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story name= The Infinite Quest |
|image          = The-Infinite Quest.jpg
image=[[File:7-1-.jpg|250px]] |
|season number  = Series 3 (Doctor Who 2005)
series= [[Doctor Who]] - Animated Serial|
|broadcast with  = [[Totally Doctor Who]]
number= |
|story number   =  
doctor= [[Tenth Doctor]]|
|scripturl      = https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/documents/doctor-who-3-animation-the-infinite-quest-post-recording-script-19062007.pdf
companions= [[Martha Jones]]|
|doctor         = Tenth Doctor
enemy= [[Baltazar]]<br>[[Caw]] (redeems himself)<br>[[Swabb]]<br>Skeleton Crew<br>[[Oil Corp Oil Rig]]s<br>[[Kaliko]] (redeems herself)<br>[[Mantasphid]]s (redeem themselves)<br>[[Mantasphid Queen]] (redeems herself)<br>[[Ulysees Meregrass]] (redeems himself)<br>[[Gurney]] (partially redeems himself)<br>[[Warden]]s (controlled)<br>[[Lok]] (nervous breakdown; reprogrammed)<br>[[Squawk]] (redeems himself) |
|companions     = [[Martha Jones|Martha]]
setting= [[Baltazar's ship]] <br> [[Pheros]] <br> [[Boukon]] <br> [[Myarr]] <br> [[Volag-Noc]] <br> ''The [[Infinite]]'' <br> [[40th century]]|
|enemy           = [[Baltazar]]
writer= [[Alan Barnes]] |
|setting         = [[Earth]] orbit, [[40th century]]
director= [[Gary Russell]] |
|writer         = Alan Barnes
producer= |
|director       = [[Gary Russell]]
animator= [[Firestep]]|
|producer       = [[James Goss]], [[Ros Attille]]
broadcast date= [[2nd April]] [[2007]] - [[29th June]] [[2007]] |
|broadcast date = 2 April - 29 June 2007
format= 13 episodes - 3 minutes 30 seconds each (original)<br>45 mins aprox (compilation)|
|network        = CBBC
production code= |
|format         = 13x3.30 minute episodes
previous production= |
|production code =  
next production= [[Dreamland (TV story)|Dreamland]] }}
|epcount        = 13
|clip            = The Doctor meets Gurney - Doctor Who The Infinite Quest - BBC
|series2        = Animated specials
|next2          = Dreamland (TV story)
}}
'''''The Infinite Quest''''' was a special animated ''[[Doctor Who (TV series)|Doctor Who]]'' serial broadcast during [[Series 3 (Doctor Who 2005)|Series 3]]. It was written by Alan Barnes, directed by [[Gary Russell]], and featured [[David Tennant]] as the [[Tenth Doctor]] and [[Freema Agyeman]] as [[Martha Jones]].


'''The Infinite Quest''' was a special animated ''Doctor Who'' serial, featuring the [[Tenth Doctor]] and [[Martha Jones]], which was produced for ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]''. The show's live-action stars voiced their animated counterparts in this, the first made-for-television animated ''Doctor Who'' adventure. The serial was initially broadcast in 12 instalments of approximately 3.5 minutes each; the 13th and concluding chapter, however, was not broadcast individually, but rather was incorporated into a re-edited omnibus version that incorporated the preceding 12 parts. The total running time of the serial was approximately that of a regular live-action episode. Although produced by the BBC using the show's actors, and clearly set within the 2007 Series Three timeframe, ''The Infinite Quest'' is not considered an episode of the Third Series.
It was produced for ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]''. The show's live-action stars voiced their animated counterparts in this, the first made-for-television animated ''Doctor Who'' adventure. The serial was initially broadcast in twelve instalments of approximately three and a half minutes each; the thirteenth and concluding chapter, however, was not broadcast individually, but was incorporated into a re-edited omnibus version that incorporated the preceding twelve parts. The total running time of the serial was approximately that of a regular live-action episode. Although produced by the BBC using the show's actors, and clearly set within the [[Series 3 (Doctor Who 2005)|Series Three]] timeframe, ''The Infinite Quest'' is not considered an episode of the third series.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
[[Tenth Doctor|The Doctor]] and [[Martha Jones|Martha]] must find the legendary lost [[starship]], the ''[[Infinite]]'', before the evil [[Baltazar]], scourge of [[Mutter's Spiral|the Galaxy]], gets it.
The [[Tenth Doctor]] and [[Martha Jones|Martha]] must find the legendary lost [[starship]], the ''[[Infinite (The Infinite Quest)|Infinite]]'', before the evil [[Baltazar]], scourge of [[Mutter's Spiral|the Galaxy]], gets it.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
[[Baltazar]] is aboard his space ship looking upon a digital display of the Earth. [[Caw]] is with him in a spherical cage. Baltazar gives the order for the plasma cannons to prepare to fire upon the Earth. The [[the Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] materializes aboard Baltazar’s ship. [[Tenth Doctor|The Doctor]] and [[Martha Jones]] step out, and the Doctor tells Martha of Baltazar’s title as scourge of the galaxy. Baltazar reveals that his plan is to consume the earth in a field of plasma fire that will compress all carbon-based life forms and reduce them to [[diamond]]s. The Doctor reveals his plan to stop Baltazar using a spoon he produces from his pocket - which Baltazar chops in half, and it falls upon the deck. The Doctor explains that the spoon was made on a planet that specialized in [[fungus]], which causes the deck of the ship to rust quickly. The Doctor frees Caw from his cage with his sonic screwdriver before flying off in the TARDIS. The Doctor predicts the most likely planet for Baltazar to be put in prison would be [[Volag-Noc]]. The Doctor asks Martha to give him three random numbers for the destination settings - which take them to [[Copacabana Beach]]. As they fly off, Baltazar's ship falls apart with the rust but Baltazar escapes riding on Caw, vowing to get back at the Doctor.
[[File:Totally Doctor Who The Infinite Quest title card.jpg|thumb|Logos used to bookend the segments on ''Totally Doctor Who''.]]
=== Part 1 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 14|series 2, episode 1]] on [[2 April (releases)|2 April]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
[[Baltazar]] is aboard his [[spaceship]] looking upon a digital display of the [[Earth]]. [[Caw]] is with him, in a spherical cage. Baltazar gives the order for the [[plasma (physics)|plasma]] cannons to prepare to fire upon the Earth. [[The Doctor's TARDIS|The TARDIS]] materialises aboard Baltazar's ship. The [[Tenth Doctor]] and [[Martha Jones]] step out, and the Doctor tells Martha of Baltazar's title as scourge of the galaxy. Baltazar reveals that his plan is to consume the earth in a field of plasma fire that will compress all carbon-based life forms and reduce them to [[diamond]]s. The Doctor reveals his plan to stop Baltazar using a [[spoon]] he produces from his pocket — which Baltazar chops in half, causing it to fall upon the deck. The Doctor explains that the spoon was made on a [[planet]] that specialised in [[hydroxide]] [[fungus]], which causes the deck of the ship to rust quickly. Baltazar falls through the rusting floor. At Martha's prompting the Doctor frees Caw from his cage with his sonic screwdriver before flying off in the TARDIS. The Doctor predicts the most likely planet for Baltazar to be put in prison would be [[Volag-Noc]]. The Doctor asks Martha to give him three random numbers for the destination settings — which take them to [[Copacabana Beach]]. As they fly off, Baltazar's ship falls apart with the rust but Baltazar escapes riding on Caw, vowing to get back at the Doctor.


