Reegan, suited in protective clothes, disposes of their irradiated bodies in a Hertfordshire gravel pit, burying them under the rocks. He then returns to his laundry van. Covering his tracks with camouflage tactics, Reegan pushes a dashboard button that flips over the van's number plate so it reads another registration. At the same time, the "Hayhoe Launderers Ltd" signage on the van changes to read "Silcock Bakeries". Later on, the worker manning the industrial shovel uncovers the bodies when sifting the gravel.
A criminal named [[Reegan]] has organised their abduction, killing the soldiers and scientists protecting them. Two of his henchmen are ordered to protect the astronauts, but the radiation they emit later kills them. Reegan, suited in protective clothes, disposes of their irradiated bodies in a Hertfordshire gravel pit, burying them under the rocks. He then returns to his tradesman's van. Covering his tracks with camouflage tactics, Reegan pushes a dashboard button that flips over the van's number plate so it reads another registration. At the same time, the <small>HAYHOE LAUNDERERS LTD.</small> signage on the van changes to read <small>SILCOCK BAKERIES</small>. Later on, the worker manning the industrial shovel uncovers the bodies when sifting the gravel.


When the Doctor and Liz examine the situation, they work out that human tissue could not have withstood the degree of radiation emitted to the astronauts, who are still in orbit, meaning the three space suits contain alien beings instead. Reegan and his own scientist, [[Lennox]], a disgraced [[Cambridge]] professor, are keeping the aliens alive, thinking the radiation needs to disperse, but they are weakening. Reegan enters their locked chamber to check up on one that collapses, but the alien recovers, thrusts him into a wall, and attempts to escape. Lennox flees, running up to find the laboratory exit locked, nearly getting him killed by the advancing alien. It runs out of strength again and falls down the stairs before laying a hand on him. Reegan recovers from the attack, disregarding Lennox's anger about locking the door. They realise the aliens need radiation to survive and begin dosing them with isotopes.
When the Doctor and Liz examine the situation, they work out that human tissue could not have withstood the degree of radiation emitted to the astronauts, who are still in orbit, meaning the three space suits contain alien beings instead. Reegan and his own scientist, [[Lennox]], a disgraced [[Cambridge]] professor, are keeping the aliens alive, thinking the radiation needs to disperse, but they are weakening. Reegan enters their locked chamber to check up on one that collapses, but the alien recovers, thrusts him into a wall, and attempts to escape. Lennox flees, running up to find the laboratory exit locked, nearly getting him killed by the advancing alien. It runs out of strength again and falls down the stairs before laying a hand on him. Reegan recovers from the attack, disregarding Lennox's anger about locking the door. They realise the aliens need radiation to survive and begin dosing them with isotopes.
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Reegan shares his disappointment at the survival of the Doctor with a superior on the phone. Once he is off, he calls for a van and says that the astronauts are going on an excursion. Reegan asks Liz if the controllers can go the other way and if the astronauts can communicate with them. Liz says that it is possible, but something would have to be created.
Reegan shares his disappointment at the survival of the Doctor with a superior on the phone. Once he is off, he calls for a van and says that the astronauts are going on an excursion. Reegan asks Liz if the controllers can go the other way and if the astronauts can communicate with them. Liz says that it is possible, but something would have to be created.


Later, an astronaut strides towards the main gates of the Space Centre. The sentry on duty warns the intruder "Halt!" The spacesuited figure fails to do so, continuing its approach, and likewise fails to comply with the sentry's second warning, "Halt or I'll fire!" The guard fires at the astronaut, but the bullets have no effect. The astronaut radiates the barrier simply by touching it and the guard is blasted to the ground. The astronaut lifts the barrier and continues on his way, entering a computer workstation where he kills two scientists with its radioactive touch. The astronaut starts to search the workstation and opens a cupboard, reaching for something inside. A guard enters with a machine gun, which is also ineffective against the astronaut. The guard is killed in the same way as the scientists.
Later, an astronaut strides towards the main gates of the Space Centre. The sentry on duty warns the intruder "Halt!" The spacesuited figure fails to do so, continuing its approach, and likewise fails to comply with the sentry's second warning, "Halt or I'll fire!" The guard fires at the astronaut, but the bullets have no effect. The astronaut radiates the barrier simply by touching it and the guard is blasted to the ground. The astronaut lifts the barrier and continues on its way, entering a computer workstation where it kills two scientists with its radioactive touch. The astronaut starts to search the workstation and opens a cupboard, reaching for something inside. A guard enters with a machine gun, which is also ineffective against the astronaut. The guard is killed in the same way as the scientists.


The Doctor has discovered that the device translates alien impulses into human speech and wants to build the other part of the machine. The Brigadier says he is trying to deliver as much equipment as possible, but they are coming from [[Japan]]. The phone rings. It is Sir James for the Doctor. He asks if the Doctor can be dissuaded from piloting the capsule. The Doctor says only if he is told the truth. The Doctor agrees, and he and the Brigadier make their way to see Sir James.
The Doctor has discovered that the device translates alien impulses into human speech and wants to build the other part of the machine. The Brigadier says he is trying to deliver as much equipment as possible, but they are coming from [[Japan]]. The phone rings. It is Sir James for the Doctor. He asks if the Doctor can be dissuaded from piloting the capsule. The Doctor says only if he is told the truth. The Doctor agrees, and he and the Brigadier make their way to see Sir James.


The astronaut enters Sir James's office and kills him. The astronaut uses his radioactive touch to open the safe and destroy the contents. The Doctor enters and sees Sir James dead. As he checks him over, the unseen astronaut approaches the Doctor from behind, reaching out with his right hand.
The astronaut enters Sir James's office and kills him. The astronaut uses his radioactive touch to open the safe and destroy the contents. The Doctor enters and sees Sir James dead. As he checks him over, the unseen astronaut approaches the Doctor from behind, reaching out with its gloved right hand.


=== Episode 5 ===
=== Episode 5 ===
As the astronaut bears down on the Doctor, the Brigadier enters and shoots at it. The astronaut turns and rounds on the Brigadier. The astronaut escapes, killing a UNIT soldier as it leaves. It radiates the lock behind it as it goes, sealing the door and trapping the Doctor and the Brigadier inside.
As the astronaut bears down on the Doctor, the Brigadier enters and shoots at it. The astronaut turns and rounds on the Brigadier before escaping, killing a UNIT soldier as it leaves. It radiates the lock behind it as it goes, sealing the door and trapping the Doctor and the Brigadier in the office.


Liz speculates that the astronauts are not human and questions Lennox as to whether Reegan is in charge. Lennox tells her that Reegan answers to someone higher up. Liz tells Lennox she has a plan for him to escape.
Liz speculates that the astronauts are not human and questions Lennox as to whether Reegan is in charge. Lennox tells her that Reegan answers to someone higher up. Liz tells Lennox she has a plan for him to escape.
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A fuel injection malfunction registers in the Space Centre. Cornish is concerned, but it soon self rectifies.
A fuel injection malfunction registers in the Space Centre. Cornish is concerned, but it soon self rectifies.


