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{{Infobox Story SMW
story name= State of Decay|
|novelisation          = Doctor Who and the State of Decay (novelisation)
image= [[file:The Great One rises.jpg|250px]]|
|adapted into          = State of Decay (audio story)
series=[[Doctor Who]] -<br/>[[List of Doctor Who television stories|TV Stories]] |
|image                 = Throne room.jpg
number= [[Season 18]]|
|season number          = Season 18 (Doctor Who 1963)|
story number= 112|
|season serial number   = 4
doctor=[[Fourth Doctor]] |
|story number           = 112
companions= <ul><li>[[Romana II]]</li><li>[[K9 Mark II]]</li><li>[[Adric]]</li><ul> |
|doctor                 = Fourth Doctor
enemy= <ul><li>[[King Vampire]]</li><li>[[Three Who Rule]]<br>([[Zargo]], [[Camilla]] and [[Aukon]])</li><ul> |
|companions             = [[K9 Mark II]], [[Romana II]], [[Adric]]
year= [[Unnamed planet (State of Decay)|Unnamed Planet]], [[E-Space]]; [[32nd century]] |
|featuring              = Kalmar
writer= [[Terrance Dicks]]|
|featuring2            = Ivo
director= [[Peter Moffatt]]|
|enemy                 = The [[King Vampire]], [[Aukon]]
producer= [[ John Nathan-Turner]]|
|setting                = [[Vampire planet]], c. [[32nd century]]
broadcast date= [[22nd November]] - [[13th December]] [[1980]]|
|writer                 = Terrance Dicks
format= 4 25-minute episodes|
|director               = [[Peter Moffatt]]
production code= [[List of production codes|5P]]|
|producer               = [[John Nathan-Turner]]
previous story= [[Full Circle]]|
|epcount                = 4
next story= [[Warriors' Gate]]  
|broadcast date         = 22 November - 13 December 1980
}}
|network                = BBC1
|format                 = 4x25-minute episodes
|serial production code = [[List of production codes|5P]]
|series                = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|prev                  = Full Circle (TV story)
|next                  = Warriors' Gate (TV story)
|made prev              = The Leisure Hive (TV story)
|made next             = Meglos (TV story)
|thwr = 234
}}{{You may|State of Decay (Fanboys)|n1=the serial as it exists within the DWU|State of Decay (book)|n2=the in-universe novelisation}}
'''''State of Decay''''' was the fourth serial in [[Season 18 (Doctor Who 1963)|season 18]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was the second story of the [[E-Space]] trilogy. It was based on a script written by [[Terrance Dicks]] three years earlier.


'''''State of Decay''''' was the fourth story in the [[Season 18|eighteenth season]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' and the second story of the [[E-Space]] trilogy. It saw the final publication of a script written by [[Terrance Dicks]] [[1977|three years prior]].
The original script for ''State of Decay'' was seen by [[Director (crew)|director]] [[Peter Moffatt]] and, as Nathan-Turner had predicted, he loved it. However, when he was handed the script in Bidmead's adapted form, he found it completely different. It no longer had the Gothic atmosphere that had drawn him to the original. Moffatt told Nathan-Turner that he no longer wanted to direct it and so, in order to have him complete the job, the original was reinstated. ([[DOC]]: ''[[The Vampire Lovers (documentary)|The Vampire Lovers]]'')


''State of Decay'' followed ''[[Full Circle]]'' as the second part of the [[E-Space]] trilogy. Originally drafted in [[1977]], ''The Vampire Mutation'' - as it was then titled - was put on hold after the [[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]] commissioned an adaptation of [[Bram Stoker]]'s [[wikipedia:Count Dracula (1977)|Count Dracula]]. The script was kept by [[John Nathan-Turner|Nathan-Turner]] alongside a number of other unproduced serials. However, ''Decay'' was the only one he liked and he later suggested that it be re-drafted for the trilogy; Dicks accepted. The serial's title changed numerous times before becoming ''State of Decay'', a title suggested by [[Christopher H. Bidmead]].
Unusually, there are three versions of this story which have been made available commercially: this one, [[State of Decay (audio story)|an audio adaptation]] and the [[Doctor Who and the State of Decay (novelisation)|Target print novelisation]].


The original script had been viewed by [[director]] [[Peter Moffatt]] and, as Nathan-Turner had predicted, he loved it. However, when he was handed the script in Bidmead's adapted form, he found it completely different as it no longer had the gothic atmosphere that had drawn him to the original. Moffat told Nathan-Turner that he no longer wanted to direct it and so, in order to have him complete the job, the original was reinstated. ([[DOC]]: ''[[The Vampire Lovers]]'')
In 2020, ''State of Decay'' became part of the ''[[Time Lord Victorious (series)|Time Lord Victorious]]'' multimedia event.


==Synopsis==
== Synopsis ==
Still trapped in [[E-Space]], the [[TARDIS]] materialises on a [[Unnamed planet (State of Decay)|mediaeval planet]]. The townsfolk live in fear of the [[Three Who Rule]], who govern from their [[Hydrax|mighty castle]]. Investigating, [[Fourth Doctor|the Doctor]] discovers that the Three Who Rule are ancient astronauts who were turned into [[Vampire|vampires]] long ago, and their castle is actually their spaceship. When [[Romana II|Romana]] and [[Adric]] are kidnapped, the Doctor must ally himself with a band of renegade peasants to stop the resurrection of one of Gallifrey's greatest enemies: the [[King Vampire]] itself.
Still trapped in [[E-Space]], [[the Doctor's TARDIS]] materialises on a [[Vampire planet|medieval-style planet]]. The townsfolk live in fear of the [[Three Who Rule]], who govern from their [[Hydrax|mighty castle]]. Investigating, the [[Fourth Doctor]] discovers that the Three Who Rule are ancient [[astronaut]]s who became [[vampire]]s long ago, and their castle is actually their spaceship.


==Plot==
When [[Romana II]] and [[Adric]] are [[kidnap]]ped, the Doctor must ally himself with a band of renegade peasants to stop the resurrection of one of [[Gallifrey]]'s greatest enemies: the [[King Vampire]] itself.
====Part one====
A [[Hydrax|castle]] sits on a rocky formation. Inside, Captain of the Guard [[Habris]] reports to the [[Three Who Rule]] that it is again the time of selection. They instruct him to choose well and he leaves. Next morning, in the surrounding village, leader of the villagers [[Ivo]] collects the residents together for the selection. Habris picks out various villagers including Ivo and [[Marta]]’s son [[Karl (State of Decay)|Karl]]. Ivo protests the decision but Habris refuses to change his mind. Habris tells Ivo he will do his best to help him become a guard.
Onboard the [[The Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]], [[Fourth Doctor|the Doctor]] and [[Romana II|Romana]] sight an isolated planet. [[K9 Mark II|K9]] scans the world revealing it to have one isolated settlement, which has high technology readings even though the people are primitive.


[[file:Romana uses Telescope.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[Romana II|Romana]] borrows [[Fourth Doctor|the Doctor]]'s [[telescope]].]]
== Plot ==
The TARDIS lands in a forest close to the settlement. The Doctor and Romana set off to explore, leaving K9 behind.
==== Part one ====
[[Adric]] has stowed away on the TARDIS and attempts to leave. K9 confronts him, but Adric tells him as a stowaway its best he leaves. He begins to follow the Doctor and Romana.
A [[Hydrax|castle]] sits on a rocky peak. Inside, [[Habris]], the Captain of the Guard, reports to the [[Three Who Rule]] that it is again the time of selection. They instruct him to choose well and he leaves.


The Doctor and Romana arrive at the settlement as Ivo and Habris are arguing. The Doctor asks to speak to a scientist and his request is met with alarm. Habris mistakes them for lords and attempts to serve them. After the travellers and Habris leave, Ivo opens a podium and takes out a rusting [[radio transmitter]]. He contacts [[Kalmar]] and tells him of the two strangers and their unusual request.  
Next morning, in the surrounding village, the leader, [[Ivo]], collects the residents for the selection. Habris picks out various villagers, including Ivo and [[Marta (State of Decay)|Marta]]'s son [[Karl (State of Decay)|Karl]]. Ivo protests, but Habris will not change his mind. He tells Ivo he will do his best to help Karl become a guard. Ivo and Marta know that if Karl goes on to serve the Lords directly, he will end up like all those who went before him — never to be seen or heard from again...


In the throne room, Habris is berated for not taking action against the Doctor and Romana. [[Aukon]] summons his [[Bat|bats]] to hunt down the two.  
On board [[The Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]], the [[Fourth Doctor]] and [[Romana II|Romana]] sight an isolated planet. [[K9 Mark II|K9]] scans the world, finding it has one isolated settlement, which has high technology readings even though the people are primitive.