The Doctor is flying the Tardis at high speeds, when Caw catches it in flight, and takes it to his home planet of [[Pheros]]. He gives Martha a present for saving him. He then tells The Doctor that Baltazar has been released from jail - and that he fears that Baltazar will come after him. Caw goes on to say that Baltazar is looking for The [[Infinite]] - an object that will give him his heart's desire. The Doctor believes this to be just a legend, but Caw tells him that Baltazar knows how to find it. He coughs out a data chip - which Baltazar has given him for safe keeping - and tells The Doctor that you need to us each chip to find another one - then that will lead you to the infinite. The Doctor goes to break the data chip to keep the Infinite lost, but Caw stops him, saying that Baltazar has a copy. The Doctor decides to go on the quest to prevent to Infinite fall into Baltazar's hands. As he leaves in the Tardis, Baltazar is revealed behind it. Caw confirms that the "tracker" is in place - and Baltazar boasts that the Doctor will lead him to his heart's desire - and he will have his revenge.
=== Part 2 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 15|series 2, episode 2]] on [[13 April (releases)|13 April]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
The Doctor is flying the TARDIS at high speeds, when Caw catches it in flight, and takes it to his home planet of [[Pheros]]. He gives Martha a brooch, a present for saving him, then tells the Doctor that Baltazar has been released from jail — and that he fears that Baltazar will come after him as he sold him out. Caw goes on to say that Baltazar is looking for the ''[[Infinite (The Infinite Quest)|Infinite]]'' — an object that will give him his heart's desire. The Doctor believes this to be just a legend, but Caw tells him that Baltazar knows how to find it. He coughs out a data chip — which Baltazar has given him for safe keeping — and tells the Doctor that you need to use each chip to find another one — then that will lead you to the ''Infinite''. The Doctor goes to break the data chip to keep the ''Infinite'' lost, but Caw stops him, saying that Baltazar has a copy. The Doctor decides to go on the quest to prevent to ''Infinite'' fall into Baltazar's hands. As he leaves in the TARDIS, Baltazar is revealed behind it. Caw confirms that the "tracker" is in place — and Baltazar boasts that the Doctor will lead him to his heart's desire — and he will have his revenge.


The Doctor and Martha land on the first planet - called [[Boukon]], a world where oil corporations are taking the last of the oil to fuel the empire, because they ran out on Earth. The rigs begin to move towards the travelers when a ship comes up from the sand and uses ropes to attach itself to one of the rigs. In the process, the Tardis falls off the edge onto the sand. The captain introduces herself as Captain [[Kaliko]], and explains that they are destroying the rigs to help "fuel the poor" because prices have become too high. She then accuses the travelers of being oil core spies, and orders her (literal) skeleton crew to kill the travelers.
=== Part 3 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 16|series 2, episode 3]] on [[20 April (releases)|20 April]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
The Doctor and Martha land on the first planet — called [[Boukon]], a world heated by artificial suns and where [[Oil Corporation]] is taking the last of the oil to fuel the empire, because they ran out on Earth. The rigs begin to move towards the travellers when a ship comes up from the sand and uses ropes to attach itself to one of the rigs. In the process, the TARDIS falls off the edge onto the sand. The captain introduces herself as Captain [[Kaliko]], and explains that they are destroying the rigs to help "fuel the poor" because prices have become too high. She then accuses the travellers of being Oil Corp spies, and orders her (literal) skeleton crew to kill the travellers.


As they march on the Doctor and Martha, one of the skeletons, called Swabb, fires his gun to stop them, and suggests that they dispose of the bodies in the rigs they have destroyed to make it look like an accident. However, he whispers to the Doctor that they will be alright, making The Doctor think he is an oil core spy. The captain makes them walk the plank, but the Doctor threatens to use his [[sonic screwdriver]] to destroy the ship. At that point, Swabb confirms the Doctor's suspicions by revealing that he is an oil core spy, and asks the rest of the crew to help turn on the captain, promising them new bodies. The Doctor explains they are not with oil core, but Swabb says it doesn't matter and orders the rigs to attack the ship.
=== Part 4 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 17|series 2, episode 4]] on [[27 April (releases)|27 April]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
As they march on the Doctor and Martha, one of the skeletons, the first mate called Swabb, fires his gun to stop them, and suggests that they dispose of the bodies in the rigs they have destroyed to make it look like an accident. However, he whispers to the Doctor that they will be all right, making the Doctor think he is an Oil Corp spy. The captain makes them walk the plank, but the Doctor threatens to use his [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver|sonic screwdriver]] to destroy the ship. At that point, Swabb confirms the Doctor's suspicions by revealing that he is an Oil Corp spy, and asks the rest of the crew to help turn on the captain, promising them new bodies. The Doctor explains they are not with Oil Corp, but Swabb says it doesn't matter and orders the rigs to attack the ship.


The oil rigs are not very good shots, but eventually they hit the ship, and it crashes into the sand. Martha is threatened by Swabb - who says that he will take Matha's body as his new one, but he doesn't notice the Captain sneaking up behind him. Before she shoots, the Doctor comes up with his head in the steering wheel, knocking Swabb off the edge of the ship onto the sand. The travelers then turn to the Captain, asking her about her earring. She guesses that they are looking for the infinite - and takes off in her escape pod. The Doctor and Martha go looking for her, and find the wreckage of the ship - with the captain dead. They take the data chip and move on to the planet of [[Myarr]] . They arrive in a city - which Martha notices is missing lights. Suddenly, they are faced with a swarm of bugs all around them.
=== Part 5 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 18|series 2, episode 5]] on [[4 May (releases)|4 May]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
The oil rigs are not very good shots, but eventually they hit the ship, and it crashes into the sand. Martha is threatened by Swabb — who says that he will take Martha's body as his new one, but he doesn't notice the Captain sneaking up behind him. Before she shoots, the Doctor comes up with his head in the steering wheel, knocking Swabb onto the plank. Kaliko withdraws the plank, causing Swabb to fall onto the sand, though he survives. The travellers then turn to the Captain, asking her about her earring. She guesses that they are looking for the ''Infinite'' — and takes off in her escape pod. The Doctor and Martha go looking for her, and find the wreckage of the ship — with the captain dead. They take the data chip and move on to the planet of [[Myarr|Myarr.]] They arrive in a city — which Martha notices is missing lights. Suddenly, they are faced with bugs which swarm around them.


As the bugs continue to swarm, the travelers are saved by [[Ulysees Meregrass]] - a toad like creature - who explains that he has an understanding with the bugs - which are called [[Mantasphid]]s. He explains that they are at war, and that he is providing arms for their [[Mantasphid Queen|Queen]]. As they talk, they hear the sirens of ships approaching. The ships attack the area, and hit a tower - which falls towards Martha. Martha wakes up, and the Doctor explains that the tower was actually made of [[Dung]]. He then talks to the Queen about the humans, but she says that she already has an adviser in Meregrass. As they talk the bugs reveal that they have caught a pilot of one of the ships. The Doctor asks to see what they are fighting, and a strange creature comes in. He goes towards the Doctor with his arms stretched out to attack him.
=== Part 6 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 19|series 2, episode 6]] on [[11 May (releases)|11 May]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
As the bugs continue to swarm, the travellers are saved by [[Ulysees Meregrass]] — a toad like creature — who explains that he has an understanding with the bugs — which are called [[Mantasphid]]s. He explains that they are at war, and that he is providing arms for their [[Mantasphid Queen|Queen]]. As they talk, they hear the sirens of ships approaching. The ships attack the area, and hit a tower — which falls towards Martha. Martha wakes up, and the Doctor explains that the tower was actually made of [[dung]]. He then talks to the Queen about the humans, but she says that she already has an adviser in Meregrass, though the Doctor says he is an arms dealer. As they talk the bugs reveal that they have caught a pilot of one of the ships. The Doctor asks to see what they are fighting, and a strange creature comes in. He goes towards the Doctor with his arms stretched out to attack him.