The man is still making his way around the launch pad, knocking out any workers that he comes across. He turns a large valve on a cylinder marked "M3 Fuel". He climbs higher and higher, turning valves as he goes, and then makes his escape.
The man is still making his way around the launch pad, knocking out any workers that he comes across. He turns a large valve on a cylinder marked <small>M3 FUEL</small>. He climbs higher and higher, turning valves as he goes, and then makes his escape.


Food is brought to Lennox. As the guard leaves, he implores for the door to be locked. He takes the lid off his food and finds an isotope. Horrified, he presses the panic button, but there is no response.
Food is brought to Lennox. As the guard leaves, he implores for the door to be locked. He takes the lid off his food and finds an isotope. Horrified, he presses the panic button, but there is no response.
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The red disc is a spaceship. The Doctor tries to evade it, but he doesn't have enough speed as he is still linked to ''Mars Probe Seven''. The Space Centre loses communication with him. It has collided with the ship. The capsule must be smashed to fragments.
The red disc is a spaceship. The Doctor tries to evade it, but he doesn't have enough speed as he is still linked to ''Mars Probe Seven''. The Space Centre loses communication with him. It has collided with the ship. The capsule must be smashed to fragments.


The Doctor awakes inside his capsule. A voice tells him he is not in danger and that he can leave his capsule. The Doctor reaches for his space helmet, but is told he won't need his space suit as an environment has been prepared for him. He asks where the astronauts are, and is told they are unharmed.
The Doctor awakes inside his capsule. A voice tells him he is not in danger and that he can leave his capsule. The Doctor reaches for his space helmet, but the voice says he won't need life-support systems as an environment has been prepared for him. He asks where the astronauts are, and is told they are unharmed.


The Doctor walks out into a large red tunnel and is told by the voice to walk into the light. There, the Doctor finds himself in what appears to be the Space Centre's quarantine area, where the astronauts watching a game on a screen and are in good spirits. The men are under the assumption that they are in extended quarantine on Earth. The Doctor tells them the truth, but they don't believe him. Suddenly, a strange noise hypnotises the astronauts, and they no longer respond to the Doctor. An alien figure appears on a giant video screen, explaining that the astronauts have had their minds conditioned to stop their minds deteriorating. The figure wants to know why their ambassadors have not been returned and warns that unless this happens, Earth will be destroyed.
The Doctor walks out into a large red tunnel and is told by the voice to walk into the light. There, the Doctor finds himself in what appears to be the Space Centre's quarantine area, where the astronauts watching a game on a video screen and are in good spirits. The men are under the assumption that they are in extended quarantine on Earth. The Doctor tells them the truth, but they don't believe him. Suddenly, a strange noise hypnotises the astronauts, and they no longer respond to the Doctor. An alien figure appears on a giant video screen, explaining that the astronauts have had their minds conditioned to stop their minds deteriorating. The figure wants to know why their ambassadors have not been returned and warns that unless this happens, Earth will be destroyed.


[[File:ThreeInsideAlienShipTAOD.jpg|thumb|left|[[Third Doctor|The Doctor]] on board the alien spacecraft.]]
[[File:ThreeInsideAlienShipTAOD.jpg|thumb|left|[[Third Doctor|The Doctor]] on board the alien spacecraft.]]
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The Space Centre learns that [[NASA]] are launching an observation satellite to monitor the spaceship due to the fact that it is emitting radio signals. The Brigadier tells Cornish of the murder of Lennox. Cornish is starting to question UNIT's efficiency. The Brigadier lists what has been discovered already. The bodies in the gravel pit belonged to petty criminals, the bomb that killed Taltalian was an experimental bomb being refined by the army and not for general use yet, there was [[insecticide]] on Lennox's shoe that they are tracking to local countryside and the isotope used to kill him was sold to a company that no longer exists. Cornish takes back his questioning of UNIT's ability. The Space Centre is alerted that the radio signals have stopped. The Doctor returns on the video screen. He says that the astronauts are safe and well, but he can't say anymore as it is not safe. He explains he is going to land and that UNIT's men should be on standby. The Doctor breaks communication and starts re-entry.
The Space Centre learns that [[NASA]] are launching an observation satellite to monitor the spaceship due to the fact that it is emitting radio signals. The Brigadier tells Cornish of the murder of Lennox. Cornish is starting to question UNIT's efficiency. The Brigadier lists what has been discovered already. The bodies in the gravel pit belonged to petty criminals, the bomb that killed Taltalian was an experimental bomb being refined by the army and not for general use yet, there was [[insecticide]] on Lennox's shoe that they are tracking to local countryside and the isotope used to kill him was sold to a company that no longer exists. Cornish takes back his questioning of UNIT's ability. The Space Centre is alerted that the radio signals have stopped. The Doctor returns on the video screen. He says that the astronauts are safe and well, but he can't say anymore as it is not safe. He explains he is going to land and that UNIT's men should be on standby. The Doctor breaks communication and starts re-entry.


Liz is radiating the ambassadors when one of them stops her from leaving. It lifts up its helmet to reveal an alien face. Terrified, she escapes. She shows Reegan, who seems nonplussed. He tells Liz of the death of Lennox and offers her his job. The phone rings. Reegan is told that the Doctor is returning from space and that he is to be killed. Reegan sets off.
Liz is radiating the ambassadors when one of them stops her from leaving. It lifts up its helmet to reveal an alien face. Terrified, she escapes. She shows Reegan, who seems nonplussed. He tells Liz of Lennox's death and offers her his job. The phone rings, Reegan answers and is told that the Doctor is returning from space and that he is to be killed. Reegan sets off.


The Doctor is four and a half minutes from touchdown. The Brigadier wants to go and meet him, but Cornish tells him it will take him an hour to get through decontamination.
The Doctor is four and a half minutes from touchdown. The Brigadier wants to go and meet him, but Cornish tells him it will take him an hour to get through decontamination.


A lorry approaches the Space Centre. Reegan is driving and produces some papers. He is waved through.
Reegan's van approaches the Space Centre. He produces some papers and is waved through by the sentry.


The Doctor has landed.
The Doctor has landed.


The lorry draws up at the decontamination unit ventilation system. Reegan sets about fiddling with pipes and gauges.
The lorry draws up at the decontamination unit ventilation system, where Reegan sets about fiddling with pipes and gauges.


The Doctor enters the decontamination unit. Reegan puts a gas canister onto one of the pipes.
The Doctor enters the decontamination unit, and Reegan puts a gas canister onto one of the pipes.


The Doctor is told that they are awaiting the test results and that he has to stay in the decontamination unit longer. He lies down. A gas starts to enter through a vent, and he starts coughing. He tries to rise up but falls to the ground.
The Doctor is told that they are awaiting the test results and that he has to stay in the decontamination unit longer. He lies down on a bench. Suddenly, gas starts to enter through a vent and he starts coughing. The Doctor tries to get up, but falls to the ground unconscious.


Reegan stops the gas and enters the decontamination unit wearing a [[gas mask]]. He picks the Doctor up and drags him out.
Reegan stops the gas and enters the decontamination unit wearing a [[gas mask]]. He grabs the Doctor up and drags him out.