Travelling through the forest Romana and the Doctor are quickly surrounded by a group of men. They surrender and are taken to a hidden cave, where they meet the rebels led by Kalmar. Kalmar is trying to get an old computer system working. The Doctor helps him to repair it and Romana identifies the equipment as a data bank of Earth origin, from the cargo vessel Hydrax. Images flash up of three officers, Captain Sharksy, Lauren MacMillan and Anthony O'Connor. Kalmar's deputy [[Tarak]] indicates the faces resemble those of the Three Who Rule. The Doctor and Romana are then allowed to leave, heading to visit the three.  
[[File:Romana uses Telescope.jpg|left|thumb|[[Romana II|Romana]] borrows the [[Fourth Doctor]]'s [[telescope]].]]
The TARDIS lands in a forest near the settlement. The Doctor and Romana set off to explore, leaving K9 behind.
[[Adric]] has stowed away on the TARDIS and tries to leave. K9 confronts him, but Adric tells him that as he is a stowaway, it's best that he leaves. He follows the Doctor and Romana. The Doctor and Romana encounter a villager but he runs away in fear.


In the village, Adric attempts to steal some food. Marta catches him and alerts Ivo. They pity him and offer him sanctuary. They tell him that the outside world is evil at night.
The Doctor and Romana arrive at the settlement as Ivo and Habris are arguing. The Doctor asks to speak to a scientist. His request is met with alarm. Habris mistakes them for Lords and tries to serve them. After the travellers and Habris leave, Ivo opens a podium and takes out a rusting [[radio transmitter]]. He calls [[Kalmar]] and tells him of the two strangers and their unusual request.
The Doctor and Romana are making their way through the forest as they are attacked by bats. They look up to sight a swarm descending upon them.


====Part two====
In the throne room, Habris is berated for not taking action against the Doctor and Romana. [[Aukon]] summons his [[bat]]s to hunt down the two.
The bats retreat as Habris arrives and escorts the pair for an audience at the tower.
They are taken to the throne room, the doctor remarks after the absence of windows. [[Zargo]] and [[Camilla]] welcome the travellers, Zargo order wine for them and they toast. Romana glass shatters cutting her finger, she licks the blood. Camilla wants to look at the cut but Romana pulls away. It becomes apparent the rulers are responsible for the absence of technology.


In the Village Adric is making preparations with the others for dinner when Habris enters. He tells them there is to another selection and that Aukon himself is coming to direct it. Aukon walks down the line of youths, stopping when he comes to Adric, declaring him a chosen one he takes the trance like Adric to the castle.
Travelling through the forest, Romana and the Doctor are surrounded by men. They surrender and are taken to a hidden cave, where they meet the rebels led by Kalmar, who is trying to get an old computer system working. The Doctor helps him to repair it and Romana identifies the equipment as a data bank of Earth origin, from the cargo vessel ''Hydrax''. Images flash up of three officers, Captain Sharky, Navigation Officer Lauren MacMillan and Science Officer Anthony O'Connor. Kalmar's deputy [[Tarak]] immediately recognises their pictures as the Three Who Rule. The Doctor and Romana are then allowed to leave, heading to visit the three at the castle.
[[file:Habris report.jpg|right|thumb|150px|[[Habris]] makes his report to the [[Three Who Rule]].]]
The Doctor mentions the Hydrax this disturbs Zargo and Camilla, Habris enters with news from Aukon that the [[Time of Arising]] is at hand. Left alone the Doctor takes it as a chance to look around. He pulls aside a drape to reveal a circular hatchway in a metal bulkhead. The castle is the Hydrax.  


Back at the caves some of the outlaws want to initiate a rescue attempt for the Doctor However Kalmar is reluctant without more technological knowledge on their side, and the majority back him up. [[Tarak]] decides he will go alone taking on the disguise of a guard.  
In the village, Adric attempts to steal some food but Marta catches him and alerts Ivo. They pity him and offer him sanctuary because the outside world is evil at night.


The Doctor and Romana arrive at the top of the tower where they see the three [[Scout ship]]s the Hydrax has. They here a thumping voice and then begin to descend. At the cargo bay they find a group of corpses drained of their blood, they are all adolescents. The Doctor finds the blood is being stored in a fuel tank. The thumping is the sound of a creature that feeds on the blood fed through tubes. The Doctor cites there are vampire legends of many planets dropping out of the Hydrax through an engine nacelle they arrive in a large cave, the floor of which is moving in time with the sound of a heartbeat. A voice from the shadows tells them this is the Resting Place. Spinning round the Doctor and Romana are confronted by Aukon. The vampire greets them. "I am Aukon. Welcome to my [[Unnamed planet (State of Decay)|domain]]!"
The Doctor and Romana are making their way through the forest when they are attacked by bats. They look up to see a swarm descending upon them.


====Part three====
==== Part two ====
Aukon attempts to persuade the Doctor to join them to help at the Time of Arising, he tells him the [[King Vampire|Great One]] will reveal how to leave this universe. He states if the Doctor is wise he will join them just like his companion. Romana and the Doctor are worried to learn that Adric is here.  
The bats retreat as Habris arrives and escorts the pair to an audience at the tower.


Aukon uses all his psychic powers to make the Doctor bend to his will but Romana picks up a piece of the cave wall in a stake like form and throws it at Aukon, who quickly turns around and destroys it.
They are taken to the throne room, where the Doctor remarks on the absence of windows. [[Zargo]] and [[Camilla (State of Decay)|Camilla]] welcome them. Zargo orders wine and they toast. Romana's glass shatters, cutting her finger. She licks the blood. Camilla wants to look at the cut but Romana pulls away. It becomes apparent the rulers are responsible for the lack of technology.
The Doctor tells him they are [[Time Lord]]s and his powers won't work on them. They try to escape but Zargo and Camilla prevents them from doing so. Camilla is eager to feed on the two Time Lords but Aukon listens to the great one and is instructed that they will be a sacrifice.  


[[file:In Jail.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Fourth Doctor|The Doctor]] and [[Romana II|Romana]] in jail.]]
In the village, Adric is making preparations for dinner with the others when Habris enters. He tells them there will be another selection and that Aukon himself is coming to direct it. Aukon walks down the line of youths, stopping when he comes to Adric — declaring him a chosen one. Using his powers, he takes the entranced Adric to the castle.
Tarak has gained entry to the Tower disguised as a guard and begins searching for the Doctor. The Doctor recounts to Romana how a [[Hermit|hermit]] from the south of gallifrey told him of a war between the Time Lords and the [[Great Vampire]]s, the King escaped, and Time Lords are obliged to destroy him if ever they find him. They tracked him across the universe but the trail went dead, he had disappeared.


Tarak attacks the guards of the cells and rescues the Doctor and Romana, but Romana refuses to leave until she has found Adric. The Doctor asks Tarak to stay with her while he goes back to the TARDIS.  
[[File:Light conversation.jpg|right|thumb|The Doctor and Romana meet with [[Zargo]] and [[Camilla (State of Decay)|Camilla]].]]
The Doctor mentions the ''Hydrax''. This disturbs Zargo and Camilla. Habris enters with news from Aukon: the [[Time of Arising]] is at hand. Left alone, the Doctor takes a look around. He pulls aside a drape to reveal a circular hatchway in a metal bulkhead. The castle is the ''Hydrax''.


In the rebels cave Kalmar has discovered a scanner for viewing the territory surrounding their base. It picks up a figure revealed to be Ivo. Ivo knows his son is dead, taken for his blood. He asks for support in an attack on the tower, Kalmar is undecided.  
Back at the caves, some of the outlaws want to make a rescue attempt for the Doctor. Kalmar is reluctant without more technological knowledge, and the majority back him up. [[Tarak]] decides he will go alone, taking on the disguise of a guard.


Tarak and Romana arrive at the inner sanctum. Zargo and Camilla are asleep and Adric is under [[hypnosis]]. Romana wakes him but the sun sets and Zargo and Camilla awake and kill Tarak. They then close in on the others.
The Doctor and Romana arrive at the top of the tower, where they see the ''Hydrax''{{'}}s three [[scout ship]]s. They hear a thumping voice and descend. At the cargo bay they find a group of corpses drained of blood, all adolescents. The Doctor finds the blood stored in a fuel tank. The thumping is the sound of a creature feeding on the blood through tubes. The Doctor notes there are vampire legends on many planets. Dropping out of the ''Hydrax'' through an engine nacelle, they arrive in a large cave, the floor of which is moving with the sound of a heartbeat. A voice from the shadows tells them this is the Resting Place. Spinning round the Doctor and Romana are confronted by Aukon. The vampire greets them. "I am Aukon. Welcome to my domain!"