Martha spots that the creature is actually just scared, and the Doctor removes the mask to reveal a human - who introduces himself as [[Pilot Kelvin]]. He explains that it is actually the bugs who are attacking the humans - saying that the bugs have destroyed his home and family. The Doctor demands to know why, and the queen explains that the planet has lots of Dung. Meregrass then asks for his money for delivering the weapons, but the queen refuses, saying that they do not make deals with fleshy bipeds.
=== Part 7 ===
However, they hear the sirens of ships attacking again - and Meregrass leaves the queen saying that he only helped because he thought he would be paid. The Doctor notes that they can't let him get too far as he had the data chip. He then asks Kelvin what the ships will do, and Kelvin says that they will burn the whole area. As The Doctor ponders this, the ships get closer to the bugs.
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 20|series 2, episode 7]] on [[25 May (releases)|25 May]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
Martha spots that the creature is actually just scared, and the Doctor removes the mask to reveal a human — who introduces himself as Pilot [[Kelvin (The Infinite Quest)|Kelvin]]. He explains that it is actually the bugs who are attacking the humans — saying that the bugs have destroyed his home and killed his parents. The Doctor demands to know why, and the Queen explains that the planet has lots of Dung. Meregrass then asks for his money for delivering the weapons, but the Queen refuses, saying that they do not make deals with fleshy bipeds. However, they hear the sirens of ships attacking again Martha then asks Kelvin what the ships will do, and Kelvin says that they will burn the whole area. As the Doctor ponders this, the ships get closer to the bugs.


The Doctor asks Kelvin to order the ships to stop - saying that the bugs can surrender, because they have a right to live. Kelvin says that there is no protocol for dealing with bugs, so Martha says that they should surrender for them. Kelvin opens a communication to the commanders, and the Doctor (in a pirate voice) surrenders for the bugs. He then asks the bugs to provide light for the humans to help combat the oil shortage, and leaves to avoid being captured. As they go down a tunnel, they find Meregrass Dead, and note to similarity to Kaliko earlier. However they have to move on and find the next chip - which is on [[Volag-Noc]]. They arrive on the planet - which is the coldest place in the galaxy. Martha asks where the prison is, when the Doctor is suddenly caught in a circle of lasers, and taken below the surface.
=== Part 8 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 21|series 2, episode 8]] on [[1 June (releases)|1 June]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
The Queen asks Meregrass what they should do but he replies that he was only helping her in the first place because he thought he would be paid, meaning he doesn't give them the code to activate the weapons and leaves. The Doctor notes that they can't let him get too far as he has the data chip. The Queen then reluctantly decides that the Mantasphids will surrender. Kelvin says that there is no protocol for dealing with bugs because of the atrocities they've committed but the Doctor points out they still have a right to live. As the Earth commanders announce the Mantasphid hive is due for imminent destruction, Martha then suggests that they surrender instead of the bugs. Kelvin opens a communication to the commanders, and the Doctor (in a pirate voice) surrenders for the bugs, claiming he is "Doctor Vile" and was holding their Queen hostage. The hive destruction is then cancelled. The Doctor then asks the bugs to provide light for the humans to help combat the oil shortage, and leaves to avoid being captured. As they go down a tunnel, they find Meregrass dead, and note the similarity to Kaliko earlier. However they have to move on and find the next chip — which is on [[Volag-Noc]]. They arrive on the planet — which is the coldest place in the galaxy. Martha asks where the prison is, when the Doctor is suddenly caught in a circle of lasers, and taken below the surface.


However, he has simply been taken into the prison, along with Martha. They are met by a robot, which confiscates the Doctor's screwdriver, and then scans them for convictions. Martha has none, but the Doctor has several and is sent to prison cell 8447. The bot then takes Martha to the Governor of the prison. The Doctor arrives in the cell, where he introduces himself to his android roommate. He then starts to help the android- who is suffering from a pain. Martha meets the Governor, and demands that the Doctor be released - but notices the safe which contains the data chip. The governor reveals the doctor's charges - and says that this earns him 2 billion years in prison. In the cell, the Doctor realizes that the android has been inhibited, and the android helps him escape. The Governor is informed of the breakout in the cell, and accidentally reveals that he is not the real governor. Suddenly, a mysterious force starts cutting through a door at the side.
=== Part 9 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 22|series 2, episode 9]] on [[8 June (releases)|8 June]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
However, he has simply been taken into the prison, along with Martha. They are met by a robot, which confiscates the Doctor's screwdriver, and then scans them for convictions. Martha has none, but the Doctor has 3,005 (with another 6000 in consideration) and is sent to prison cell 8447. The bot then takes Martha to the Governor of the prison. The Doctor arrives in the cell, where he introduces himself to his android roommate. He then starts to help the android — who is suffering from a pain. Martha meets the Governor, and demands that the Doctor be released — but notices the safe which contains the data chip. The governor reveals the Doctor's charges — and says that this earns him 2 billion years in prison. In the cell, the Doctor realises that the android has been inhibited, and the android helps him escape. The Governor is informed of the breakout in the cell, and accidentally reveals that he is not the real governor. Suddenly, a mysterious force starts cutting through the door.


The door bursts open, and The Doctor is revealed with the real governor, who is attacked by the other security bots. The Doctor uses the [[Psychic paper]] to find out that the fake governor is actually [[Constantine Ethelred Gurney]] who have broken back into prison because of the governor. The Governor orders that all prisoners be killed because they are beyond rehabilitation. Gurney shoots the android once, and escapes in the lift - chased by Martha. The Doctor manages to stop to cells being sterilized, and then heads out to help Martha. Martha chases after Gurney, but he threatens to shoot her - when suddenly Baltazar flies in on Caw, proclaiming his revenge.
=== Part 10 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 23|series 2, episode 10]] on [[15 June (releases)|15 June]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
The door bursts open, and the Doctor is revealed to be with the real governor ([[Lok]]), who is attacked by the other security bots. The Doctor uses the [[Psychic paper]] to find out that the fake governor is actually [[Constantine Ethelred Gurney]] who has broken back into prison because of the governor. Meregrass sold him a program meaning the warders saw him as Lok and Lok as him. Lok orders that all prisoners be killed because they are beyond rehabilitation. Gurney shoots the android once, and escapes in the lift — chased by Martha. The Doctor manages to stop the cells from being sterilised, and then heads out to help Martha. Martha chases after Gurney, but he threatens to shoot her — when suddenly Baltazar flies in on Caw, proclaiming his revenge.