Cornish is told that all the tests are negative and tells the Doctor that he can leave decontamination. There is no response. The Brigadier rushes off to investigate.
Cornish is told that all the tests are negative and tells the Doctor that he can leave decontamination. There is no response, and the Brigadier rushes off to investigate.


The lorry drives away.
The lorry drives away.


The Brigadier enters and discovers the gas and the Doctor gone. He tells Cornish and orders the gates sealed, but it is too late; the lorry has already left.
The Brigadier enters the decontamination unit, where he discovers the gas and the Doctor gone. He tells Cornish and orders the gates sealed, but it is too late; the lorry has already left.


The Brigadier reports the abduction of the Doctor. Carrington thinks it is a blind and that the Doctor is working with the aliens. He questions the Brigadier about how much he knows about the Doctor. Carrington says he is going to investigate the Doctor and then blast the spaceship out the sky.
The Brigadier reports the abduction of the Doctor. Carrington thinks it is a blind and that the Doctor is working with the aliens. He questions the Brigadier about how much he knows about the Doctor. Carrington says he is going to investigate the Doctor and then blast the spaceship out the sky.


Reegan tells his superior that the Doctor is dead, but it is not true. The Doctor comes to and is reunited with Liz. He investigates the ambassadors and tells Reegan what he saw. When Reegan asks how he communicated with them, the Doctor says they have a translation device. Reegan shows the Doctor the one that Taltalian gave him, and the Doctor states it is far more complex than that. Reegan asks if the Doctor can build one; he says that he can, but he won't. Reegan says he will kill him unless he does. The Doctor sits down to make a list of the equipment he'd need. Reegan leaves them. The Doctor tries to escape, but Reegan is loitering by the door. Liz tells the Doctor about her failed escape. The Doctor sits at the desk and starts making the list, telling Liz that if they can't get to the Brigadier, maybe his list might bring the Brigadier to them. Carrington enters, armed. Carrington reveals himself to be Reegan's superior, and seeing as Reegan didn't follow his orders and kill him, he will have to do it himself.
Reegan tells his superior that the Doctor is dead, but it is not true. The Doctor comes to and is reunited with Liz. He investigates the ambassadors and tells Reegan what he saw. When Reegan asks how he communicated with them, the Doctor says they have a translation device. Reegan shows the Doctor the one that Taltalian gave him, and the Doctor states it is far more complex than that. Reegan asks if the Doctor can build one; he says that he can, but he won't. Reegan says he will kill him unless he does. The Doctor sits down to make a list of the equipment he will need, and Reegan leaves them. The Doctor tries to escape, but Reegan is loitering by the door. Liz tells the Doctor about her failed escape. The Doctor sits at the desk and starts making the list, telling Liz that if they can't get to the Brigadier, maybe his list might bring the Brigadier to them. Carrington enters, armed with a revolver, and reveals himself to be Reegan's superior, and seeing that Reegan didn't follow his orders and kill the Doctor, he will have to do it himself.


=== Episode 7 ===
=== Episode 7 ===
Reegan enters and begins to argue with Carrington, saying he kept the Doctor alive as he is the only man who can make the translation machine to help them communicate with the aliens. Carrington realises that Reegan is alive. The Doctor questions Carrington as to what his plan is. He says he wants to alert the world to the menace of the aliens. The Doctor says he knows these aliens seek no ill will. Carrington is convinced that they are hostile and tells a story of how he first encountered them on [[Mars]], where they killed Jim Daniels, his fellow astronaut. The Doctor states they probably didn't know their touch was fatal to humans and wouldn't have intended to harm. Carrington will not be dissuaded and says that they have walked into his trap whereby he will convince the world they are evil. He says that he is the only one who knows of this plan and that no-one else has helped him. The Doctor agrees to continue making the machine. Carrington tells Reegan that he wants to take an alien with him.
Reegan enters and begins to argue with Carrington, saying he kept the Doctor alive as he is the only man who can make the translation machine to help them communicate with the aliens. Carrington realises that Reegan is alive. The Doctor questions Carrington as to what his plan is. He says he wants to alert the world to the menace of the aliens. The Doctor says he knows these aliens seek no ill will. Carrington is convinced that they are hostile and tells a story of how he first encountered them on [[Mars]], where they killed Jim Daniels, his fellow astronaut, simply by touching him. The Doctor states the aliens probably didn't know their touch was fatal to humans, and wouldn't have intended to harm. However, Carrington will not be dissuaded and says that the aliens have walked into his trap, whereby he will convince the world they are evil. He says that he is the only one who knows of this plan and that no-one else has helped him. The Doctor agrees to continue making the machine. Carrington tells Reegan that he wants to take an alien with him.


NASA's satellite is within three miles of the UFO and drawing in.
NASA's satellite is within three miles of the UFO and drawing in.
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The van draws up to the isotope store. The ambassadors leave the van and break through the fence, radiating a guard. The alarm is raised. The van enters.
The van draws up to the isotope store. The ambassadors leave the van and break through the fence, radiating a guard. The alarm is raised. The van enters.


Carrington is preparing a live video cast wherein the alien is going to be revealed. The presenter, Wakefield, questions if this is not going to raise a panic.
Carrington is preparing a live television broadcast wherein the alien is going to be revealed. The presenter, John Wakefield, questions as to whether this is going to raise a panic.


Reegan sets about stealing isotopes. The police rush to the scene as Reegan is loading them onto the van. The ambassadors radiate the policemen, but do not kill them.
Reegan sets about stealing isotopes. The police rush to the scene as Reegan is loading them onto the van. The ambassadors radiate the policemen, but do not kill them.


The Brigadier tells Carrington of the isotope robbery. Carrington says that this proves that the aliens are dangerous, and the fact that they are accompanied by men proves that there are traitors in their midst. Again, he accuses the Doctor of being in league with the aliens. He tells the Brigadier that he will tell the world to unite against the aliens on his broadcast.
The Brigadier tells Carrington of the isotope robbery. Carrington says that this proves that the aliens are dangerous, and the fact that they are accompanied by men proves that there are traitors in their midst. Again, he accuses the Doctor of being in league with the aliens and tells the Brigadier that he will tell the world to unite against the aliens on his broadcast.


The ambassadors are back in quarantine. The Doctor has finished his machine and is about to test it. Conspiratorially, Liz asks if the signal is strong enough. The Doctor begins to tap [[Morse code]] whilst pretending the machine isn't working.
The ambassadors are back in quarantine. The Doctor has finished his machine and is about to test it. Conspiratorially, Liz asks if the signal is strong enough. The Doctor begins to tap [[Morse code]] whilst pretending the machine isn't working.
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The Doctor's Morse code is being picked up by all number of different radio receivers, including UNIT. They set about triangulating the signal.
The Doctor's Morse code is being picked up by all number of different radio receivers, including UNIT. They set about triangulating the signal.