====Part four====
==== Part three ====
Aukon tries to persuade the Doctor to join them, to help at the [[Time of Arising]]. He says the [[King Vampire|Great One]] will reveal how to leave this universe; if the Doctor is wise, he will join them just like his [[companion]]. The Time Lords are distraught to hear that Adric is there, as they thought they had left him on [[Alzarius]].


Aukon prevents the pair killing them, proclaiming them as sacrifices. He tells them of how after the arising they will travel the universe and draining it of its life.
Aukon uses all his [[psychic power]]s to make the Doctor bend to his will, but Romana picks up a piece of the cave wall and throws it at Aukon, who quickly turns around and destroys it. The Doctor tells him they are Time Lords and his powers won't work on them. Aukon reacts strongly, calling them the ancient enemies. They try to escape but Zargo and Camilla stop them. Camilla is eager to feed on them, but Aukon listens to the Great One, who says they will be a sacrifice, and so they get put in jail.


The Doctor lands the TARIDS in the rebels cave and tells them that he needs there help for an assault on the tower. They are ready to follow him but Kalmar is still reluctant. The Doctor uses the scanners to show him the [[King Vampire]] below  the tower, he finally agrees to the plan.
[[File:In Jail.jpg|thumb|left|The Doctor and Romana in gaol.]]
[[Tarak]] has gained entry to the tower disguised as a guard and searches for the Doctor. The Doctor recounts to Romana how [[the Hermit|a hermit]] from the south of Gallifrey told him of [[Eternal War|a war]] between the [[Time Lord]]s and the [[Great Vampire]]s; their King escaped, and Time Lords are obliged to destroy him if ever they find him. They tracked him across the universe but the trail went dead. He had disappeared.


[[file:What goes up....jpg|right|150px|thumb|[[Fourth Doctor|The Doctor]], [[Romana II|Romana]] and [[Adric]] look on.]]
Tarak attacks the guards and rescues the Doctor and Romana, but Romana refuses to leave until she has found Adric. The Doctor asks Tarak to stay with her while he goes back to the TARDIS.
In the throne room Adric tells Aukon his is willing to join him and is taken to be initiated. The Doctor puts K9 in control of leading the raid as he goes elsewhere. K9 quickly disables the guards with his laser.
Romana is hypnotised and led to an altar for sacrifice. Bats swoop and bite her.


Ivo confronts Habris and takes his revenge for the death of his son killing him. The Doctor makes his way to the tower top and launches a scout ship.
In the rebels' cave, Kalmar has discovered a scanner for viewing the territory around their base. It shows Ivo. He knows his son is dead, taken for his blood, and asks for help in an attack on the tower. Kalmar is undecided.


K9 hears the sound and tells his entourage to evacuate. The noise distracts the three who rule and Adric is able to help Romana escape. The Doctor arrives as a hand bursts through the ground. The scout ship plummets back down, its steel frontage impaling the king. The three advance on The Doctor but they crumble and die without the link to the great one.
Tarak and Romana arrive at the inner sanctum. Zargo and Camilla are asleep and Adric is [[hypnosis|hypnotised]]. Romana wakes him as the sun sets and Zargo and Camilla awake and kill Tarak. They close in on the others.


The Doctor installs Kalmar’s computer with technological data and leaves in the TARDIS stating he must return Adric home.
==== Part four ====
Aukon prevents the pair killing them, proclaiming them sacrifices. After the arising, they will travel the universe and drain it of its life.


==Cast==
The Doctor lands the TARDIS in the rebels' cave and tells them that he needs their help in an assault on the tower. They are mostly ready to follow him, but [[Kalmar]] is still reluctant. The Doctor uses the scanners to show them the King Vampire below the tower, and Kalmar finally agrees to the plan.
*[[Fourth Doctor]] - [[Tom Baker]]
*[[Romana II]] - [[Lalla Ward]]
*[[K9 Mark II|K9]] - [[John Leeson]]
*[[Adric]] - [[Matthew Waterhouse]]
*[[Aukon]] - [[Emrys James]]
*[[Camilla]] - [[Rachel Davies]]
*[[Zargo]] - [[William Lindsay]]
*[[Ivo]] - [[Clinton Greyn]]
*[[Marta]] - [[Rhoda Lewis]]
*[[Tarak]] - [[Thane Bettany]]
*[[Habris]] - [[Iain Rattray]]
*[[Kalmar]] - [[Arthur Hewlett]]
*[[Veros]] - [[Stacy Davies]]
*[[Karl (State of Decay)|Karl]] - [[Dean Allen]]
*[[Roga]] - [[Stuart Fell]]
*[[Zoldaz]] - [[Stuart Blake]]


==Crew==
[[File:What goes up....jpg|right|thumb|The Doctor, Romana and [[Adric]] watch the [[scout ship]]'s ascension.]]
*[[Assistant Floor Manager]] - [[Lynn Richards]]
In the throne room, [[Adric]] tells Aukon that he is willing to join him and is taken to be initiated. The Doctor puts K9 in control of leading the raid. K9 quickly disables the guards with his laser. Romana is [[hypnotised]] and led to an [[altar]] for [[sacrifice]]. Bats swoop and bite her.
*[[Costumes]] - [[Amy Roberts]]
*[[Designer]] - [[Christine Ruscoe]]
*[[Executive Producer]] - [[Barry Letts]]
*[[Fight Arranger]] - [[Stuart Fell]]
*[[Film Cameraman]] - [[Fintan Sheehan]]
*[[Film Editor]] - [[John Lee (editor)|John Lee]]
*[[Incidental Music]] - [[Paddy Kingsland]]
*[[Make-Up]] - [[Norma Hill]]
*[[Producer]] - [[John Nathan-Turner]]
*[[Production Assistant]] - [[Rosalind Wolfes]]
*[[Production Unit Manager]] - [[Angela Smith]]
*[[Script Editor]] - [[Christopher H. Bidmead]]
*[[Special Sounds]] - [[Dick Mills]]
*[[Studio Lighting]] - [[Bert Postlethwaite]]
*[[Studio Sound]] - [[John Howell]]
*[[Theme Arrangement]] - [[Peter Howell]]
*[[Doctor Who theme|Title Music]] - [[Ron Grainer]]
*[[Visual Effects]] - [[Tony Harding]]


==References==
Ivo confronts Habris and takes his [[revenge]] for the [[death]] of his son, killing him. The Doctor makes his way to the tower top and launches a scout ship.


===[[:Category:The Doctor|The Doctor]]===
K9 hears the sound and tells his force to evacuate. The noise distracts the Three Who Rule, and Adric helps Romana escape. The Doctor arrives as a giant [[hand]] bursts through the ground. The scout ship plummets, its steel frontage impaling the king. The three advance on the Doctor, but without the link to the [[Great One]] they die, crumbling to dust.
*The Doctor tells Romana ''"There was once an old [[hermit]] from the mountains of [[Southern Gallifrey]]..."'' who used to tell him [[ghost]] stories, one of which was about the [[King Vampire]].


===[[:Category:TARDIS|The Doctor's TARDIS]]===
The Doctor installs Kalmar's [[computer]] with technological data and leaves in the TARDIS. He must return Adric home.
*[[K9 Mark II|K9]] sets the TARDIS co-ordinates and can remotely open the doors from within.
*There are 18,348 emergency instructions in the TARDIS data bank.
*The [[Record of Rassilon]] is held on magnetic card in [[Type 40]] [[TARDIS]]es.
**It refers to the construction and use of [[bowship]]s.