Gurney shoots Caw, forcing him to crash - Martha goes over to him as he is dying, and Caw explains that he was promised Gold for helping Baltazar. The Doctor arrives - but cannot help. Baltazar comes over and explains that he needed the Doctor's help to get the data chips - and says that he killed both Meregrass and Kaliko to help their quest. He forces them in the Tardis, and explains that he has tracked them using the brooch that Caw gave Martha. He knew that only the Doctor could read the chips as they are older than recorded history. He then forces the Doctor to use the chips to find where the Infinite is, and then makes him set the controls for, saying he will kill Martha if he doesn't help. Once the Doctor has set the controls, he shoots the Doctor because he doesn't need him any more.
=== Part 11 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 24|series 2, episode 11]] on [[22 June (releases)|22 June]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
Gurney shoots Caw, forcing him to crash, though Baltazar goes after Gurney — Martha goes over to Caw as he is dying, and Caw explains that he was promised Gold for helping Baltazar. The Doctor arrives — but cannot help and Caw dies. Baltazar comes over and explains that he needed the Doctor's help to get the data chips — and says that he killed both Meregrass and Kaliko to help their quest and now has Gurney's chip (having presumably killed him too). He forces them in the TARDIS, and explains that he has tracked them using the brooch that Caw gave Martha. He knew that only the Doctor could read the chips as they are older than recorded history. He then forces the Doctor to use the chips to find where the ''Infinite'' is, and then makes him set the controls for, saying he will kill Martha if he doesn't help. Once the Doctor has set the controls, he shoots the Doctor because he doesn't need him any more.


The Doctor wakes up on the snowy surface, which is deserted. In the Tardis, Baltazar and Martha reach the Infinite - and he forced Martha to look for the hold of the ship. She walks along, and is met by the Doctor, who hugs her. At the same time, The Doctor arrives on [[Squawk]] - who has difficulty landing. Baltazar tries to turn Squawk, but The Doctor throws a rock at Baltazar to shut him up - he then demands to know where Martha is. Martha, still in the hold - asks the Doctor about the treasure - to which the Doctor replies "the heart's desire". She realises that this is not actually the Doctor, but her Heart's desire. The fake Doctor then glows white inside - ready to attack Martha.
=== Part 12 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]'' [[TDW 25|series 2, episode 12]] on [[29 June (releases)|29 June]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]]''.
The Doctor wakes up on the snowy surface, which is deserted. In the TARDIS, Baltazar and Martha reach the ''Infinite'' — and he forced Martha to look for the hold of the ship. She walks along, and is met by the Doctor, who hugs her. At the same time, the Doctor arrives on [[Squawk]] — who has difficulty landing. Baltazar tries to turn Squawk, but the Doctor throws a rock at Baltazar to shut him up — he then demands to know where Martha is. Martha, still in the hold — asks the Doctor about the treasure — to which the Doctor replies "the heart's desire". She realises that this is not actually the Doctor, but her Heart's desire. The fake Doctor then glows white inside — ready to attack Martha.


The real Doctor arrives, and explains that Martha has to get rid of the illusion, which she manages by saying that she doesn't believe it. The ship then tries to find The Doctor's desire - but fails. The Doctor explains to Martha how he arrived - he has grown Squawk by feeding him gold, and then he upgraded his [[fusion chamber]] to make it travel faster than light so that he can catch up the two and three quarter years that it took him to do this. As he talks, Baltazar arrives and sees lots of gold. Martha and The Doctor try to convince him that this is just an echo of its power, but he doesn't listen. The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to destroy the ship, and they head to the Tardis. The Doctor stops Baltazar from entering, and they take off. The Doctor explains that he has left Squawk to take Baltazar back to Volag-noc. He then asks Martha for more destination settings as they go on their way.
=== Part 13 ===
:''This instalment was broadcast as part of ''The Infinite Quest'' omnibus on [[30 June (releases)|30 June]], [[2007 (releases)|2007]].''
The real Doctor arrives, and explains that Martha has to get rid of the illusion, which she manages by saying that she doesn't believe it. The ship then tries to find the Doctor's desire — but fails. The Doctor explains to Martha how he arrived after three years on Volag-Noc — he has grown Squawk by feeding him molten gold, re-programmed Lok to run a fairer prison and then he upgraded Squawk's [[fusion chamber]] to make him travel faster than light so that he can catch up the two and three quarter years. He says the ship once had one of the [[Great Old One]]s, but by now it is dead and there is only an echo left, enough to show your heart's desire. As he talks, Baltazar arrives and sees lots of gold, with which he plans to make a fleet and destroy the Doctor, Earth and Volag-Noc. Martha and The Doctor try to convince him that this is just an echo of its power, but he doesn't listen. The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to destroy the ship, and they head to the TARDIS. The Doctor stops Baltazar from entering, and they take off. The Doctor explains that he has left Squawk to take Baltazar, who is returned to Volag-Noc and imprisoned. The Doctor then asks Martha for more destination settings as they go on their way.


== Cast (voices) ==
* [[Tenth Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[David Tennant]]
* [[Martha Jones]] - [[Freema Agyeman]]
* [[Baltazar]] - [[Anthony Head]]
* [[Caw]] / [[Squawk]] - [[Toby Longworth]]
* [[Kaliko|Captain Kaliko]] - [[Liza Tarbuck]]
* [[Swabb]] - [[Tom Farrelly]]
* [[Ulysees Meregrass]] - [[Paul Clayton]]
* [[Mantasphid Queen|The Mantasphid Queen]] - [[Lizzie Hopley]]
* [[Kelvin (The Infinite Quest)|Pilot Kelvin]] - [[Steven Meo]]
* [[Control (The Infinite Quest)|Control Voice]] - [[Barney Harwood]]
* [[Gurney]] - [[Stephen Greif]]
* Governor [[Lok]] / [[Warden (robot)|Warden]] - [[Dan Morgan]]


==Cast==
== Crew ==
*[[Tenth Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[David Tennant]]
* [[Writer]] - [[Alan Barnes]]
*[[Martha Jones]] - [[Freema Agyeman]]
* [[Director (crew)|Director]] - [[Gary Russell]]
*[[Baltazar]] - [[Anthony Head]]
* [[Animation]] - [[Firestep]]
*[[Caw]] - [[Toby Longworth]]
* [[Production Designer]] - [[Edward Thomas]]
*[[Kaliko|Captain Kaliko]] - [[Liza Tarbuck]]
* [[Sound design|Sound Design]] - [[Doug Sinclair]], [[Howard Eaves]], [[Paul McFadden]]
*[[Swabb]] - [[Tom Farrelly]]
* [[Dubbing Mixer]] - [[Peter Jeffreys]]
*[[Ulysees Meregrass]] - [[Paul Clayton]]
* [[Incidental Music|Composer]] - [[Murray Gold]]
*[[Mantasphid Queen|The Mantasphid Queen]] - [[Lizzie Hopley]]
* [[Music Arranger]] - [[Ben Foster]]
*[[Kelvin|Pilot Kelvin]] - [[Steven Meo]]
* [[Production Runner]] - [[Scott Handcock]]
*[[Control (The Infinite Quest)|Control Voice]] - [[Barney Harwood]]
* [[Production accountant|Production Accountant]] - [[Elaine Stephenson]]
*[[Gurney]] - [[Stephen Greif]]
* [[Post-production co-ordinator|Post Production Co-ordinator]] - [[Vickie Mansell]]
*[[Governor Lok]] - [[Dan Morgan]]
* [[Production Manager]] - [[Kirstie Reid]]
*[[Warden]] - [[Dan Morgan]]
* [[Production executive|Production Executive]] - [[Paul Williams]]
*[[Squawk]] - [[Toby Longworth]]
* [[Executive Producer]]s for [[CBBC]] - [[Gillian Scothern]], [[Reem Nouss]], [[Jon East]]
* [[Producer]]s - [[James Goss]], [[Ros Attille]]
* [[Series Producer]] - [[Gilliane Seaborne]]
* [[Executive Producer]] - [[Mark Cossey]]
* [[Executive Producer]]s for ''[[Doctor Who]]'' - [[Russell T Davies]], [[Julie Gardner]]