Wakefield and Carrington are going through a dress rehearsal of the broadcast. Cornish talks to Wakefield and tries to persuade him to not broadcast.
Wakefield and Carrington are going through a dress rehearsal of the planned worldwide broadcast. Cornish talks to Wakefield and tries to persuade him to not make the broadcast.


Reegan questions the Doctor about what is taking so long. The Doctor says he is ready to test. He tries to talk to the ambassadors. There is no reply. He tries again. Again, no reply. The third time the ambassadors turn and ask why they are being kept prisoner and why they are being used to kill. Reegan snatches the machine's microphone away from the Doctor and threatens the ambassadors. If they do not do what he says, they will be left to die. The ambassadors say they came in peace, but Reegan tells them if they want to live, they'll do as he says. Pleased with the machine's success, Reegan congratulates the Doctor, saying he can use the machine to "make a few plans". The Doctor reaches for the microphone, but Reegan warns him "Leave it."
Reegan questions the Doctor about what is taking so long. The Doctor says he is ready to test and uses the machine's microphone to try to talk to the ambassadors, but there is no reply. He tries again, but again receives no reply. The third time, the ambassadors turn and ask why they are being kept prisoner and why they are being used to kill. Reegan snatches the microphone from the Doctor and threatens the ambassadors, saying if they do not do what he says, they will be left to die. The ambassadors say they came in peace, but Reegan tells them if they want to live, they'll do as he says. Pleased with the machine's success, Reegan congratulates the Doctor, saying he can use the machine to "make a few plans". The Doctor reaches for the microphone, but Reegan warns him "Leave it."


The UFO communicates with the Space Centre, with the alien figure appearing on the large video screen in the control room. The alien says they have little time, and if their ambassadors are not returned they will turn all their powers against Earth. Carrington says they must now attack and that he needs to broadcast immediately. Wakefield says he can't for another hour, and Carrington tells him to hurry. Cornish tries to dissuade again, but it falls on deaf ears. The Brigadier tells Carrington of the [[SOS]] signal being picked up, and he suspects it is the Doctor. Panicked, Carrington has the Brigadier arrested, saying that he too is in league with the aliens. The Brigadier is told that all his UNIT men have been arrested and replaced with men loyal to him. Cornish tries to ring the ministry, but Carrington says he has cut communication and is now in charge of the Space Centre.
The UFO communicates with the Space Centre, with the alien figure appearing on the large video screen in the control room. The alien says they have little time, and if their ambassadors are not returned they will turn all their powers against Earth. Carrington says they must now attack and that he needs to make his broadcast immediately. Wakefield says he can't as the worldwide hook-up won't be ready for another hour, and Carrington tells him to hurry. Cornish tries to dissuade again, but it falls on deaf ears. The Brigadier tells Carrington of the [[SOS]] signal being picked up, and he suspects it is the Doctor. Panicked, Carrington has the Brigadier arrested, saying that he too is in league with the aliens. The Brigadier is told that all his UNIT men have been arrested and replaced with men loyal to him. Cornish tries to ring the ministry, but Carrington says he has cut communication and is now in charge of the Space Centre.


[[File:BrigFiresLeftTAOD.jpg|thumb|[[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|The Brig]] and his men fire at [[Reegan]]'s henchmen.]]
[[File:BrigFiresLeftTAOD.jpg|thumb|[[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|The Brig]] and his men fire at [[Reegan]]'s henchmen.]]


The Brigadier disarms the guards and steals a staff car, managing to escape from the Space Centre before the alert is raised. He arrives at the radio communication centre where they have triangulated the signal to a disused firing range not far from the Space Centre. The Brigadier starts to see Carrington's hand in all of this. He is told there is only one mode of transport to get to the firing range — Bessie. The soldiers pile in and reach the firing range. They arrive as some men leave, and a fire fight ensues. The men run out of bullets and, seemingly, surrender, but as they draw near a fist fight breaks out. One man is shot whilst the Brigadier throws another off the edge of the cliff.
The Brigadier disarms the guards and steals a staff car, managing to escape from the Space Centre before the alert is raised. He arrives at the radio communication centre where they have triangulated the signal to a disused firing range not far from the Space Centre. The Brigadier starts to see Carrington's hand in all of this. The staff car the Brigadier stole is too badly damaged by bullets, and he is told there is only one mode of transport to get to the firing range — Bessie. The soldiers pile in and reach the firing range. They arrive as some men leave, and a fire fight ensues. The men run out of bullets and, seemingly, surrender, but as they draw near a fist fight breaks out. One man is shot whilst the Brigadier throws another off the edge of the cliff.


Inside, Reegan is trying to convince the Doctor to work alongside him. They hear the gun shots and the Brigadier enters, shooting the guard and injuring Reegan. He explains Carrington's plan to the Doctor. Reegan suggests they could use the ambassadors as a way of getting back into the Space Centre. The Doctor explains the plan to the ambassadors.
Inside, Reegan is trying to convince the Doctor to work alongside him. They hear the gun shots and the Brigadier enters, shooting the guard and injuring Reegan. He explains Carrington's plan to the Doctor. Reegan suggests they could use the ambassadors as a way of getting back into the Space Centre. The Doctor explains the plan to the ambassadors.


Bessie and the van draw up to the entrance of the Space Centre. The Brigadier asks the men to open the gates, but they refuse. The ambassadors are let out of the van. The Doctor tells them to open the gates and to try not to harm anyone. The soldiers shoot at the ambassadors, to no avail. The Doctor tells the soldiers using a megaphone that the aliens are invulnerable to bullets, and warns "They will not harm you, but you will die if you touch them." The soldiers fall back, the ambassadors open the gates and Bessie and the van drive in.
Bessie and the van draw up to the entrance of the Space Centre. The Brigadier orders the men to open the gates, but they refuse. The ambassadors are let out of the van. The Doctor asks them to open the gates and to try not to harm anyone. The soldiers shoot at the ambassadors, to no avail. The Doctor tells the soldiers using a megaphone that the aliens are invulnerable to bullets, and warns "They will not harm you, but you will die if you touch them. For your own safety, fall back. I repeat: fall back!" The soldiers fall back, the ambassadors open the gates and Bessie and the van drive in.