===[[:Category:Gallifrey|Gallifrey]]===
== Cast ==
*Romana used to work in the [[Bureau of Ancient Records]] and once saw a reference to the Record of Rassilon.
* [[Fourth Doctor|Doctor Who]] - [[Tom Baker]]
* [[Romana II|Romana]] - [[Lalla Ward]]
* Voice of [[K9 Mark II|K9]] - [[John Leeson]]
* [[Adric]] - [[Matthew Waterhouse]]
* [[Aukon]] - [[Emrys James]]
* [[Camilla (State of Decay)|Camilla]] - [[Rachel Davies]]
* [[Zargo]] - [[William Lindsay]]
* [[Ivo]] - [[Clinton Greyn]]
* [[Marta (State of Decay)|Marta]] - [[Rhoda Lewis]]
* [[Tarak]] - [[Thane Bettany]]
* [[Habris]] - [[Iain Rattray]]
* [[Kalmar]] - [[Arthur Hewlett]]
* [[Veros]] - [[Stacy Davies]]
* [[Karl (State of Decay)|Karl]] - [[Dean Allen]]
* [[Roga]] - [[Stuart Fell]]
* [[Zoldaz]] - [[Stuart Blake]]


===[[:Category:Individuals|Individuals]]===
== Crew ==
*The Great Vampire used the science officer [[Aukon|Anthony O'Connor]] as a conduit to draw the ''Hydrax'' through to E-Space.
* [[Assistant Floor Manager]] - [[Lynn Richards]]
* [[Costumes]] - [[Amy Roberts]]
* [[Director's assistant|Director's Assistant]] - [[Jane Wellesley]]
* [[Designer (crew)|Designer]] - [[Christine Ruscoe]]
* [[Executive Producer]] - [[Barry Letts]]
* [[Fight Arranger]] - [[Stuart Fell]]
* [[Film Cameraman]] - [[Fintan Sheehan]]
* [[Film Editor]] - [[John Lee (editor)|John Lee]]
* [[Film sound|Film Sound]] - [[Bryan Showell]]
* [[Incidental Music]] - [[Paddy Kingsland]]
* [[Make-Up]] - [[Norma Hill]]
* [[Producer]] - [[John Nathan-Turner]]
* [[Production Assistant]] - [[Rosalind Wolfes]]
* [[Production Unit Manager]] - [[Angela Smith]]
* [[Script Editor]] - [[Christopher H. Bidmead]]
* [[Senior cameraman|Senior Cameraman]] - [[Alec Wheal]]
* [[Special Sounds]] - [[Dick Mills]]
* [[Studio Lighting]] - [[Bert Postlethwaite]]
* [[Studio Sound]] - [[John Howell]]
* [[Technical manager|Technical Manager]] - [[Errol Ryan]]
* [[Theme Arrangement]] - [[Peter Howell]]
* [[Doctor Who theme|Title Music]] - [[Ron Grainer]]
* [[Videotape editor|Video-Tape Editor]] - [[Rod Waldron]]
* [[Video effects|Video Effects]] - [[Dave Chapman]]
* [[Vision Mixer]] - [[Carol Johnson]]
* [[Visual Effects]] - [[Tony Harding]]


===[[:Category:Spacecraft|Spacecraft]]===
=== Uncredited crew ===
*The [[Earth]] ship ''[[Hydrax]]'' was en route to [[Beta Two]] in the [[Perugellis sector]] when it was drawn through the [[Charged Vacuum Emboitment|CVE]] into [[E-space]] by the [[Great Vampire]].
* [[Visual effects assistant|Visual Effects Assistants]] - [[Stuart Murdoch]], [[Chris Lawson]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
*Rassilon created [[bowship]]s which fired bolts of steel to kill the vampires.
* [[Make-up assistant|Make-Up Assistants]] - [[Lesley Smith]], [[Charlotte Norman]], [[Lesley Rouvrey]], [[Sula Loizoo]], [[Gail McAlec]], [[Kim Vines]], [[Cathy Burczac]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
* [[Design assistant|Design Assistant]] - [[Sheelagh Lawson]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
* [[Production secretary|Production Secretary]] - [[Jane Judge]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
* [[Grams operator|Grams Operator]] - [[Gordon Phillipson]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
* [[Vision Mixer]] - [[Paul del Bravo]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
* [[Props buyer|Props Buyer]] - [[Al Huxley]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
* [[Floor assistant|Floor Assistant]] - [[Allison Stewart]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')
* [[Show working supervisor|Show Working Supervisor]] - [[Chick Hetherington]] ([[INFO]]: ''State of Decay'')


===[[:Category:Vampires|Vampires]]===
== Worldbuilding ==
*K9's memory contains [[vampire]] legends from 17 inhabited [[planet]]s.
=== Animals ===
*A directive (of Rassilon) states that the vampires are ''"the enemy of [[Time Lord|our people]], and of all living things"''.
* [[Bat]]s are serving the [[Great Vampire]] and bite [[human]]s. The Doctor thought they would have been not dangerous.
*Vampire cardiovascular systems are very complex, they can only be killed by a direct blow to the [[heart]].
* When the ''Hydrax'' seems non-functional, the Doctor labels it as "dead as a [[dinosaur]]".
*During Rassilon's war against the vampires all but one was destroyed (the [[King Vampire]]).


==Story notes==
=== Cultural references to real world ===
* The story was originally entitled '''''The Witch Lords''''' and was written by Dicks to open [[Season 15]]. At that time (mid-1977) the BBC was preparing to mount a major production of ''[[Dracula (fictional character)|Dracula]]'' and so cancelled the story. Dicks' replacement script was ''[[Horror of Fang Rock]]''. The script was kept and then put into production. Dicks struggled to add Adric into it and so the character has little input to the main plot.
* The Doctor thinks that the interior design of the Tower resembles the [[Rococo]] style.
*When the story was re-proposed Terrance wanted to call it '''''The Vampire Mutation''''' but [[Christopher H. Bidmead]] prevented him from doing so. Bidmead proposed '''''The Wasting''''' at first but Terrance disapproved. They then settled on '''''State of Decay''''', proposed by Bidmead. ''The Vampire Mutation'' was later used as a chapter title for Dicks' ''[[The Eight Doctors]]''.
* The Doctor talks about [[Brothers Grimm]] (familiar to Romana), who not only wrote stories, but discovered the [[Law of Consonantal Shift|law of consonantal shift]], that explains how names change over time ("hard sounds turning soft, 'b's becoming 'v's..."). Thus explaining how "Sharkey" became "Zargo", "MacMillan became "Camilla", and "O'Connor became "Aukon".
*When director [[Peter Moffatt]] received the script after Bidmead’s alterations he demanded the original back claiming it had lost its gothic atmosphere. [[John Nathan-Turner]] then gave him the original which he made.
* The Doctor quotes ''[[Henry V]] ''to inspire the rebels: "Lack of weapons. No experience. Odds almost insurmountable. But! He who outlives this day and comes safe home shall stand a-tiptoe when this day is named and rouse him at the name of E-space!"
* This is the second story in the '[[E-Space]] Trilogy'.
*For the only time during his era as the Doctor, Tom Baker had to have his hair permed before filming commenced. It had lost its natural curl due to the actor being in ill health.
*State of Decay was the first serial [[Matthew Waterhouse]] filmed.


===Ratings===
=== Food and beverages ===
*Part 1 - 5.8 million viewers
* [[Wine]] is drunk on the planet.
*Part 2 - 5.3 million viewers
* [[Cheese]] is unknown to the people of the planet. (Though cheese can clearly be seen amongst the food offered to the Doctor and Romana at the castle.)
*Part 3 - 4.4 million viewers
*Part 4 - 5.4 million viewers


===Myths===
=== The Doctor ===
*This story's location scenes were shot at Black Park near Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire. ''(They were shot at Burnham Beeches near Amersham, also in Buckinghamshire - it was Full Circle's location scenes that were shot at Black Park.)''
* The Doctor tells Romana, "There was once an old [[hermit]] from the mountains of [[South Gallifrey]]..." who used to tell him [[ghost]] stories, one of which was about the [[King Vampire]].


===Filming locations===
=== TARDIS ===
*Burnham Beeches, Burnham, Buckinghamshire
* [[K9 Mark II]] sets the TARDIS [[Coordinate system|co-ordinates]] and can remotely open the doors from within.
*Lucas CAV, Acton, London
* The [[Record of Rassilon]] is held on magnetic card in [[Type 40]] [[TARDIS]]es. It refers to the construction and use of [[bowship]]s.
*KJP Trading, 250 Western Avenue, Acton, London
*[[BBC Television Centre]] (TC3 & TC6), Shepherd's Bush, [[London]]
*Mont Saint Michel


===Production errors===
=== Gallifrey ===
* Romana used to work in the [[Bureau of Ancient Records]] and once saw a reference to the Record of Rassilon.
 
=== Individuals ===
* The Great Vampire used the science officer [[Aukon|Anthony O'Connor]] as a conduit to draw the ''Hydrax'' through to E-Space.
 
=== Planets ===
* According to applied [[socioenergetics]], the planet is classified as a [[Level 2 planet|level 2]], because of its "medieval" state.
 
=== Spacecraft ===
* The [[Earth]] ship ''[[Hydrax]]'' was en route to [[Beta Two]] in the [[Perugellis sector]] when it was drawn through the [[Charged Vacuum Emboitement|CVE]] into [[E-Space]] by the [[Great Vampire]].
* Rassilon created [[bowship]]s which fired bolts of steel to kill the vampires.
 