==Crew==
== Worldbuilding ==
''to be added''
* The Doctor makes mention of the greatest [[chef]]s on Earth and the [[Copacabana Beach]].
* The Doctor mentions the [[Racnoss]], [[Great Vampire]]s and the [[Nestene]].
* The [[Great Old One]]s are also mentioned. The ''[[Infinite (The Infinite Quest)|Infinite]]'' holds the last vestiges of the power of one of them that died.
* The Doctor destroys Baltazar's ship with a [[spoon]].
* Martha wonders if the Doctor's request to call out random numbers is like a "space [[lottery]]".
* Sand can interfere with the operation of [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver]] if it clogs the inner components.
* The [[Ceres system]] is mentioned.
* The Doctor is charged with [[250 (number)|250]] counts of evading [[library]] fines, a nod to Anthony Head's character in Buffy, Giles.
* When the Doctor is imprisoned on [[Volag-Noc]], his brain was scanned for criminal activity, revealing that some of his memories dated back over 3000 years.
* The Doctor mentions [[Napoléon Bonaparte|Napoleon]].


==References==
== Story notes ==
*In the first episode, the Doctor makes mention of the greatest chefs on Earth and the Copacabana beach.
* ''The Infinite Quest'' was broadcast as part of ''[[Totally Doctor Who]]''. A behind-the-scenes feature on the making of the serial (included on the DVD) was produced for the children's programme; one of its hosts, Barney Harwood, voices a minor character in the serial.
*In the second episode, the Doctor mentions the [[Racnoss]], [[Great Vampire|Great vampires]] and the [[Nestene]].
* The story was also run as a full episode, with the last part following on from the end of part twelve. Total running time is approximately the equivalent of one standard live-action episode; this is the format used for the DVD release.
*The [[Great Old One]]s are also mentioned. The [[Infinite]] holds the last vestiges of the power of one of them that died.
* Martha Jones explains this adventure in the Sunday, July 01, 2007 Entry in her Blog.
*The Doctor destroys Baltazar's ship with a [[spoon]].
* ''[[Companions and Allies]]'' and the episode index at the back of the 2011 edition of ''[[Doctor Who: The Encyclopedia]]'' both place this story between ''[[42 (TV story)|42]]'' and ''[[Human Nature (TV story)|Human Nature]]''.
*Kevin utters the phrase "kills all known bugs dead." This is similar to the advertising slogans of two well-known products: the UK bleach Domestos and the North American incesticide, Raid ("Raid Kills Bugs Dead").
* The compilation adds a shot of the TARDIS flying in the vortex in episode 1 after the travellers escape Baltazar's ship.
* The compilation also adds the Doctor Who introduction between episodes 1 and 2 — which is the same as a normal introduction, but with the TARDIS resembling the animated style of the story rather than looking like the live action version.
* The first part aired only two days after Martha's first appearance in ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]''.
* The compilation episode was shown on the same day as ''[[Last of the Time Lords (TV story)|Last of the Time Lords]]''.
* The notion of producing an animated ''Doctor Who'' adventure or full series is not a new one. The idea has been floated since at least the 1980s. After the series was placed on "indefinite hiatus" in 1989, one option considered was an animated series featuring the [[Seventh Doctor]] and [[Ace]], with Canadian animation house [[Nelvana]] at one point reported to be interested. This project never materialised. In the late 1990s the idea of doing animated adventures for Internet broadcast ("webcast") surfaced. Over the next few years several such productions were made, including ''[[Death Comes to Time (webcast)|Death Comes to Time]]'', ''[[Real Time (webcast)|Real Time]]'', ''[[Shada (webcast)|Shada]]'' and ''[[Scream of the Shalka (webcast)|Scream of the Shalka]]''.
* The behind the scenes featurette on the DVD (produced for ''Totally Doctor Who'') indicates that some scenes were recorded with all the actors present in the same recording studio, while other scenes were recorded with the actors isolated in recording cubicles.
* This story was later released as part of ''[[The Animation Collection]]'', then later included in ''[[The Complete David Tennant Collection]]'' in the US.


==Story notes==
=== Ratings ===
*The Infinite Quest was broadcast as part of [[Totally Doctor Who]]. A behind-the-scenes feature on the making of the serial (included on the DVD) was produced for the children's programme; one of its hosts, Barney Harwood, voices a minor character in the serial.
*The first 12 were broadcast weekly as part of the show.
*The story was also run as a full episode, with the last part following on from the end of part twelve. Total running time is approximately the equivalent of one standard live-action episode; this is the format used for the DVD release.
*Martha Jones explains this adventure in the Sunday, July 01, 2007 Entry in her Blog.
*The compilation adds a shot of the Tardis flying in the vortex in episode 1 after the travelers escape Baltazar's ship.
*The compilation also adds the Doctor Who introduction between episodes 1 and 2 - which is the same as a normal introduction, but with the TARDIS resembling the animated style of the story rather then looking like the live action version.
*The first part aired only two days after Martha's first appearance in ''[[Smith and Jones]]''.
*The compilation episode was shown on the same day as ''[[Last of the Time Lords]]''.
*The notion of producing an animated ''Doctor Who'' adventure or full series is not a new one, as the idea has been floated about since at least the 1980s. After the series was placed on "indefinite hiatus" in 1989, one option being considered was an animated series featuring the [[Seventh Doctor]] and [[Ace]], with Canadian animation house [[Nelvana]] at one point reported to be interested. Ultimately, this project never materialized. In the late 1990s the idea of doing animated adventures for Internet broadcast ("webcast") surfaced, and over the next few years several such productions were made, including ''[[Death Comes to Time]]'', ''[[Real Time]]'', ''[[Shada (webcast)|Shada]]'' and ''[[Scream of the Shalka]]''.
*The behind the scenes featurette on the DVD (produced for ''Totally Doctor Who'' indicates that some scenes were recorded with all the actors present in the same recording studio, while other scenes were recorded with the actors isolated in recording cubicles.
 
===Ratings===
''to be added''
''to be added''


===Myths===
=== Myths ===
* ''The Infinite Quest'' (all chapters combined) constitutes a 14th episode of Series 3. ''Although some fans may consider it such, officially the BBC does not consider it an episode of Series 3, punctuated by the fact it was released separately to DVD and not with the rest of the Series 3 episodes.''
* ''The Infinite Quest'' (all chapters combined) constitutes a fourteenth episode of Series 3. ''Although some fans may consider it such, officially the BBC does not consider it an episode of Series 3, punctuated by the fact it was released separately to DVD and not with the rest of the Series 3 episodes. This is reaffirmed by its exclusion from subsequent blu-ray releases of series 3, instead being collected in [[The Specials (TV stories)|The Specials]] steelbook.''


