Ice Time (serial)


*The following article is written from an Out of Universe perspective.*

Ice Time was the second story in Season 27. It was written by Marc Platt, directed by Nicholas Mallett and features Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor and Sophie Aldred as Ace.

Synopsis

In London, 1967, the Doctor and Ace are hired to steal something from the Tower of London, and they discover that the government is hiding treasures from a crashed spaceship. Meanwhile, they are being observed by an unknown voice who puts Ace to a series of tests. All the while, it seems that the Doctor and Ace are unwittingly working for an old enemy...

Plot

Part 1

London, 1967. Two scientists, Eugene and Jack, experiment with an Ice Lord helmet on a human subject in a laboratory. Major Felton observes and orders them to continue their work despite the test subject dying from spasms. The Doctor is approached by Ace near the Thames, demanding to know why they're in London. They head towards a nearby cafe. At the local train station, Sam Tollinger gets off a train and meets Anna Carlton, who is to escort him to the Ritz hotel. At the cafe, Eugene reveals that the Doctor and Ace have been hired to steal something from the Tower of London. The Doctor and Ace chase after Eugene but find him dead due to sonic weaponry from the Ice Warriors. They are soon escorted to the Ritz hotel where Ace discovers a code leading the Doctor to conclude that it's a message for Sam. At the auction, Sam meets the Doctor and Ace, who give him the secret code. Felton arrives, and Anna tells him about the Doctor and Ace. The Doctor realises that Sam has come to steal something from the Tower of London with the help of Anna and Felton. He offers to help them, knowing that they don't have a safecracker.

The Doctor attempts to discover what MI6 is developing, but Eugene shows him a jewelled egg that MI6 has been studying. Suddenly, the egg begins beeping and flashing, and Eugene tells the Doctor it is primed, running out of the cafe with the egg in hand. The Doctor and Ace follow him, but they find Eugene dead after a loud sonic blast. The Doctor explains that the blast came from the Ice Warriors, and they are then blocked by three motorcyclists wearing Ice Warrior helmets. A man approaches them, ushering them into his car and taking them to the Ritz hotel.

Ace discovers a code on the back of a banknote for Ten Pounds, leading the Doctor to conclude that it's a message to be passed on to Sam Tollinger. Anna tells Sam that Eugene had been killed after taking something from the Tower of London Vault. The Doctor believes that the government is hiding treasures from a spaceship that crashed two years ago and are hoping to use them to help Britain better defend its borders in this dangerous age. Sam has a plan to steal the treasures, and the Doctor offers to join and help them.

The Doctor goes to a far corner and begins having a telepathic conference with an unknown voice. The voice states that 'They' have been observing, and the Doctor asks what the Adjudicator's decision is.

Ace is at a table talking with Sam, explaining how she's the defence part of the operation. Sam asks if she can blow down a thick steel door, to which Ace replies she can with Nitro-9, but tells Sam he's still not getting the numbers yet. A voice suddenly calls out to Sam from his pocket, Ace asks about it, but Sam claims it's nothing and asks Ace to tell Anna to hold down the fort until he gets back. He then abruptly leaves.

The voice tells the Doctor that 'They've' considered his application and while it is highly irregular since Ace isn’t from Gallifrey, they accept the Doctor's offer, but they want Ace to pass a series of tests first. The Doctor realises that the tests are already happening which is why he and Ace are in London and why they weren't arrested. The Time Lord's voice states that the assessment has already begun. The Doctor feels that it's dangerous, warning them that Ace is unprepared, but the voice reminds the Doctor that it was he who set up the first task to retrieve the alien artefact. The Doctor suggests that he could keep an eye on her, but the voice tells the Doctor that he's forbidden from interfering and that Ace must take the test on her own. The voice ends the conversation, the Doctor calling out to it, saying that he doesn’t want Ace hurt.