=== Technology ===
* Among the equipment in the rebels' base, there are [[walkie-talkie]]s and an environment scanner employing [[infrared]] and [[X-ray]]s.
 
=== Vampires ===
* K9's memory contains [[vampire]] legends from 17 inhabited [[planet]]s.
* A directive (of Rassilon) states that the vampires are "the enemy of [[Time Lord|our people]], and of all living things".
* Vampire cardiovascular systems are very complex. They can only be killed by a direct blow to the [[heart]].
* During Rassilon's war against the vampires, all but one were destroyed (the [[King Vampire]]).
* The King Vampire [[hypnosis|hypnotised]] the [[Three Who Rule]] and gave them the power of mind control, in particular to Aukon.
 
=== Influences ===
* ''[[Dracula]]''.
* The name Camilla was an homage to {{w|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu}}'s [[1872]] story {{wi|Carmilla}}, and indeed the character was intially called Karmilla.
 
== Story notes ==
* No era is specified in the serial. The novel {{cs|Lucifer Rising (novel)}} establishes that the ''[[Hydrax]]'' disappeared in the [[2120s]]. The ship is said to have stood as a castle for a thousand years in the serial, placing the story in the [[32nd century]], assuming the timelines line up in [[E-Space]].
* The peasants in this story give a complex [[salute]] to their lords, covering their eyes, ears and mouths. This is a reference to the Three Wise [[Monkey]]s, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
* When director [[Peter Moffatt]] received Bidmead's altered script, he demanded the original back, claiming it had lost its Gothic atmosphere. Nathan-Turner gave him the original, which he made.
* For the only time during his tenure as the Doctor, [[Tom Baker]] had to have his hair permed before filming commenced. It had lost its natural curl due to the actor being in ill-health.
* This was the first serial which [[Matthew Waterhouse]] filmed.
* Both [[Terrance Dicks]] and director [[Peter Moffatt]] were at odds with [[Christopher H. Bidmead]]. They were keen to emphasise the {{w|Hammer Film Productions|Hammer Horror}} aspects, while he thought it was against the hard science fiction approach he had in mind.
* [[Peter Moffatt]] found that [[Tom Baker]] was argumentative and wanted to direct the production himself. Eventually he took Baker for a drink and told him that while he was open to suggestions from the actors, he was the director and Baker was the actor and he should bear that in mind. After that frank discussion, he found Baker was far more cooperative.
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Arne Peter Arne], [[Colin Baker]], [[Steven Berkoff]], [[John Carson]], [[David Collings]], [[Peter Gilmore]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Gothard Michael Gothard], [[John Hallam]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Houston Donald Houston], [[Martin Jarvis]], [[Michael Jayston]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Lacey Ronald Lacey], [[William Lucas]], [[Ian McKellen]], [[John Normington]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Stewart Patrick Stewart], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Valentine Anthony Valentine], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Vaughan Peter Vaughan], [[David Warner]] and [[Peter Wyngarde]] were considered for Aukon.
* The Time Lord hermit who told the Doctor about the Great Vampire was described as an old woman in many drafts.
* Subplots involving townsfolk nocturnally wandering the forest like zombies and rebellious citizens being found with bat-like bite marks on their necks were removed from the script.
* [[Lalla Ward]] and [[Matthew Waterhouse]] named this as their favourite story.
* [[Terrance Dicks]] struggled to find a ''raison d'être'' for Adric, and ultimately decided to play upon the character's duplicitous tendencies by making the viewers think that he had actually sided with the villains. [[John Nathan-Turner]] and [[Christopher H. Bidmead]] subsequently decided to deemphasise the more overtly negative and mendacious aspects of Adric's personality, however, and so this element of the scripts was watered down.
* Aukon and Habris were originally known as Mikos and Harkan, respectively.
* [[Tom Baker]] and [[Lalla Ward]] were not on speaking terms, after Ward rebuffed his attempts to rekindle their romance some weeks earlier. They were both united in their dislike of [[Matthew Waterhouse]]. He found them intimidating, while they found him impertinent and disrespectful at times, refusing to follow the instructions of cast and crew with vastly more experience than himself. Following filming, they rekindled their romance and announced their engagement.
* According to [[John Nathan-Turner]], [[Tom Baker]]'s illness was at its worst during the shoot and he refused to see a doctor. He claimed that it's clear which scenes were shot in the first recording session and which in the second by Baker's appearance. His hair lost its curl and he suffered dramatic weight loss. Curlers were applied to Baker's hair, but it straightened after ten minutes. Eventually, Baker sought medical advice and was found to have a metabolic disorder that, once diagnosed, seemed to put him back on the road to recovery.
* According to [[Lalla Ward]], [[Matthew Waterhouse]] was rude to costume designer [[Amy Roberts]] because she wouldn't let him got to the canteen in his costume, prompting her to intervene.
* [[Matthew Waterhouse]] went to introduce himself to [[Tom Baker]] in the pub and waited for him to come over. Two hours had passed and Waterhouse finally went over to him and was told to p*** off. According to [[Peter Moffatt]], Waterhouse had no knowledge of camera technique at all and made the fatal mistake of advising Baker on how to say a line. Baker "nearly hit him" and Moffatt had to tell Waterhouse off.
* [[Peter Moffatt]] recalled asking [[Tom Baker]] if he could help [[Lalla Ward]] down in the engine room pipe scene and he retorted, "Why, is she a bloody cripple?"
* One scene showed the Doctor's [[blood]] to be [[blue]]. However, in other stories, it is shown to be [[red]].
* The image of the Great Vampire was originally intended to be created with an actor in a bat-like costume but, when this proved ineffective, a rod puppet was used instead.
* Designer [[Christine Ruscoe]]'s attempts to portray the sets as being made of ancient metals were found to appear more like wood on camera, undermining [[Christopher H. Bidmead]]'s attempts to play up the science-fiction elements of the narrative.
* [[John Nathan-Turner]] picked [[Peter Moffatt]] to direct, having worked with him on ''[[All Creatures Great and Small]]''.
* The ''Hydrax'' was originally named the ''Hyperion''. This was changed when [[Ian Levine]] pointed out that a ship called the ''Hyperion'' had already appeared in ''[[The Mutants (TV story)|The Mutants]].''
 
=== Ratings ===
* Part one - 5.8 million viewers
* Part two - 5.3 million viewers
* Part three - 4.4 million viewers
* Part four - 5.4 million viewers
 
=== Myths ===
* This story's location scenes were shot at [[Black Park]] near Iver Heath in [[Buckinghamshire]]. ''(They were shot at Burnham Beeches near Amersham, also in Buckinghamshire - it was Full Circle's location scenes that were shot at Black Park.)''
 
=== Filming locations ===
* Burnham Beeches, Burnham, Buckinghamshire
* Lucas CAV, Acton, London
* KJP Trading, 250 Western Avenue, Acton, London
* [[BBC Television Centre]] (TC3 & TC6), Shepherd's Bush, [[London]]
 
=== Production errors ===
{{discontinuity}}
{{discontinuity}}
*In part three, Tarak bursts into the Doctor's cell, catching him across the nose with the door. Tom Baker appears slightly stunned, and misses his next cue because he was really struck by the door.
* When the TARDIS is travelling through E-Space in part one, the background stars appear in front of the TARDIS. This same error also occurs in part one of ''[[Full Circle (TV story)|Full Circle]]''.
*The Doctor says the Tower decor is rococo when actually it's late Saxon/early Romanesque. ''In-Universe mistake''
* In part three, Tarak bursts into the Doctor's cell, catching him across the nose with the door. Tom Baker appears slightly stunned, and misses his next cue because he was really struck by the door.
 
==Continuity==
*[[EDA]]: ''[[The Eight Doctors]]'' features a scene set just after the end of this story.
*[[NA]]: ''[[Blood Harvest]]'' is set on the same planet as this story several years following events of this story, [[MA]]: ''[[Goth Opera]]'' continues themes and events seen in both ''[[Blood Harvest]]'' and this story.
*[[EDA]]: ''[[Vampire Science]]'' also includes some mention and thematic link to this story.