===Production errors===
=== Production errors ===
* When Lok begins to cut around the door, he is shown to be starting at the top right moving in a clockwise motion from Gurney and Martha's perspective. Yet he is shown to be finishing at the top left, with the entire door somehow being cut around.
{{discontinuity}}
{{discontinuity}}


==Continuity==
== Continuity ==
*[[Anthony Head]] plays [[Baltazar]]; he also guest-starred as [[Lassar]] in [[DW]]: ''[[School Reunion]]''. Head also narrates ''[[Doctor Who Confidential]]'' and also lent his voice to a number of [[Big Finish Productions]]' audio productions.
* The Doctor tells Martha "don't do that" when she attempts to speak like a pirate. This follows a similar admonition she received in [[TV]]: ''[[The Shakespeare Code (TV story)|The Shakespeare Code]]'' when trying to talk in "old English", against [[Rose Tyler]] attempting a Scottish accent, ([[TV]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]'') while [[Donna Noble]] would later receive this request twice (in different contexts). ([[TV]]: ''[[The Unicorn and the Wasp (TV story)|The Unicorn and the Wasp]]'', ''[[Midnight (TV story)|Midnight]]'')
*The Doctor tells Martha "don't do that" when she attempts to speak like a pirate. This follows a similar admonition she recieved in [[DW]]: ''[[The Shakespeare Code]]'' when trying to talk in "old english", against [[Rose Tyler]] attempting a Scottish accent ([[DW]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw]]''), while [[Donna Noble]] would later receive this request twice (in different contexts) ([[DW]]: ''[[The Unicorn and the Wasp]]'' and [[DW]]: ''[[Midnight (TV story)|Midnight]]'').
* Episode 2 implies that some time passes for the Doctor and Martha between the events of episode 1, where they defeat Baltazar and meet the young Caw, and episode 2 where they encounter the older Caw and are given their mission.
*Episode 2 implies that some time passes for the Doctor and Martha between the events of episode 1, where they defeat Baltazar and meet the young Caw, and episode 2 where they encounter the older Caw and are given their mission.
* When Martha is eager to rush out of the TARDIS when it lands on [[Myarr]], the Doctor warns that [[sabre-toothed gorilla]]s could be out there. The [[Second Doctor|second incarnation of The Doctor]] with [[John Who|John]] and [[Gillian Who]] once encountered a tribe of sabre toothed gorillas ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Sabre-Toothed Gorillas (comic story)|The Sabre-Toothed Gorillas]]'') and {{Delgado}} once fed a group of [[Earth]] [[colonist]]s to Sabre-Toothed Gorillas in the [[Galactic Zoo]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[A letter from the Master (short story)|A letter from the Master]]'')
 
* [[Gurney]] says that the Doctor's crimes have earned him two billion years in prison. The Twelfth Doctor would later spend billions of years imprisoned inside a [[confession dial]] by the [[Time Lord]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[Heaven Sent (TV story)|Heaven Sent]]'')
==Timeline==
*The Infinite Quest occurs after: [[DW]]: ''[[42]]''
*The Infinite Quest occurs before: [[DW]]: ''[[Human Nature (TV story)|Human Nature]]''
 
==Home video releases==
*Released on a single DVD in the UK in November 2007, with special features listed [http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/news/cult/news/drwho/2007/09/12/48754.shtml here]. A North American DVD release occurred on 18 November 2008, marking the first time ever that an official, complete ''Doctor Who'' adventure had been released to home video in North America without it first having been broadcast there (discounting releases of incomplete serials from the 1960s and [[Shada (TV story)|Shada]]).
 
==See also==
*[[WC]]: ''[[Scream of the Shalka]]''
*[[DW]]: ''[[The Invasion]]''
*[[DW]]: ''[[Dreamland (TV story)|Dreamland]]''


==External links==
== Home video releases ==
*{{dwrefguide|infquest.htm|The Infinite Quest}}
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
File:Bbcdvd-theinfinitequest.jpg|thumb|''Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest'' Region 2 DVD cover.
File:Infinite quest australia dvd.jpg|thumb|''Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest'' Region 4 DVD cover.
File:Infinite quest us dvd.jpg|thumb|''Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest'' Region 1 DVD cover.
File:TheSpecials artwork(1).jpg|thumb|The Specials Steelbook
File:The Complete David Tennant Years Region 1 US DVD cover.jpg|The Complete David Tennant Years DVD<br />Region 1 US cover
</gallery>
* Released on a single DVD in the UK on [[5 November (releases)|5 November]] [[2007 (releases)|2007]], with special features listed [http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/news/cult/news/drwho/2007/09/12/48754.shtml here]. A North American DVD release occurred on [[18 November (releases)|18 November]] [[2008 (releases)|2008]], marking the first time ever that an official, complete ''Doctor Who'' adventure had been released to home video in North America without it first having been broadcast there (discounting releases of incomplete serials from the 1960s and [[Shada (TV story)|Shada]]).
* It is available to download on iTunes.
* It was released on Blu-ray as part of the US-exclusive box set [[The Complete David Tennant Collection]] on [[17 September (releases)|17 September]] [[2019 (releases)|2019]]. The release is upscaled from standard definition, as opposed to being re-rendered in HD.
* In November 2023, the omnibus of ''Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest'' was added to [[BBC iPlayer]]'s [[Whoniverse (BBC iPlayer)|Whoniverse]] catalog of ''Doctor Who'' content.


{{Series 3}}
== External links ==
{{DEFAULTSORT:Infinite Quest, The}}
{{dwrefguide|infquest.htm|The Infinite Quest}}
* {{whoniverse|s03_anim|{{StoryTitle}}}}
{{DWTV}}
{{DWAP}}
{{TitleSort}}
[[es:The Infinite Quest]]
[[it:The Infinite Quest (TV)]]


[[Category:2007 television stories|Infinite Quest, The]]
[[Category:Doctor Who (2005) television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 40th century|Infinite Quest, The]]
[[Category:2007 television stories]]
[[Category:Animated Serial|Infinite Quest, The]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 40th century]]
[[Category:Tenth Doctor television stories|Infinite Quest, The]]
[[Category:Doctor Who animated television stories]]
[[Category:Series 3 (Doctor Who) stories]]
[[Category:Television stories set in the Sol System]]
[[Category:Stories with unique variations of the Doctor Who opening titles]]
[[Category:2D animated productions]]

Latest revision as of 20:43, 3 November 2024

RealWorld.png

The Infinite Quest was a special animated Doctor Who serial broadcast during Series 3. It was written by Alan Barnes, directed by Gary Russell, and featured David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor and Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones.

It was produced for Totally Doctor Who. The show's live-action stars voiced their animated counterparts in this, the first made-for-television animated Doctor Who adventure. The serial was initially broadcast in twelve instalments of approximately three and a half minutes each; the thirteenth and concluding chapter, however, was not broadcast individually, but was incorporated into a re-edited omnibus version that incorporated the preceding twelve parts. The total running time of the serial was approximately that of a regular live-action episode. Although produced by the BBC using the show's actors, and clearly set within the Series Three timeframe, The Infinite Quest is not considered an episode of the third series.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Tenth Doctor and Martha must find the legendary lost starship, the Infinite, before the evil Baltazar, scourge of the Galaxy, gets it.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Logos used to bookend the segments on Totally Doctor Who.

Part 1[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 1 on 2 April, 2007.

Baltazar is aboard his spaceship looking upon a digital display of the Earth. Caw is with him, in a spherical cage. Baltazar gives the order for the plasma cannons to prepare to fire upon the Earth. The TARDIS materialises aboard Baltazar's ship. The Tenth Doctor and Martha Jones step out, and the Doctor tells Martha of Baltazar's title as scourge of the galaxy. Baltazar reveals that his plan is to consume the earth in a field of plasma fire that will compress all carbon-based life forms and reduce them to diamonds. The Doctor reveals his plan to stop Baltazar using a spoon he produces from his pocket — which Baltazar chops in half, causing it to fall upon the deck. The Doctor explains that the spoon was made on a planet that specialised in hydroxide fungus, which causes the deck of the ship to rust quickly. Baltazar falls through the rusting floor. At Martha's prompting the Doctor frees Caw from his cage with his sonic screwdriver before flying off in the TARDIS. The Doctor predicts the most likely planet for Baltazar to be put in prison would be Volag-Noc. The Doctor asks Martha to give him three random numbers for the destination settings — which take them to Copacabana Beach. As they fly off, Baltazar's ship falls apart with the rust but Baltazar escapes riding on Caw, vowing to get back at the Doctor.

