DWM 51 (The Thief of Sherwood)

The 51st issue of Doctor Who Monthly was dated to 1981. It was a Doctor Who episode guide. As such, it contained brief synopses of all six episodes of The Outlaws.

"The Deserted Castle" was first broadcast on 19 September 1964. The Doctor and Barbara await the arrival of the murderous bandit leader Robin Hood in the forest but are shocked when he is revealed to be Ian's double.

"The Thief of Sherwood" was first broadcast on 26 September 1964. The Sheriff of Nottingham orders Robin's execution after learning he is a prisoner but it is Ian who is in the stocks as the man-at-arms raises his axe.

"The Alchemist" was first broadcast on 3 October 1964. The Doctor is able to convince the Sheriff he can make gold but uses gunpowder to blow the door of the workshop of its hinges. However, he is knocked unconscious by the explosion as the flames advance.

"Errand of Mercy" was first broadcast on 10 October 1964. The Merry Men's rescue attempt fails and Robin and Susan seek sanctuary in the castle dungeons. They are discovered by the Sheriff's guards who kill Robin in a sword fight.

"Ransom" was first broadcast on 17 October 1964. Ian posing as Robin has agreed to meet with the Sheriff to arrange Susan's release but in the peddler's shop he realises he has entered a trap.

"A Guest for the Gallows" was first broadcast on 24 October 1964. Ian has returned Robin Hood's gold to the villages and the four travellers return to the TARDIS but the Doctor warns of a build up of space pressure outside. (PROSE: The Thief of Sherwood)

Behind the scenes

The fact that the episode guide for The Outlaws appears in DWM 51 is historically accurate as that issue covered The Aztecs to The Dalek Invasion of Earth in its episode guide which is faithful to the fictional story's placement between seasons 1 and 2.