Carrington and Wakefield are still going through the dress rehearsal. Cornish implores with Carrington again, and Carrington has Cornish taken away by security. They are five seconds from broadcast. As Wakefield introduces Carrington, a banging is heard and then screams from a female technician; Wakefield hastily signals for the transmission to be cut. The ambassadors enter, followed by the Doctor, the Brigadier and the UNIT soldiers. The Brigadier arrests Carrington. As he is led away, he tells the Doctor that he had to do what he did. The Doctor releases the captive ambassador and says a message needs to be sent to the UFO. Cornish asks after his astronauts, and the Doctor says that they are safe. All that needs to be done now is to send the ambassadors up in ''Mars Probe Seven'' and the aliens will send down the human astronauts. Even the issue of fuel isn't a problem. The ambassadors are immune to g-force so they can use the M3 variant. The Doctor bids Cornish farewell. Liz is to stay in and help with the exchange. As he leaves, the Doctor goes to shake the ambassadors' hands before thinking better of it and wishing them a nice trip.
Carrington and Wakefield are still going through the dress rehearsal for the broadcast. Cornish implores with Carrington again, and Carrington has Cornish taken away by security. They are five seconds from broadcast. As Wakefield introduces Carrington, a banging is heard and then screams from a female technician; Wakefield hastily signals for the transmission to be cut. The ambassadors enter, followed by the Doctor, the Brigadier and the UNIT soldiers. Carrington shouts the aliens are invading, and the Brigadier puts him under arrest. As Carrington is led away by Benton, he tells the Doctor that he had to do what he did; it was his "moral duty". The Doctor tells Carrington he understands, and a satisfied Carrington leaves with Benton. The Doctor releases the captive ambassador and says a message needs to be sent to the UFO. Cornish asks after his astronauts, and the Doctor says that they are safe. All that needs to be done now is to send the ambassadors up in ''Mars Probe Seven'' and the aliens will send down the human astronauts. Even the issue of fuel isn't a problem; the ambassadors are immune to G-force so they can use the M3 variant. The Doctor bids Cornish farewell, as Liz will stay and help with the exchange. As the Doctor leaves, he goes to shake the ambassadors' hands before thinking better of it and instead wishing them a nice trip.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
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* [[Dobson (The Ambassadors of Death)|Dobson]] - [[Juan Moreno]]
* [[Dobson (The Ambassadors of Death)|Dobson]] - [[Juan Moreno]]
* [[Steve Champion|Corporal Champion]] - [[James Haswell]]
* [[Steve Champion|Corporal Champion]] - [[James Haswell]]
* [[UNIT Sergeant (The Ambassadors of Death)|Unit Sergeant]] - [[Derek Ware]]
* [[UNIT sergeant (The Ambassadors of Death)|Unit Sergeant]] - [[Derek Ware]]
* [[Reegan]] - [[William Dysart]]
* [[Reegan]] - [[William Dysart]]
* [[Lennox]] - [[Cyril Shaps]]
* [[Lennox]] - [[Cyril Shaps]]
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* [[Make-Up]] - [[Marion Richards]]
* [[Make-Up]] - [[Marion Richards]]
* [[Special Sounds]] - [[Brian Hodgson]]
* [[Special Sounds]] - [[Brian Hodgson]]
* [[Studio Lighting]] - [[Ralph Walton]], [[Geoff Shaw]], [[Dave Sydenham]]
* [[Studio Lighting]] - [[Ralph Walton]] (episodes 1-2), [[Geoff Shaw]] (episodes 3-4, 6), [[Dave Sydenham]] (episodes 5, 7)
* [[Studio Sound|Sound]] - [[Gordon Mackie]]
* [[Studio Sound|Sound]] - [[Gordon Mackie]]
* [[Doctor Who theme|Title Music]] - [[Ron Grainer]] and the [[BBC Radiophonic Workshop]]
* [[Doctor Who theme|Title Music]] - [[Ron Grainer]] and the [[BBC Radiophonic Workshop]]
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* [[Writer]] - [[David Whitaker]]
* [[Writer]] - [[David Whitaker]]
* [[Script Editor]] - [[Terrance Dicks]]
* [[Script Editor]] - [[Terrance Dicks]]
* [[Director]] - [[Michael Ferguson]]
* [[Director (crew)|Director]] - [[Michael Ferguson]]
* [[Producer]] - [[Barry Letts]]
* [[Producer]] - [[Barry Letts]]


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* [[Caroline John]]'s Dresser - [[Jean Holder]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Ambassadors of Death'')
* [[Caroline John]]'s Dresser - [[Jean Holder]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Ambassadors of Death'')