Part 2[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 2 on 13 April, 2007.

The Doctor is flying the TARDIS at high speeds, when Caw catches it in flight, and takes it to his home planet of Pheros. He gives Martha a brooch, a present for saving him, then tells the Doctor that Baltazar has been released from jail — and that he fears that Baltazar will come after him as he sold him out. Caw goes on to say that Baltazar is looking for the Infinite — an object that will give him his heart's desire. The Doctor believes this to be just a legend, but Caw tells him that Baltazar knows how to find it. He coughs out a data chip — which Baltazar has given him for safe keeping — and tells the Doctor that you need to use each chip to find another one — then that will lead you to the Infinite. The Doctor goes to break the data chip to keep the Infinite lost, but Caw stops him, saying that Baltazar has a copy. The Doctor decides to go on the quest to prevent to Infinite fall into Baltazar's hands. As he leaves in the TARDIS, Baltazar is revealed behind it. Caw confirms that the "tracker" is in place — and Baltazar boasts that the Doctor will lead him to his heart's desire — and he will have his revenge.

Part 3[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 3 on 20 April, 2007.

The Doctor and Martha land on the first planet — called Boukon, a world heated by artificial suns and where Oil Corporation is taking the last of the oil to fuel the empire, because they ran out on Earth. The rigs begin to move towards the travellers when a ship comes up from the sand and uses ropes to attach itself to one of the rigs. In the process, the TARDIS falls off the edge onto the sand. The captain introduces herself as Captain Kaliko, and explains that they are destroying the rigs to help "fuel the poor" because prices have become too high. She then accuses the travellers of being Oil Corp spies, and orders her (literal) skeleton crew to kill the travellers.

Part 4[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 4 on 27 April, 2007.

As they march on the Doctor and Martha, one of the skeletons, the first mate called Swabb, fires his gun to stop them, and suggests that they dispose of the bodies in the rigs they have destroyed to make it look like an accident. However, he whispers to the Doctor that they will be all right, making the Doctor think he is an Oil Corp spy. The captain makes them walk the plank, but the Doctor threatens to use his sonic screwdriver to destroy the ship. At that point, Swabb confirms the Doctor's suspicions by revealing that he is an Oil Corp spy, and asks the rest of the crew to help turn on the captain, promising them new bodies. The Doctor explains they are not with Oil Corp, but Swabb says it doesn't matter and orders the rigs to attack the ship.

Part 5[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 5 on 4 May, 2007.

The oil rigs are not very good shots, but eventually they hit the ship, and it crashes into the sand. Martha is threatened by Swabb — who says that he will take Martha's body as his new one, but he doesn't notice the Captain sneaking up behind him. Before she shoots, the Doctor comes up with his head in the steering wheel, knocking Swabb onto the plank. Kaliko withdraws the plank, causing Swabb to fall onto the sand, though he survives. The travellers then turn to the Captain, asking her about her earring. She guesses that they are looking for the Infinite — and takes off in her escape pod. The Doctor and Martha go looking for her, and find the wreckage of the ship — with the captain dead. They take the data chip and move on to the planet of Myarr. They arrive in a city — which Martha notices is missing lights. Suddenly, they are faced with bugs which swarm around them.

Part 6[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 6 on 11 May, 2007.

As the bugs continue to swarm, the travellers are saved by Ulysees Meregrass — a toad like creature — who explains that he has an understanding with the bugs — which are called Mantasphids. He explains that they are at war, and that he is providing arms for their Queen. As they talk, they hear the sirens of ships approaching. The ships attack the area, and hit a tower — which falls towards Martha. Martha wakes up, and the Doctor explains that the tower was actually made of dung. He then talks to the Queen about the humans, but she says that she already has an adviser in Meregrass, though the Doctor says he is an arms dealer. As they talk the bugs reveal that they have caught a pilot of one of the ships. The Doctor asks to see what they are fighting, and a strange creature comes in. He goes towards the Doctor with his arms stretched out to attack him.

Part 7[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 7 on 25 May, 2007.

Martha spots that the creature is actually just scared, and the Doctor removes the mask to reveal a human — who introduces himself as Pilot Kelvin. He explains that it is actually the bugs who are attacking the humans — saying that the bugs have destroyed his home and killed his parents. The Doctor demands to know why, and the Queen explains that the planet has lots of Dung. Meregrass then asks for his money for delivering the weapons, but the Queen refuses, saying that they do not make deals with fleshy bipeds. However, they hear the sirens of ships attacking again Martha then asks Kelvin what the ships will do, and Kelvin says that they will burn the whole area. As the Doctor ponders this, the ships get closer to the bugs.

Part 8[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 8 on 1 June, 2007.

The Queen asks Meregrass what they should do but he replies that he was only helping her in the first place because he thought he would be paid, meaning he doesn't give them the code to activate the weapons and leaves. The Doctor notes that they can't let him get too far as he has the data chip. The Queen then reluctantly decides that the Mantasphids will surrender. Kelvin says that there is no protocol for dealing with bugs because of the atrocities they've committed but the Doctor points out they still have a right to live. As the Earth commanders announce the Mantasphid hive is due for imminent destruction, Martha then suggests that they surrender instead of the bugs. Kelvin opens a communication to the commanders, and the Doctor (in a pirate voice) surrenders for the bugs, claiming he is "Doctor Vile" and was holding their Queen hostage. The hive destruction is then cancelled. The Doctor then asks the bugs to provide light for the humans to help combat the oil shortage, and leaves to avoid being captured. As they go down a tunnel, they find Meregrass dead, and note the similarity to Kaliko earlier. However they have to move on and find the next chip — which is on Volag-Noc. They arrive on the planet — which is the coldest place in the galaxy. Martha asks where the prison is, when the Doctor is suddenly caught in a circle of lasers, and taken below the surface.

Part 9[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 9 on 8 June, 2007.

However, he has simply been taken into the prison, along with Martha. They are met by a robot, which confiscates the Doctor's screwdriver, and then scans them for convictions. Martha has none, but the Doctor has 3,005 (with another 6000 in consideration) and is sent to prison cell 8447. The bot then takes Martha to the Governor of the prison. The Doctor arrives in the cell, where he introduces himself to his android roommate. He then starts to help the android — who is suffering from a pain. Martha meets the Governor, and demands that the Doctor be released — but notices the safe which contains the data chip. The governor reveals the Doctor's charges — and says that this earns him 2 billion years in prison. In the cell, the Doctor realises that the android has been inhibited, and the android helps him escape. The Governor is informed of the breakout in the cell, and accidentally reveals that he is not the real governor. Suddenly, a mysterious force starts cutting through the door.

Part 10[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 10 on 15 June, 2007.