==[[Fourth Doctor - Timeline|Timeline]]==
== Continuity ==
*This story takes place after [[DW]]: ''[[Full Circle]]''
* An event occurs soon after this story. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Eight Doctors (novel)|The Eight Doctors]]'')
*This story takes place before [[EDA]]: ''[[The Eight Doctors]]''
* Considered a sequel, [[PROSE]]: ''[[Blood Harvest (novel)|Blood Harvest]]'' is set on the same planet as this story several years following events of this story. [[PROSE]]: ''[[Goth Opera (novel)|Goth Opera]]'' continues themes and events seen in both ''[[Blood Harvest (novel)|Blood Harvest]]'' and this story, alongisde [[PROSE]]: ''[[Vampire Science (novel)|Vampire Science]]''.
* The [[K'anpo Rimpoche|hermit]] mentioned by the Doctor was previously referenced in [[TV]]: ''[[The Time Monster (TV story)|The Time Monster]]'' and seen in [[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Spiders (TV story)|Planet of the Spiders]]''.
* The Doctor and Romana previously met another vampire, [[Zoltán Frid]], in [[Budapest]], [[Hungary]] in [[1980]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Labyrinth of Buda Castle (audio story)|The Labyrinth of Buda Castle]]'')
* Adric later read the novel ''[[Dracula (book)|Dracula]]'' so he would be prepared in case he encountered any more vampires. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Zaltys (audio story)|Zaltys]]'')


==DVD, VHS and audio releases==
== DVD, VHS and audio releases ==
===DVD releases===
=== DVD releases ===
*State of Decay has been released as a box set alongside ''Full Circle'' and ''Warriors' Gate''. The box set in titled [[The E-Space Trilogy]].
* ''State of Decay'' was released as a box set alongside ''[[Full Circle (TV story)|Full Circle]]'' and ''[[Warriors' Gate (TV story)|Warriors' Gate]]''. The box set is titled ''[[The E-Space Trilogy]]''.
Notes:
Notes:
* Editing for DVD release completed by [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]].
* Editing for the DVD release was completed by the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]].


====Bounus features====
==== Bonus features ====
*[[The Vampire Lovers]] - The making of State of Decay.
* Commentary by [[Matthew Waterhouse]] ([[Adric]]), [[Peter Moffatt]] (Director) and [[Terrance Dicks]] (Writer)
*Film Trimms - Clips of model effects filming.
* ''[[The Vampire Lovers (documentary)|The Vampire Lovers]]'' - Cast and crew look back at the making of this story, featuring [[Lalla Ward]] ([[Romana II|Romana]]), [[John Leeson]] ([[K9 Mark II|K9]]), [[Clinton Greyn]] ([[Ivo]]), [[Christopher H. Bidmead]] (Script Editor) and [[Christine Ruscoe]] (Designer)
*Leaves of Blood - A history of vampires in fiction.
* ''[[Film Trimms|Film Trims]]'' - Mute 35mm film clips from the model effects filming
*The Blood Show - Uses of blood in society and culture.
* ''[[Leaves of Blood: Literary Vampires (documentary)|Leaves of Blood]]'' - A history of vampires in literary fiction, with authors including [[Ramsey Campbell]], [[Stephen Gallagher]], [[Kim Newman]] and [[Simon Clark (writer)|Simon Clark]]
*The Frayling Reading - Sir Christopher Frayling examines the story and references vampires in fiction.
* ''[[The Blood Show (documentary)|The Blood Show]]'' - The use and meaning of blood in society and culture
*Coming Soon - [[The Rescue]]/[[The Romans]]
* ''[[The Frayling Reading (documentary)|The Frayling Reading]]'' - Cultural historian Sir [[Christopher Frayling]] examines the story with reference to the vampire stories of film and literature
* Isolated Music Score - [[Paddy Kingsland]]'s score is available on a separate music track
* Continuity
* ''[[Radio Times]]'' Billings
* Photo Gallery
* Coming Soon Trailer - ''[[The Rescue (TV story)|The Rescue]]'' & ''[[The Romans (TV story)|The Romans]]''
* Production Information Subtitles


<gallery widths="186" captionalign="left">
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
file:The E-Space Trilogy DVD UK cover.jpg|DVD UK box set cover
File:The E-Space Trilogy DVD UK cover.jpg|DVD UK box set cover
file:The E-Space Trilogy DVD Australian cover.jpg|DVD Australian box set cover
File:The E-Space Trilogy DVD Australian cover.jpg|DVD Australian box set cover
file:The E-Space Trilogy DVD US cover.jpg|DVD US box set cover
File:The e-space trilogy.jpg|DVD US box set cover
Bbcdvd-espace-stateofdecay.jpg|State of Decay region 2 cover
File:State of decay region4.jpg|State of Decay Region 4 cover
State of Decay.jpg|State of Decay Region 4 cover
State of decay us dvd.jpg|State of Decay Region 1 cover
State of decay us dvd.jpg|State of Decay Region 1 cover
Bbcdvd-espace-stateofdecay.jpg|Region 2 UK cover
</gallery>
=== Blu-ray releases ===
* ''State of Decay'' was one of seven stories to be included as part of the ''Time Lord Victorious: Road to the Dark Times'' Blu-ray.
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
File:Road To The Dark Times UK.jpg|thumb|Time Lord Victorious: Road To The Dark Times box-set
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Video releases===
=== Video releases ===
* State of Decay was released by BBC Worldwide on video as part of a boxed set featuring; ''[[Full Circle]]'', ''State of Decay'' and ''[[Warriors' Gate]]''.
* ''State of Decay'' was released by BBC Worldwide on video as part of a boxed set featuring ''[[Full Circle (TV story)|Full Circle]]'', ''State of Decay'' and ''[[Warriors' Gate (TV story)|Warriors' Gate]]''.


<gallery widths="186" captionalign="left">
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true" widths="186">
file:The E-Space Trilogy VHS UK cover.jpg|VHS UK box set cover
File:The E-Space Trilogy VHS UK cover.jpg|VHS UK box set cover
file:The E-Space Trilogy VHS Australian cover.jpg|VHS Australian box set cover
File:The E-Space Trilogy VHS Australian cover.jpg|VHS Australian box set cover
file:E-Space Trilogy VHS US cover.jpg|VHS US box set cover
File:E-Space Trilogy VHS US cover.jpg|VHS US box set cover
State of decay uk vhs.jpg|VHS UK cover
State of decay vhs uk.jpg|UK cover
State of Decayvhs.jpg|VHS AUS cover
State of Decayvhs.jpg|VHS AUS cover
State of decay us vhs.jpg|US VHS cover
State of decay us vhs.jpg|US VHS cover
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Novelisation and its audiobook==
== External links ==
[[file:State of Decay novel.jpg|right|75px]]
* {{bbcepguideclassic|stateofdecay/|State of Decay}}
: ''Main article: [[Doctor Who and the State of Decay]]''
* {{radiotimes|2011-03-29/state-of-decay}}
 
{{dwcast}}
* Novelised by [[Terrance Dicks]] in [[1982]] as ''[[Doctor Who and the State of Decay]]''.
{{dwrefguide|who_5p.htm|State of Decay}}
 
* {{briefhistory|serials/5p.html|State of Decay}}
==See also==
* {{locguide|stateofdecay|State of Decay}}
'''Vampire stories'''
{{DWTV}}
*[[NA]]: ''[[Blood Harvest]]''
{{TLV}}
*[[MA]]: ''[[Goth Opera]]''
{{Template:Great Vampire stories}}
*[[EDA]]: ''[[Vampire Science]]''
{{TitleSort}}
*[[BFA]]: ''[[Project Twilight]]''
[[de:State of Decay]]
*[[BFA]]: ''[[Project Lazarus|Project: Lazarus]]''
[[es:State of Decay]]
[[ru:Состояние упадка]]


==External links==
[[Category:Doctor Who (1963) television stories]]
*{{bbcepguideclassic|stateofdecay/|State of Decay}}
*{{dwrefguide|who_5p.htm|State of Decay}}
*{{briefhistory|serials/5p.html|State of Decay}}
*{{locguide|stateofdecay|State of Decay}}
{{season 18}}
[[Category:Fourth Doctor television stories]]
[[Category:Romana television stories]]
[[Category:Vampire episodes]]
[[Category:E-Space trilogy]]
[[Category:1980 television stories]]
[[Category:1980 television stories]]
[[Category:K9 television stories]]
[[Category:K9 television stories]]
Line 261: Line 333:
[[Category:Stories set in the 32nd century]]
[[Category:Stories set in the 32nd century]]
[[Category:Stories set in E-Space]]
[[Category:Stories set in E-Space]]
[[Category:Previous Featured Articles]]
[[Category:Romana II television stories]]
[[Category:Entropy arc]]
[[Category:Great Vampire stories]]

Latest revision as of 20:08, 3 November 2024

RealWorld.png

You may be looking for the serial as it exists within the DWU or the in-universe novelisation.