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
* A tune reminiscent of "[[A Whiter Shade of Pale]]" plays in episode 1 during the link-up sequence.
* A tune reminiscent of "[[A Whiter Shade of Pale]]" plays in episode 1 during the link-up sequence.
* The Doctor and Liz receive data from real life radio telescopes: [[Haystack Observatory]] and [[Catalina]] in the [[US]], [[Algonquin]] in [[Canada]], [[Arecibo]] in [[Puerto Rico]], [[Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory]] ("Cambridge") in the [[UK]], [[Culgoora]] in [[Australia]], [[Dwingeloo]] in the [[Netherlands]], [[Nancy, France|Nancy]] in [[France]], and [[Onsala]] in [[Sweden]].
* The Doctor and Liz receive data from real life radio telescopes: [[Haystack Observatory]] and [[Catalina]] in the [[US]], [[Algonquin]] in [[Canada]], [[Arecibo]] in [[Puerto Rico]], [[Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory]] ("Cambridge") in the [[UK]], [[Parkes Observatory]] in [[Australia]], [[Dwingeloo]] in the [[Netherlands]], [[Nancy, France|Nancy]] in [[France]], and [[Onsala]] in [[Sweden]].
* Liz can speak [[French language|French]].
* Liz can speak [[French language|French]].
* The aliens are not native [[Ice Warrior|Martians]].
* The aliens are not native [[Ice Warrior|Martians]].
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* Episode one of this story was the first time that the famous cliffhanger "sting" was heard at the end of the episode. However, it is actually ''not'' played under the cliffhanger as it would in years to come, but as an introduction to the credits. The following story, ''Inferno'', would follow the same format. It would not be until the following season that the sting would be used in the most common form.
* Episode one of this story was the first time that the famous cliffhanger "sting" was heard at the end of the episode. However, it is actually ''not'' played under the cliffhanger as it would in years to come, but as an introduction to the credits. The following story, ''Inferno'', would follow the same format. It would not be until the following season that the sting would be used in the most common form.
* An unusual title sequence was used for this serial, with the sequence cutting off after the show's logo, repeating the previous week's cliffhanger, then returning to the titles for the serial's name, writer and episode number.
* An unusual title sequence was used for this serial, with the sequence cutting off after the show's logo, repeating the previous week's cliffhanger, then returning to the titles for the serial's name, writer and episode number.
* [[David Whitaker]] named this as his least favourite of the stories he wrote, possibly because he ended up writing very little of it (most of it was actually written by [[Malcolm Hulke]], who went uncredited for contractual reasons). This turned out to be Whitaker's final contribution to the series.
* [[David Whitaker]] named this as his least favourite of the stories he wrote, possibly because he ended up writing very little of it; most of the story was actually rewritten by [[Malcolm Hulke]], who was uncredited for contractual reasons. ''The Ambassadors of Death'' turned out to be Whitaker's final contribution to the series.
* Apart from Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, who retained his regular uniform, all UNIT ranks wore new futuristic-looking uniforms which only ever featured in this story. The usual velcro-fastened jacket, shirt and tie were replaced on this occasion with a zip-up jacket without lapels worn over a polo-neck sweater.
* Apart from Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, who retained his regular uniform, all UNIT ranks wore new futuristic-looking uniforms which only ever featured in ''The Ambassadors of Death''. The usual velcro-fastened jacket, shirt and tie were replaced on this occasion with a zip-up jacket without lapels worn over a polo-neck sweater.
* The production text on ''The Ambassadors of Death'' DVD revealed that Reegan and his gang were originally Irish, and suggests it was changed after the troubles started: "All in all, it might not have been the best moment to show Irish hoodlums planning to deploy a powerful new weapon."
* The production text on ''The Ambassadors of Death'' DVD revealed that Reegan and his gang were originally Irish, and suggests it was changed after the Troubles in Northern Ireland started: "All in all, it might not have been the best moment to show Irish hoodlums planning to deploy a powerful new weapon."
* The story was made entirely on 625 line PAL colour videotape. However, up until 2011, the videotapes of all bar episode one were lost (having either been erased for reuse or junked), and the story was only available as 16mm black-and-white film telerecordings. The only existing colour tapes of episodes two to seven were non-broadcast standard 525 line NTSC off-air video recordings recovered from Canada in the 1980s, with episodes two to four and six and seven having an intermittent fault with the colour signal — resulting in rainbow-like patterning being superimposed across the picture. Although episode five was successfully restored to colour, countless restoration attempts on the remaining episodes failed until the Restoration Team re-colourised the story using the technique they used on episode three of ''[[Planet of the Daleks (TV story)|Planet of the Daleks]]''.
* The story was made entirely on 625 line PAL colour videotape. However, up until 2011, the 625 line PAL videotapes of all bar episode one were lost (having either been erased for reuse or junked), and the story was only available as 16mm black-and-white film telerecordings. The only existing colour videotapes of episodes two to seven were non-broadcast standard 525 line NTSC off-air video recordings recovered from Canada in the 1980s, with episodes two to four and six and seven having an intermittent fault with the colour signal — resulting in rainbow-like patterning being superimposed across the picture. Although episode five was successfully restored to colour, the aforementioned interference caused countless restoration attempts on the remaining episodes to fail until the Restoration Team re-colourised the story using the chromadot colourisation recovery technique employed on ''[[Planet of the Daleks (TV story)|Planet of the Daleks]]'' episode three.
* In the DVD featurette ''Terrance Dicks: Fact & Fiction'' (included on the DVD of ''[[Horror of Fang Rock (TV story)|Horror of Fang Rock]]''), Dicks explained that, for the scene in which Carrington and the Sergeant hijack the truck carrying the capsule, he had worked out a sequence with "the writer" (presumably Malcolm Hulke) in which the two men deploy a sign which says 'detour' and a fake policeman then stops the truck at the sign, pulls the driver out and then drives off. This was intended to reduce costs but Michael Ferguson felt it wasn't exciting enough. He then persuaded Barry Letts to use the sequence that appears in the finished episode which ultimately resulted in them going over budget. Afterwards, Dicks asked Ferguson why he had overlooked his more cost-effective method and turned it into a '[[James Bond]] spectacular'. Ferguson replied, "Well, Terrance, put it this way: you were doing your job and I was doing mine".
* In the DVD featurette ''Terrance Dicks: Fact & Fiction'' (included on the DVD of ''[[Horror of Fang Rock (TV story)|Horror of Fang Rock]]''), Dicks explained that, for the scene in which Carrington and the Sergeant hijack the truck carrying the capsule, he had worked out a sequence with "the writer" (presumably Malcolm Hulke) in which the two men deploy a ''DETOUR'' sign, a fake policeman then stops the truck at the sign, and then pulls the driver out before driving off in the truck. This was intended to reduce costs, but Michael Ferguson felt it wasn't exciting enough. He then persuaded Barry Letts to use the sequence used in the finished episode which ultimately resulted in them going over budget. Afterwards, Dicks asked Ferguson why he had overlooked his more cost-effective method and turned it into a "[[James Bond]] spectacular". Ferguson replied, "Well, Terrance, put it this way: you were doing your job and I was doing mine".
* The [[TARDIS console]] prop is shown for the first time outside of [[The Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] itself. Since the TARDIS had been temporarily "shelved" as a plot device, so had the elements of the console room set, which were placed in storage. The console was pulled out for studio recording in February 1970. Now seven years in use, it had suffered a degree of wear and tear, requiring the addition of replacement knobs and buttons for those that had fallen off. It made its last appearance in the following serial, ''[[Inferno (TV story)|Inferno]]'', before the prop's damage was diagnosed as extensive enough to warrant a redesign.
* The [[TARDIS console]] prop is shown for the first time outside of [[The Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] itself. Since the TARDIS had been temporarily "shelved" as a plot device, so had the elements of the console room set, which were placed in storage. The console was pulled out for studio recording in February 1970. Now seven years in use, it had suffered a degree of wear and tear, requiring the addition of replacement knobs and buttons for those that had fallen off. It made its last appearance in the following serial, ''[[Inferno (TV story)|Inferno]]'', before the prop's damage was diagnosed as extensive enough to warrant a redesign.
* This is the second of two consecutive ''Doctor Who'' stories directed by [[Michael Ferguson]] in which the title contains the words 'The ... of Death', the first being ''[[The Seeds of Death (TV story)|The Seeds of Death]]''.
* This is the second of two consecutive ''Doctor Who'' stories directed by [[Michael Ferguson]] in which the title contains the words 'The ... of Death', the first being ''[[The Seeds of Death (TV story)|The Seeds of Death]]''.
* A [[Doctor Who and the Ambassadors of Death (trailer)|trailer]] was released advertising this story.
* A [[Doctor Who and the Ambassadors of Death (trailer)|trailer]] was released advertising this story.
* [[Caroline John]]'s future husband [[Geoffrey Beevers]] (who would later appear as [[the Master]] in ''[[The Keeper of Traken (TV story)|The Keeper of Traken]]'') played Private Johnson.
* [[Caroline John]]'s future husband [[Geoffrey Beevers]] (who would later appear as {{Pratt}} in ''[[The Keeper of Traken (TV story)|The Keeper of Traken]]'') played Private Johnson. Her brother [[Nicholas John]] also worked as a production assistant.
* [[David Whitaker]] originally pitched the script for the previous season, thus the story was initially developed to feature the [[Second Doctor]], [[Jamie McCrimmon]] and [[Zoe Heriot]]. As such, it was set well into the future, and did not include UNIT. When all three actors left the programme at the end of the sixth season, it was rewritten to fit the consequential revamp.
* [[David Whitaker]] originally pitched the script for the previous season, thus the story was initially developed to feature the [[Second Doctor]], [[Jamie McCrimmon]] and [[Zoe Heriot]]. As such, it was set well into the future, and did not include UNIT. When [[Patrick Troughton]], [[Frazer Hines]] and [[Wendy Padbury]] left the programme at the end of the sixth season, it was rewritten to fit the consequential revamp.
* Benton's role was originally filled by a sergeant named West. As Benton was brought back for ''[[Inferno (TV story)|Inferno]]'', it was decided to include him here.
* The second and third episodes originally featured an army character named Lieutenant Pollard.
* The second and third episodes originally featured an army character named Lieutenant Pollard.
* Professor Heldorf was initially a German scientist named Kuhn.
* Professor Heldorf was initially a German scientist named Kuhn.
* Episode one is the earliest episode of ''Doctor Who'' to exist on its original 625 line PAL 2" videotape format.
* Dobson was originally named Dawson and Carrington was originally named Cunningham, while Taltalian's name was originally spelt “Taltalien”.
* The two legends on Reegan's van initially referred to Progressive Launderers Ltd and Mason's Bakery, but these were later altered to Hayhoe Launderers Ltd and Silcock Bakeries in honour of assistant floor manager [[Margot Hayhoe]] and director's assistant [[Pauline Silcock]].
* Episode one is the earliest episode of ''Doctor Who'' to exist on its original 2" 625 line PAL colour videotape format.
* Episode six of this story is believed to be the most recent episode of the series to feature no surviving cast members.
* Episode six of this story is believed to be the most recent episode of the series to feature no surviving cast members.
* [[Caroline John]] was forced to wear a blonde wig on location, as her hair frizzed badly in the rain. She was also privately very nervous, having just discovered that she was pregnant with her first child.
* [[Pauline Silcock]] suffered a leg injury when a riderless motorcycle crashed into the camera crew.
* Filming was delayed due to a reported UFO sighting, until it was realised that the alleged UFO was the ''Recovery 7'' prop itself.
* When the production arrived to film at Blue Circle Cement Works, the facility was in the middle of an industrial dispute, but the goodwill generated by the production's presence brought an end to the strike, prompting the owners to waive the fee for the use of their premises.
* To save on costs, the ''Recovery 7'' set was a co-financed venture between the production office and ''[[Doomwatch]]'', for which it served as ''Sunfire One'' in the episode "Re-Entry Forbidden".