The door bursts open, and the Doctor is revealed to be with the real governor (Lok), who is attacked by the other security bots. The Doctor uses the Psychic paper to find out that the fake governor is actually Constantine Ethelred Gurney who has broken back into prison because of the governor. Meregrass sold him a program meaning the warders saw him as Lok and Lok as him. Lok orders that all prisoners be killed because they are beyond rehabilitation. Gurney shoots the android once, and escapes in the lift — chased by Martha. The Doctor manages to stop the cells from being sterilised, and then heads out to help Martha. Martha chases after Gurney, but he threatens to shoot her — when suddenly Baltazar flies in on Caw, proclaiming his revenge.

Part 11[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 11 on 22 June, 2007.

Gurney shoots Caw, forcing him to crash, though Baltazar goes after Gurney — Martha goes over to Caw as he is dying, and Caw explains that he was promised Gold for helping Baltazar. The Doctor arrives — but cannot help and Caw dies. Baltazar comes over and explains that he needed the Doctor's help to get the data chips — and says that he killed both Meregrass and Kaliko to help their quest and now has Gurney's chip (having presumably killed him too). He forces them in the TARDIS, and explains that he has tracked them using the brooch that Caw gave Martha. He knew that only the Doctor could read the chips as they are older than recorded history. He then forces the Doctor to use the chips to find where the Infinite is, and then makes him set the controls for, saying he will kill Martha if he doesn't help. Once the Doctor has set the controls, he shoots the Doctor because he doesn't need him any more.

Part 12[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who series 2, episode 12 on 29 June, 2007.

The Doctor wakes up on the snowy surface, which is deserted. In the TARDIS, Baltazar and Martha reach the Infinite — and he forced Martha to look for the hold of the ship. She walks along, and is met by the Doctor, who hugs her. At the same time, the Doctor arrives on Squawk — who has difficulty landing. Baltazar tries to turn Squawk, but the Doctor throws a rock at Baltazar to shut him up — he then demands to know where Martha is. Martha, still in the hold — asks the Doctor about the treasure — to which the Doctor replies "the heart's desire". She realises that this is not actually the Doctor, but her Heart's desire. The fake Doctor then glows white inside — ready to attack Martha.

Part 13[[edit] | [edit source]]

This instalment was broadcast as part of The Infinite Quest omnibus on 30 June, 2007.

The real Doctor arrives, and explains that Martha has to get rid of the illusion, which she manages by saying that she doesn't believe it. The ship then tries to find the Doctor's desire — but fails. The Doctor explains to Martha how he arrived after three years on Volag-Noc — he has grown Squawk by feeding him molten gold, re-programmed Lok to run a fairer prison and then he upgraded Squawk's fusion chamber to make him travel faster than light so that he can catch up the two and three quarter years. He says the ship once had one of the Great Old Ones, but by now it is dead and there is only an echo left, enough to show your heart's desire. As he talks, Baltazar arrives and sees lots of gold, with which he plans to make a fleet and destroy the Doctor, Earth and Volag-Noc. Martha and The Doctor try to convince him that this is just an echo of its power, but he doesn't listen. The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to destroy the ship, and they head to the TARDIS. The Doctor stops Baltazar from entering, and they take off. The Doctor explains that he has left Squawk to take Baltazar, who is returned to Volag-Noc and imprisoned. The Doctor then asks Martha for more destination settings as they go on their way.

Cast (voices)[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor makes mention of the greatest chefs on Earth and the Copacabana Beach.
  • The Doctor mentions the Racnoss, Great Vampires and the Nestene.
  • The Great Old Ones are also mentioned. The Infinite holds the last vestiges of the power of one of them that died.
  • The Doctor destroys Baltazar's ship with a spoon.
  • Martha wonders if the Doctor's request to call out random numbers is like a "space lottery".
  • Sand can interfere with the operation of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver if it clogs the inner components.
  • The Ceres system is mentioned.
  • The Doctor is charged with 250 counts of evading library fines, a nod to Anthony Head's character in Buffy, Giles.
  • When the Doctor is imprisoned on Volag-Noc, his brain was scanned for criminal activity, revealing that some of his memories dated back over 3000 years.
  • The Doctor mentions Napoleon.

Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Infinite Quest was broadcast as part of Totally Doctor Who. A behind-the-scenes feature on the making of the serial (included on the DVD) was produced for the children's programme; one of its hosts, Barney Harwood, voices a minor character in the serial.
  • The story was also run as a full episode, with the last part following on from the end of part twelve. Total running time is approximately the equivalent of one standard live-action episode; this is the format used for the DVD release.
  • Martha Jones explains this adventure in the Sunday, July 01, 2007 Entry in her Blog.
  • Companions and Allies and the episode index at the back of the 2011 edition of Doctor Who: The Encyclopedia both place this story between 42 and Human Nature.
  • The compilation adds a shot of the TARDIS flying in the vortex in episode 1 after the travellers escape Baltazar's ship.
  • The compilation also adds the Doctor Who introduction between episodes 1 and 2 — which is the same as a normal introduction, but with the TARDIS resembling the animated style of the story rather than looking like the live action version.
  • The first part aired only two days after Martha's first appearance in Smith and Jones.
  • The compilation episode was shown on the same day as Last of the Time Lords.
  • The notion of producing an animated Doctor Who adventure or full series is not a new one. The idea has been floated since at least the 1980s. After the series was placed on "indefinite hiatus" in 1989, one option considered was an animated series featuring the Seventh Doctor and Ace, with Canadian animation house Nelvana at one point reported to be interested. This project never materialised. In the late 1990s the idea of doing animated adventures for Internet broadcast ("webcast") surfaced. Over the next few years several such productions were made, including Death Comes to Time, Real Time, Shada and Scream of the Shalka.
  • The behind the scenes featurette on the DVD (produced for Totally Doctor Who) indicates that some scenes were recorded with all the actors present in the same recording studio, while other scenes were recorded with the actors isolated in recording cubicles.
  • This story was later released as part of The Animation Collection, then later included in The Complete David Tennant Collection in the US.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

to be added

Myths[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Infinite Quest (all chapters combined) constitutes a fourteenth episode of Series 3. Although some fans may consider it such, officially the BBC does not consider it an episode of Series 3, punctuated by the fact it was released separately to DVD and not with the rest of the Series 3 episodes. This is reaffirmed by its exclusion from subsequent blu-ray releases of series 3, instead being collected in The Specials steelbook.

Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • When Lok begins to cut around the door, he is shown to be starting at the top right moving in a clockwise motion from Gurney and Martha's perspective. Yet he is shown to be finishing at the top left, with the entire door somehow being cut around.
If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

Home video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest Region 2 DVD cover.

    Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest Region 2 DVD cover.

  • Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest Region 4 DVD cover.

    Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest Region 4 DVD cover.

  • Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest Region 1 DVD cover.

    Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest Region 1 DVD cover.

  • The Specials Steelbook

    The Specials Steelbook

  • The Complete David Tennant Years DVD Region 1 US cover

    The Complete David Tennant Years DVD
    Region 1 US cover

  • Released on a single DVD in the UK on 5 November 2007, with special features listed here. A North American DVD release occurred on 18 November 2008, marking the first time ever that an official, complete Doctor Who adventure had been released to home video in North America without it first having been broadcast there (discounting releases of incomplete serials from the 1960s and Shada).
  • It is available to download on iTunes.
  • It was released on Blu-ray as part of the US-exclusive box set The Complete David Tennant Collection on 17 September 2019. The release is upscaled from standard definition, as opposed to being re-rendered in HD.
  • In November 2023, the omnibus of Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest was added to BBC iPlayer's Whoniverse catalog of Doctor Who content.

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

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