State of Decay was the fourth serial in season 18 of Doctor Who. It was the second story of the E-Space trilogy. It was based on a script written by Terrance Dicks three years earlier.

The original script for State of Decay was seen by director Peter Moffatt and, as Nathan-Turner had predicted, he loved it. However, when he was handed the script in Bidmead's adapted form, he found it completely different. It no longer had the Gothic atmosphere that had drawn him to the original. Moffatt told Nathan-Turner that he no longer wanted to direct it and so, in order to have him complete the job, the original was reinstated. (DOC: The Vampire Lovers)

Unusually, there are three versions of this story which have been made available commercially: this one, an audio adaptation and the Target print novelisation.

In 2020, State of Decay became part of the Time Lord Victorious multimedia event.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

Still trapped in E-Space, the Doctor's TARDIS materialises on a medieval-style planet. The townsfolk live in fear of the Three Who Rule, who govern from their mighty castle. Investigating, the Fourth Doctor discovers that the Three Who Rule are ancient astronauts who became vampires long ago, and their castle is actually their spaceship.

When Romana II and Adric are kidnapped, the Doctor must ally himself with a band of renegade peasants to stop the resurrection of one of Gallifrey's greatest enemies: the King Vampire itself.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Part one[[edit] | [edit source]]

A castle sits on a rocky peak. Inside, Habris, the Captain of the Guard, reports to the Three Who Rule that it is again the time of selection. They instruct him to choose well and he leaves.

Next morning, in the surrounding village, the leader, Ivo, collects the residents for the selection. Habris picks out various villagers, including Ivo and Marta's son Karl. Ivo protests, but Habris will not change his mind. He tells Ivo he will do his best to help Karl become a guard. Ivo and Marta know that if Karl goes on to serve the Lords directly, he will end up like all those who went before him — never to be seen or heard from again...

On board the TARDIS, the Fourth Doctor and Romana sight an isolated planet. K9 scans the world, finding it has one isolated settlement, which has high technology readings even though the people are primitive.

Romana borrows the Fourth Doctor's telescope.

The TARDIS lands in a forest near the settlement. The Doctor and Romana set off to explore, leaving K9 behind. Adric has stowed away on the TARDIS and tries to leave. K9 confronts him, but Adric tells him that as he is a stowaway, it's best that he leaves. He follows the Doctor and Romana. The Doctor and Romana encounter a villager but he runs away in fear.

The Doctor and Romana arrive at the settlement as Ivo and Habris are arguing. The Doctor asks to speak to a scientist. His request is met with alarm. Habris mistakes them for Lords and tries to serve them. After the travellers and Habris leave, Ivo opens a podium and takes out a rusting radio transmitter. He calls Kalmar and tells him of the two strangers and their unusual request.

In the throne room, Habris is berated for not taking action against the Doctor and Romana. Aukon summons his bats to hunt down the two.

Travelling through the forest, Romana and the Doctor are surrounded by men. They surrender and are taken to a hidden cave, where they meet the rebels led by Kalmar, who is trying to get an old computer system working. The Doctor helps him to repair it and Romana identifies the equipment as a data bank of Earth origin, from the cargo vessel Hydrax. Images flash up of three officers, Captain Sharky, Navigation Officer Lauren MacMillan and Science Officer Anthony O'Connor. Kalmar's deputy Tarak immediately recognises their pictures as the Three Who Rule. The Doctor and Romana are then allowed to leave, heading to visit the three at the castle.

In the village, Adric attempts to steal some food but Marta catches him and alerts Ivo. They pity him and offer him sanctuary because the outside world is evil at night.

The Doctor and Romana are making their way through the forest when they are attacked by bats. They look up to see a swarm descending upon them.

Part two[[edit] | [edit source]]

The bats retreat as Habris arrives and escorts the pair to an audience at the tower.

They are taken to the throne room, where the Doctor remarks on the absence of windows. Zargo and Camilla welcome them. Zargo orders wine and they toast. Romana's glass shatters, cutting her finger. She licks the blood. Camilla wants to look at the cut but Romana pulls away. It becomes apparent the rulers are responsible for the lack of technology.

In the village, Adric is making preparations for dinner with the others when Habris enters. He tells them there will be another selection and that Aukon himself is coming to direct it. Aukon walks down the line of youths, stopping when he comes to Adric — declaring him a chosen one. Using his powers, he takes the entranced Adric to the castle.

The Doctor and Romana meet with Zargo and Camilla.

The Doctor mentions the Hydrax. This disturbs Zargo and Camilla. Habris enters with news from Aukon: the Time of Arising is at hand. Left alone, the Doctor takes a look around. He pulls aside a drape to reveal a circular hatchway in a metal bulkhead. The castle is the Hydrax.

Back at the caves, some of the outlaws want to make a rescue attempt for the Doctor. Kalmar is reluctant without more technological knowledge, and the majority back him up. Tarak decides he will go alone, taking on the disguise of a guard.

The Doctor and Romana arrive at the top of the tower, where they see the Hydrax's three scout ships. They hear a thumping voice and descend. At the cargo bay they find a group of corpses drained of blood, all adolescents. The Doctor finds the blood stored in a fuel tank. The thumping is the sound of a creature feeding on the blood through tubes. The Doctor notes there are vampire legends on many planets. Dropping out of the Hydrax through an engine nacelle, they arrive in a large cave, the floor of which is moving with the sound of a heartbeat. A voice from the shadows tells them this is the Resting Place. Spinning round the Doctor and Romana are confronted by Aukon. The vampire greets them. "I am Aukon. Welcome to my domain!"

Part three[[edit] | [edit source]]

Aukon tries to persuade the Doctor to join them, to help at the Time of Arising. He says the Great One will reveal how to leave this universe; if the Doctor is wise, he will join them just like his companion. The Time Lords are distraught to hear that Adric is there, as they thought they had left him on Alzarius.

Aukon uses all his psychic powers to make the Doctor bend to his will, but Romana picks up a piece of the cave wall and throws it at Aukon, who quickly turns around and destroys it. The Doctor tells him they are Time Lords and his powers won't work on them. Aukon reacts strongly, calling them the ancient enemies. They try to escape but Zargo and Camilla stop them. Camilla is eager to feed on them, but Aukon listens to the Great One, who says they will be a sacrifice, and so they get put in jail.

The Doctor and Romana in gaol.

Tarak has gained entry to the tower disguised as a guard and searches for the Doctor. The Doctor recounts to Romana how a hermit from the south of Gallifrey told him of a war between the Time Lords and the Great Vampires; their King escaped, and Time Lords are obliged to destroy him if ever they find him. They tracked him across the universe but the trail went dead. He had disappeared.

Tarak attacks the guards and rescues the Doctor and Romana, but Romana refuses to leave until she has found Adric. The Doctor asks Tarak to stay with her while he goes back to the TARDIS.

In the rebels' cave, Kalmar has discovered a scanner for viewing the territory around their base. It shows Ivo. He knows his son is dead, taken for his blood, and asks for help in an attack on the tower. Kalmar is undecided.

Tarak and Romana arrive at the inner sanctum. Zargo and Camilla are asleep and Adric is hypnotised. Romana wakes him as the sun sets and Zargo and Camilla awake and kill Tarak. They close in on the others.

Part four[[edit] | [edit source]]

Aukon prevents the pair killing them, proclaiming them sacrifices. After the arising, they will travel the universe and drain it of its life.

The Doctor lands the TARDIS in the rebels' cave and tells them that he needs their help in an assault on the tower. They are mostly ready to follow him, but Kalmar is still reluctant. The Doctor uses the scanners to show them the King Vampire below the tower, and Kalmar finally agrees to the plan.

The Doctor, Romana and Adric watch the scout ship's ascension.

In the throne room, Adric tells Aukon that he is willing to join him and is taken to be initiated. The Doctor puts K9 in control of leading the raid. K9 quickly disables the guards with his laser. Romana is hypnotised and led to an altar for sacrifice. Bats swoop and bite her.

Ivo confronts Habris and takes his revenge for the death of his son, killing him. The Doctor makes his way to the tower top and launches a scout ship.

K9 hears the sound and tells his force to evacuate. The noise distracts the Three Who Rule, and Adric helps Romana escape. The Doctor arrives as a giant hand bursts through the ground. The scout ship plummets, its steel frontage impaling the king. The three advance on the Doctor, but without the link to the Great One they die, crumbling to dust.

The Doctor installs Kalmar's computer with technological data and leaves in the TARDIS. He must return Adric home.