In a hotel room in London, Sam anxiously paces back and forth as Hhessh, an Ice Lord, emerges from a futuristic-looking storage unit. Hhessh complains about the stuffy room, and Sam tries to calm him down, reminding him that they need to stay hidden. Hhessh is frustrated that the air conditioning is broken and he's been defrosted too early, demanding to know how long he's been asleep and when their mission will be. Sam informs him that the mission is tomorrow night, but Hhessh insists on stepping outside, finding the heat unbearable. Sam convinces him to stay inside, offering him fish fingers and promising that there's always tomorrow.

Hhessh declares that soon the relics of Sezhyr will be returned, but their conversation is interrupted by a knock at the door. Sam panics and shoves Hhessh into the bathroom before answering the door to find Ace standing there. Sam grabs her by the ear, demanding to know why she's there, and Ace admits that she wants to know what he's really up to.

Hhessh emerges from the bathroom, shocked to see Ace there. He demands to know how many more humans know about his presence, and when Sam tries to answer, Hhessh cuts him off, accusing him of jeopardising their mission. Hhessh declares that Ace must be eliminated, aiming his wrist at her menacingly.

Part 2

Sam stops Hhessh from killing Ace, but Hhessh wants her silenced. Ace reveals that others know about the mission, which angers Hhessh, and demands to know how many more. Ace tells him the Doctor knows and that he sent her up to investigate. Hhessh asks if the Doctor is another alien, and Ace confirms he's from Mars. Sam reveals Ace is their explosives expert, and Hhessh wants to know how much Sam has told her. The Doctor heads towards the room, and Anna leads him to the vault's location. Anna asks about the Doctor's involvement, and he reveals it's for personal gain. The Doctor asks about Sam, but Anna says she's paid not to ask questions. Hhessh is destroying the listening bugs in the room with Ace's help, and the Doctor arrives with Anna. Hhessh is initially furious and attempts to shoot them, but Sam stops him, revealing they're on the team. Hhessh explains that he's here to recover the lost relics of his people. The Doctor agrees to help as long as Hhessh and his people take the relics away from Earth. Hhessh storms off to the fire escape, and Sam warns that the whole job is scrubbed if Hhessh is seen. Ace and the Doctor talk, and he admits that he doesn't like not being in charge. Ace agrees to take responsibility, and the Doctor warns her that everyone has their own agenda.

Sam tells Anna that Hhessh is running the show, and Anna is worried about Felton finding out. Sam reassures her and says they wouldn't be suspicious if Eugene hadn't tried to break in. Hhessh contacts an Ice Warrior named Glarva and asks if he's in position. Glarva replies that he is. Hhessh orders him to relay that the first part of the mission is complete and then warns him that the humans are ill-disciplined, untrustworthy, and not true warriors. Ace brings Hhessh his food, and they start talking.

Ace asks Hhessh why he and his group of Ice Warriors came to Earth. Hhessh explains that they have been exiled to Earth for the past forty-three years. Ace asks how many there are, and Hhessh replies that there are seven old warriors, including himself, but their suffering will end with the recovery of their long-lost relics. Ace apologizes for the Doctor's overprotectiveness, and Hhessh remarks that the Doctor is an old warrior too.

In the room, the Doctor asks Anna to run through the plan one more time. Raine explains that they'll attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony at eleven, make a quick exit at twelve-fifty, then meet Jack with the crate, truck and contents, and he'll drive them through the Tower of London's front gates. Felton enters and informs the Doctor that he checked their papers and it seems that he and Ace were indeed overlooked. After chatting for a bit, he leaves, making Anna and Sam realise that he knows, but the Doctor points out that he could just be slightly suspicious. Ace comes through and explains that she's gone through the plan with Hhessh, and he's ready.

At the entrance to the Tower of London, Felton persuades the beefeaters to let the group pass through. Felton wants to minimise the commotion, but if they deviate, he will close the trap. He tells them they will be giving Britain the greatest prize of all.