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
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* Royal Engineers Driving Circuit, Hampshire (UNIT ambushed by bandits for capsule)
* Royal Engineers Driving Circuit, Hampshire (UNIT ambushed by bandits for capsule)
* Eelmore Training Circuit, Hampshire (Doctor takes capsule with Bessie's anti theft device)
* Eelmore Training Circuit, Hampshire (Doctor takes capsule with Bessie's anti theft device)
* Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire (Secrete laboratory)
* Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire (Secret laboratory)
* LaFarge Aggregates, Buckinghamshire (Bandits hide body in gravel pit)
* LaFarge Aggregates, Buckinghamshire (Bandits hide bodies in gravel pit)
* LaFarge Cement (Northfleet), Kent (Space Agency base)
* LaFarge Cement (Northfleet), Kent (Space Agency base)
* Gossmore Lane, Buckinghamshire (Liz chased across playing field)
* Gossmore Lane, Buckinghamshire (Liz chased across playing field)
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* During the Brigadier's second close-up in the scene where he and Miss Rutherford discuss the loss of communications with ''Recovery 7'', Caroline John can be seen in the background waiting for her cue to come onto set.
* During the Brigadier's second close-up in the scene where he and Miss Rutherford discuss the loss of communications with ''Recovery 7'', Caroline John can be seen in the background waiting for her cue to come onto set.
* At the climax at the end of episode one, the Doctor is confronted by Taltalian, who is wearing glasses and must pull his gun out of the waistband of his trousers. At the beginning of episode two, these glasses are gone and the gun is in Taltalian's hand from the start, revealing a mistake in the reprise following the end of filming for the previous episode.
* At the climax at the end of episode one, the Doctor is confronted by Taltalian, who is wearing glasses and must pull his gun out of the waistband of his trousers. At the beginning of episode two, these glasses are gone and the gun is in Taltalian's hand from the start, revealing a mistake in the reprise following the end of filming for the previous episode.
* In episode three in the scene where the Brigadier, the Doctor and Liz first meet General Carrington, as he gets up from his chair and says, "I'm sorry?" to the Doctor, a brief glimpse of a boom can be seen above his head.
* In episode three in the scene where the Brigadier, the Doctor and Liz first meet General Carrington, as he gets up from his chair and says, "I'm sorry?" to the Doctor, a brief glimpse of a boom microphone can be seen above his head.
* When the Brigadier tries to open the door of Quinlan's office after the astronaut has radiated it, the office wall shakes visibly.
* When the Brigadier tries to open the door of Quinlan's office after the astronaut has radiated it, the office wall shakes visibly.
* In episode five, the word "variant" — as in "M3 variant" — is spelt "varient" on location props. There is a close-up on one of the typos, where we see it rendered "M.3. Varient".
* In episode five, the word "variant" — as in "M3 variant" — is spelt "varient" on location props. There is a close-up on one of the typos, where we see it rendered "M.3. Varient".
* In episode four the Doctor has a stick-able plaster from the explosion blast, but in episode five after the recap, his plaster is gone with no explanation given for where it went.
* In episode four the Doctor has a sticking-plaster from the explosion blast, but in episode five after the recap, his plaster is gone with no explanation given for where it went.
* Taltalian's accent is French in the studio, and British in the single location scene in which he appears.
* Taltalian's accent is French in the studio, and British in the single location scene in which he appears.
* ''Recovery 7''{{'}}s nose changes colour between prop and model shots, with it being red on the model and grey on the prop.
* ''Recovery 7''{{'}}s nose changes colour between prop and model shots, with it being red on the model and grey on the prop.
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* The telephones on the desk where the Doctor sits to make the list of components he needs for his translation machine change position between episodes six and seven.
* The telephones on the desk where the Doctor sits to make the list of components he needs for his translation machine change position between episodes six and seven.
* [[Max Faulkner]]'s [[UNIT soldier (The Ambassadors of Death)|UNIT soldier]] dies — and is actually ''scripted'' as dying — in episode four, but then mysteriously reappears at the end of episode six. He's not credited in the later episode, despite having brief dialogue. Given that the DVD info text for ''The Ambassadors of Death'' reveals that episode six was edited in extreme haste, it's almost certainly a production error that Faulkner made it into the later episode.
* [[Max Faulkner]]'s [[UNIT soldier (The Ambassadors of Death)|UNIT soldier]] dies — and is actually ''scripted'' as dying — in episode four, but then mysteriously reappears at the end of episode six. He's not credited in the later episode, despite having brief dialogue. Given that the DVD info text for ''The Ambassadors of Death'' reveals that episode six was edited in extreme haste, it's almost certainly a production error that Faulkner made it into the later episode.
* In episode seven, when an ambassador attacks arriving policemen whilst Reegan steals radioactive isotopes, the actor's face can briefly be seen inside the suit in a close-up shot.
* In episode seven, when an ambassador attacks the arriving policemen whilst Reegan steals radioactive isotopes, the actor's face can briefly be seen inside the suit in a close-up shot.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
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* The investigative journalist [[James Stevens]] and his wife [[Natasha Stevens]] watched Wakefield's reports on the ''Mars Probe 7'' crisis on [[BBC3]], as did millions of others across the [[United Kingdom]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Who Killed Kennedy (novel)|Who Killed Kennedy]]'')
* The investigative journalist [[James Stevens]] and his wife [[Natasha Stevens]] watched Wakefield's reports on the ''Mars Probe 7'' crisis on [[BBC3]], as did millions of others across the [[United Kingdom]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Who Killed Kennedy (novel)|Who Killed Kennedy]]'')
* In a [[parallel universe]] in which the [[The Doctor (Sympathy for the Devil)|Doctor]]'s [[exile on Earth]] did not begin until [[1997]], this crisis resulted in the creation of mile wide craters across the [[United States of America|United States]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Sympathy for the Devil (audio story)|Sympathy for the Devil]]'')
* In a [[parallel universe]] in which the [[The Doctor (Sympathy for the Devil)|Doctor]]'s [[exile on Earth]] did not begin until [[1997]], this crisis resulted in the creation of mile wide craters across the [[United States of America|United States]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Sympathy for the Devil (audio story)|Sympathy for the Devil]]'')
* The Mars Probe missions are seemingly ignored by ''[[The Waters of Mars (TV story)|The Waters of Mars]]'', which referred to the [[human]] colony founded in [[2058]] as being made up of the "very first humans on Mars". Further complicating matters, an on-screen obituary in ''The Waters of Mars'' mentions that the captain of the [[Bowie Base One]] colony, [[Adelaide Brooke]], along with two other unidentified astronauts, had already landed on Mars when Adelaide was 42 in the year [[2041]].