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

Uncredited crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Animals[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Bats are serving the Great Vampire and bite humans. The Doctor thought they would have been not dangerous.
  • When the Hydrax seems non-functional, the Doctor labels it as "dead as a dinosaur".

Cultural references to real world[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor thinks that the interior design of the Tower resembles the Rococo style.
  • The Doctor talks about Brothers Grimm (familiar to Romana), who not only wrote stories, but discovered the law of consonantal shift, that explains how names change over time ("hard sounds turning soft, 'b's becoming 'v's..."). Thus explaining how "Sharkey" became "Zargo", "MacMillan became "Camilla", and "O'Connor became "Aukon".
  • The Doctor quotes Henry V to inspire the rebels: "Lack of weapons. No experience. Odds almost insurmountable. But! He who outlives this day and comes safe home shall stand a-tiptoe when this day is named and rouse him at the name of E-space!"

Food and beverages[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Wine is drunk on the planet.
  • Cheese is unknown to the people of the planet. (Though cheese can clearly be seen amongst the food offered to the Doctor and Romana at the castle.)

The Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

TARDIS[[edit] | [edit source]]

Gallifrey[[edit] | [edit source]]

Individuals[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Great Vampire used the science officer Anthony O'Connor as a conduit to draw the Hydrax through to E-Space.

Planets[[edit] | [edit source]]

Spacecraft[[edit] | [edit source]]

Technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

Vampires[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • K9's memory contains vampire legends from 17 inhabited planets.
  • A directive (of Rassilon) states that the vampires are "the enemy of our people, and of all living things".
  • Vampire cardiovascular systems are very complex. They can only be killed by a direct blow to the heart.
  • During Rassilon's war against the vampires, all but one were destroyed (the King Vampire).
  • The King Vampire hypnotised the Three Who Rule and gave them the power of mind control, in particular to Aukon.

Influences[[edit] | [edit source]]

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

  • No era is specified in the serial. The novel Lucifer Rising [+]Loading...["Lucifer Rising (novel)"] establishes that the Hydrax disappeared in the 2120s. The ship is said to have stood as a castle for a thousand years in the serial, placing the story in the 32nd century, assuming the timelines line up in E-Space.
  • The peasants in this story give a complex salute to their lords, covering their eyes, ears and mouths. This is a reference to the Three Wise Monkeys, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
  • When director Peter Moffatt received Bidmead's altered script, he demanded the original back, claiming it had lost its Gothic atmosphere. Nathan-Turner gave him the original, which he made.
  • For the only time during his tenure as the Doctor, Tom Baker had to have his hair permed before filming commenced. It had lost its natural curl due to the actor being in ill-health.
  • This was the first serial which Matthew Waterhouse filmed.
  • Both Terrance Dicks and director Peter Moffatt were at odds with Christopher H. Bidmead. They were keen to emphasise the Hammer Horror aspects, while he thought it was against the hard science fiction approach he had in mind.
  • Peter Moffatt found that Tom Baker was argumentative and wanted to direct the production himself. Eventually he took Baker for a drink and told him that while he was open to suggestions from the actors, he was the director and Baker was the actor and he should bear that in mind. After that frank discussion, he found Baker was far more cooperative.
  • Peter Arne, Colin Baker, Steven Berkoff, John Carson, David Collings, Peter Gilmore, Michael Gothard, John Hallam, Donald Houston, Martin Jarvis, Michael Jayston, Ronald Lacey, William Lucas, Ian McKellen, John Normington, Patrick Stewart, Anthony Valentine, Peter Vaughan, David Warner and Peter Wyngarde were considered for Aukon.
  • The Time Lord hermit who told the Doctor about the Great Vampire was described as an old woman in many drafts.
  • Subplots involving townsfolk nocturnally wandering the forest like zombies and rebellious citizens being found with bat-like bite marks on their necks were removed from the script.
  • Lalla Ward and Matthew Waterhouse named this as their favourite story.
  • Terrance Dicks struggled to find a raison d'être for Adric, and ultimately decided to play upon the character's duplicitous tendencies by making the viewers think that he had actually sided with the villains. John Nathan-Turner and Christopher H. Bidmead subsequently decided to deemphasise the more overtly negative and mendacious aspects of Adric's personality, however, and so this element of the scripts was watered down.
  • Aukon and Habris were originally known as Mikos and Harkan, respectively.
  • Tom Baker and Lalla Ward were not on speaking terms, after Ward rebuffed his attempts to rekindle their romance some weeks earlier. They were both united in their dislike of Matthew Waterhouse. He found them intimidating, while they found him impertinent and disrespectful at times, refusing to follow the instructions of cast and crew with vastly more experience than himself. Following filming, they rekindled their romance and announced their engagement.
  • According to John Nathan-Turner, Tom Baker's illness was at its worst during the shoot and he refused to see a doctor. He claimed that it's clear which scenes were shot in the first recording session and which in the second by Baker's appearance. His hair lost its curl and he suffered dramatic weight loss. Curlers were applied to Baker's hair, but it straightened after ten minutes. Eventually, Baker sought medical advice and was found to have a metabolic disorder that, once diagnosed, seemed to put him back on the road to recovery.
  • According to Lalla Ward, Matthew Waterhouse was rude to costume designer Amy Roberts because she wouldn't let him got to the canteen in his costume, prompting her to intervene.
  • Matthew Waterhouse went to introduce himself to Tom Baker in the pub and waited for him to come over. Two hours had passed and Waterhouse finally went over to him and was told to p*** off. According to Peter Moffatt, Waterhouse had no knowledge of camera technique at all and made the fatal mistake of advising Baker on how to say a line. Baker "nearly hit him" and Moffatt had to tell Waterhouse off.
  • Peter Moffatt recalled asking Tom Baker if he could help Lalla Ward down in the engine room pipe scene and he retorted, "Why, is she a bloody cripple?"
  • One scene showed the Doctor's blood to be blue. However, in other stories, it is shown to be red.
  • The image of the Great Vampire was originally intended to be created with an actor in a bat-like costume but, when this proved ineffective, a rod puppet was used instead.
  • Designer Christine Ruscoe's attempts to portray the sets as being made of ancient metals were found to appear more like wood on camera, undermining Christopher H. Bidmead's attempts to play up the science-fiction elements of the narrative.
  • John Nathan-Turner picked Peter Moffatt to direct, having worked with him on All Creatures Great and Small.
  • The Hydrax was originally named the Hyperion. This was changed when Ian Levine pointed out that a ship called the Hyperion had already appeared in The Mutants.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Part one - 5.8 million viewers
  • Part two - 5.3 million viewers
  • Part three - 4.4 million viewers
  • Part four - 5.4 million viewers

Myths[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • This story's location scenes were shot at Black Park near Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire. (They were shot at Burnham Beeches near Amersham, also in Buckinghamshire - it was Full Circle's location scenes that were shot at Black Park.)

Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Burnham Beeches, Burnham, Buckinghamshire
  • Lucas CAV, Acton, London
  • KJP Trading, 250 Western Avenue, Acton, London
  • BBC Television Centre (TC3 & TC6), Shepherd's Bush, London

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

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.
  • When the TARDIS is travelling through E-Space in part one, the background stars appear in front of the TARDIS. This same error also occurs in part one of Full Circle.
  • In part three, Tarak bursts into the Doctor's cell, catching him across the nose with the door. Tom Baker appears slightly stunned, and misses his next cue because he was really struck by the door.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

DVD, VHS and audio releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

DVD releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

Notes:

Bonus features[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • DVD UK box set cover

    DVD UK box set cover

  • DVD Australian box set cover

    DVD Australian box set cover

  • DVD US box set cover

    DVD US box set cover

  • State of Decay Region 4 cover

    State of Decay Region 4 cover

  • State of Decay Region 1 cover

    State of Decay Region 1 cover

  • Region 2 UK cover

    Region 2 UK cover

Blu-ray releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • State of Decay was one of seven stories to be included as part of the Time Lord Victorious: Road to the Dark Times Blu-ray.
  • Time Lord Victorious: Road To The Dark Times box-set

    Time Lord Victorious: Road To The Dark Times box-set

Video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • State of Decay was released by BBC Worldwide on video as part of a boxed set featuring Full Circle, State of Decay and Warriors' Gate.
  • VHS UK box set cover

    VHS UK box set cover

  • VHS Australian box set cover

    VHS Australian box set cover

  • VHS US box set cover

    VHS US box set cover

  • UK cover

    UK cover

  • VHS AUS cover

    VHS AUS cover

  • US VHS cover

    US VHS cover

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

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