The Doctor is in a void speaking with the voice of the Adjudicator, expressing his concern about Ace's safety. The Adjudicator assures him there has been no disruption to the timeline and no other humans have noticed. The Doctor objects, feeling they have caused a temporal disruption and put Ace in danger. The Adjudicator points out that the Doctor does not lead a blameless life, but the Doctor disagrees. The Adjudicator ends the conversation, and the Doctor heads to the parade with Sam. They have a small chat regarding weapons, and the Doctor remarks that Hhessh's arrival has caused chaos.

Anna shows Ace the factory workers from her home in Manchester. Ace wonders if London is truly as great as Anna claims. Anna reveals the struggle, and after the mission, she plans to move to London as Manchester isn't where she wants to live, in poverty. She then reveals she is fifteen weeks pregnant, and Ace realizes that Sam is the father. Ace assures her that Sam will be fine but insists that Anna tells Sam. Felton appears, and the Doctor claims they are admiring military weaponry. Felton shows off the powerful rockets with nuclear warheads, saying he's proud of what Britain has achieved, and then leaves. Ace believes that Felton thinks they won't go through with the plan, but Anna says there's no turning back now.

Hhessh is inside a crate, talking with Glarva, who informs him that they have tracked his position. Hhessh asks how far away their destination is, stating that the crate is unbearable. Glarva tells him they're approaching the Citadel.

The Doctor, Ace, Sam, and Anna are in the back of the van, which according to Anna, is now at the gates. Sam is worried about Hhessh, but Ace says she talked to him, and he's agreed to set his sonic gun to stun. Jack lets the group out, and they place the crate on a trolley. Ace asks Anna if she's okay, and Anna says it's just nerves. They wheel the trolley into the building, which is unusually deserted and quiet. They enter a lift. Jack tells the group that the vault containing the relics is in the armoury.

The Doctor, Ace, Sam, and Anna are in the back of a van, which has arrived at the gates of a building containing valuable relics. Sam is worried about Hhessh, but Ace reassures him that Hhessh has agreed to use his stun gun. They unload the crate onto a trolley and head inside the deserted building.

In the lift, Jack tells them the relics are in the armoury. The Doctor and Ace plan to leave, but Sam lets Hhessh out of the crate, causing Jack to flee in fear. Hhessh is initially aggressive, but Ace and Anna calm him down. The Doctor and Hhessh express distrust for each other. The group heads to the vault, but the combination given to them doesn't work. The Doctor tries and discovers that someone has reset the combination. Ace has a spare Nitro-9 canister, and they use it to open the vault.

Hhessh marvels at the treasures, in particular Sezhyr's helmet and armour. We learn that Sezhyr was the first martial of the Ice Army and that he was the one to end what Hhessh refers to as the Great Dust Rebellion. The Doctor quickly starts piling the relics into the crate. The Doctor starts packing the relics into the crate, but Felton and his men arrive. Felton wants to use Hhessh as a specimen and orders his men to capture him. Hhessh starts stunning them, and Sam punches Felton. Hhessh suggests using Felton as a human shield. The Doctor seals the crate, and the group tries to escape.

They run to the van, with the crate in tow, and the Doctor drives off with Felton's men in pursuit. They drive through the parade, and Hhessh shoots at the men from the back of the van. The Doctor drives onto the frozen River Thames, stopping Felton's men. Hhessh contacts Glarva, and they request his intervention. A British spaceship arrives to transport them away.

Sam decides to leave, shocking Anna, and the Doctor orders everyone out of the van. Ace tells Sam she's pregnant with his child, and a tractor beam suddenly shines down on the van, transporting it away.

Part 3

The Doctor is once again in the void and is contacted by the Adjudicator, who expresses displeasure with his interference. The Doctor argues that he doesn't want to risk Ace's life, but the Adjudicator reminds him that he set up the test. The Doctor asks to be taken back and the Adjudicator agrees but warns him that his involvement will be terminated if he meddles again.