== Home video and audio releases ==
== Home video and audio releases ==
=== DVD ===
=== DVD ===
Originally planned for DVD release in 2011 alongside ''[[The Sun Makers (TV story)|The Sun Makers]]'', ''The Ambassadors of Death'' was delayed due to ongoing re-colourisation issues.<ref>http://twitter.com/classicdw/statuses/30239597128589313</ref> These issues were resolved to the best of the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team|Restoration Team]]'s abilities in November 2011. The serial was released on [[1 October (releases)|1 October]] [[2012 (releases)|2012]].<ref>http://colourrecovery.wikispaces.com/Processed+programmes</ref> The release is wholly in colour, with no option to see the parts that were black and white on the original [[VHS]] release.
Originally planned for DVD release in 2011 alongside ''[[The Sun Makers (TV story)|The Sun Makers]]'', ''The Ambassadors of Death'' was delayed due to ongoing re-colourisation issues.<ref>http://twitter.com/classicdw/statuses/30239597128589313</ref> These issues were resolved to the best of the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team|Restoration Team]]'s abilities in November 2011. The serial was released on [[1 October (releases)|1 October]] [[2012 (releases)|2012]].<ref>http://colourrecovery.wikispaces.com/Processed+programmes</ref> The release is in full colour, with no option to see the sequences which were black-and-white on the original [[VHS]] release.
 
==== Special Features ====
* Commentary with actors [[Caroline John]] ([[Liz Shaw]]), [[Nicholas Courtney]] ([[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|Brigadier]]), [[Peter Halliday]] (alien voices) and [[Geoffrey Beevers]] ([[Jeff Johnson|Private Johnson]]), director [[Michael Ferguson]], script editor [[Terrance Dicks]], stunt co-ordinator [[Derek Ware]] and stunt performers [[Roy Scammell]] and [[Derek Martin]]. Moderated by [[Toby Hadoke]].
* ''[[Mars Probe 7 (documentary)|Mars Probe 7: Making The Ambassadors of Death]]''- Cast and crew look back at the making of the story. With Michael Ferguson, Terrance Dicks, Derek Ware, Roy Scammell and assistant floor manager [[Margot Hayhoe]].
* ''[[Tomorrow's Times: The Third Doctor (documentary)|Tomorrow's Times: Third Doctor]]''- The on-going series looking at the press coverage of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' reaches the [[Jon Pertwee]] era. Presented by [[Peter Purves]].
* Trailer - The original BBC trailer for the story.
* ''[[Radio Times]]'' listings (DVD-ROM)
* Production Information Subtitles
* Photo Gallery
* Coming Soon Trailer - ''[[The Claws of Axos (TV story)|The Claws of Axos]]'': Special Edition
 
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
File:TheAmbassadorsOfDeathDVDRegion2.jpg|Region 2 DVD cover
File:TheAmbassadorsOfDeathDVDRegion2.jpg|Region 2 DVD cover
File:The ambassadors of death.png|Region 1 DVD cover
File:Ambassadors of death australia dvd.jpg|Region 4 DVD cover
</gallery>
</gallery>
==== DVD extras ====
* Audio Commentary with actors [[Caroline John]] (Liz Shaw), [[Nicholas Courtney]] (Brigadier), [[Peter Halliday]] (alien voices) and [[Geoffrey Beevers]] (Private Johnson), director [[Michael Ferguson]], script editor [[Terrance Dicks]], stunt co-ordinator [[Derek Ware]] and stunt performers [[Roy Scammell]] and [[Derek Martin]], moderated by [[Toby Hadoke]]
* ''[[Mars Probe 7: Making The Ambassadors of Death]]'' with Michael Ferguson, Terrance Dicks, Derek Ware, Roy Scammell and assistant floor manager [[Margot Hayhoe]]
* ''[[Tomorrow's Times: The Third Doctor (documentary)|Tomorrow's Times: Third Doctor]]''- Presented by [[Peter Purves]]
* PDF Materials - ''[[Radio Times]]'' listings


=== Digital releases ===
=== Digital releases ===
This story is available:
This story is available:
* for streaming through [[BritBox]] ([[US]]) as part of Season 7 of ''Classic Doctor Who''.
* for streaming through [[BritBox]] (Canada & [[US]]) as part of Season 7 of ''Classic Doctor Who''.


=== VHS ===
=== VHS ===
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The story was released with over 90 minutes in colour, and the remaining material in black-and-white — with subtle mixes between the colour and black-and-white sections.
The story was released with over 90 minutes in colour, and the remaining material in black-and-white — with subtle mixes between the colour and black-and-white sections.


Episode one was taken from the original 625 line PAL colour videotape, episode four was black-and-white throughout, and episode five was a version with electronically restored colour. The remaining episodes were both colour and black-and-white.
Episode one was taken from the original 625 line PAL colour videotape, episode four was black-and-white throughout, and episode five was a version with electronically restored colour. The remaining episodes were in mixed format — i.e. colour and black-and-white.


Editing for the VHS release was completed by [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]] and also contains a black-and-white version of the trailer for the story before episode one and ''The Stages of the Restoration'', a mini-documentary about the restoration techniques, after the last episode.
Editing for the VHS release was completed by [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]] and also contains a black-and-white version of the trailer for the story before episode one and ''The Stages of the Restoration'', a mini-documentary about the restoration techniques, after the last episode.
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[[Category:Season 7 stories]]
[[Category:Season 7 stories]]
[[Category:Seven part serials]]
[[Category:Seven part serials]]
[[Category:Stories set in England]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 1970s]]
[[Category:UNIT television stories]]


[[es:The Ambassadors of Death]]
[[es:The Ambassadors of Death]]
[[fr:The Ambassadors of Death]]
[[fr:The Ambassadors of Death]]
[[ru:Послы смерти]]
[[ru:Послы смерти]]
Gingerfool
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