Ace wakes the Doctor up in a Martian ship. They are on the helm, and the TARDIS, along with a big chunk of the frozen Thames, had also been dragged up. Ace feels that she messed up badly by telling Sam, and the Doctor reveals that he knows about Sam and Anna's child and that it will be a girl.

Sam demands to know why Anna never told him about the baby and asks how she knew it was even his. But Anna is holding Sezhyr's helmet and muttering to herself that she feels as if it's staring at her. The Doctor comes over and tries to get her to put it down. There is suddenly some muffled banging, followed by Felton's voice calling out.

Felton accuses them of working with Hhessh, to which Ace states that the Doctor works for nobody. Hhessh walks in and orders Felton to stop harassing the Doctor, who is no longer in his employment, which Ace claims puts him in his place. Felton asks what they want, but Hhessh ignores him and orders Glarva to get the relics from the van. A scream is suddenly heard coming from the van, and Ace realises it's Anna. The group runs in the direction of the van.

Sam is kneeling over Anna, who's lying on the floor, wearing Sezhyr's helmet. The Doctor and the others arrive, and Sam says he tried to stop her but that she just put it on. The Doctor attempts to pull it off, but Sam says that he's tried and that it's jammed on. The Doctor notes that Anna's temperature is going up. Ace points out that leaving the helmet around was a mistake. The Doctor explains that the helmet is part of a Martian exoskeleton and that it's melding with Anna's body.

Back on the flight deck, Hhessh wonders what humans will think of their intervention while Glarva suggests purging the helmet of "human scum." Hhessh rejects this idea and thinks the helmet is part of Sezhyr's plan. In the van, Anna's condition worsens, and Ace realizes that she needs food. The Doctor advises Ace to stay with Anna and Sam and leaves the van. Sam follows the Doctor and encounters Felton, who asks about the TARDIS. The Doctor inquires about the Ice Warriors' destination, but Felton doesn't give an answer. Felton believes that the helmet will kill Anna, but the Doctor refuses to help him. Back in the van, Anna goes into labour.

Anna gives birth with the Doctor's help, but when the baby is handed to her, she refuses to accept it, claiming that it's not hers. Sam explains the situation, and the baby cries. The Doctor wraps the baby in a jumper and tries to give it to Anna, but she rejects it. Sam takes the baby and holds her, wondering...

The Doctor, Ace, and Sam step out of the van and find themselves in the presence of Hhessh, an Ice Warrior, who gazes at a baby and declares her to be the next warrior. The Doctor warns Hhessh that he can't predict the baby's future and leaves with Ace and Sam in the TARDIS.

Sezhyr, an Ice Warrior, uses an orb to renew his body as Hhessh and Glarva watch in awe. Ace takes advantage of the distraction to escape from the van and stumbles upon Felton, who demands to know why the Doctor and Sam left her behind. Ace argues that the Doctor had a plan, but Hhessh interrupts and asks where the Doctor and Sam have gone. Ace tells him they have left, but Hhessh informs them that they have reached the outpost, and it's a great day.

The Ice Warrior ship lands in a cold storage unit, and Hhessh exits, being saluted by seven Ice Warriors. Glarva steps out with the relics of Sezhyr, followed by Ace and Felton. Hhessh explains that this is their last outpost, and they are now guests. One Ice Warrior asks about the Helm of Sezhyr, and Hhessh informs them of Sezhyr's resurrection. Sezhyr exits the ship and declares that he has conquered death itself.

Meanwhile, the Doctor and Sam need to figure out where the ship went and where Sam's boss is based. After a short conversation, Sam says he'll try to get hold of a few contacts.

Back in the cold storage unit, the Ice Warriors want to learn everything from Sezhyr, who, in turn, wants to know why they are hiding away. Glarva questions whether Sezhyr is who he claims to be. Hhessh is enraged by this, but Sezhyr agrees with Glarva and confirms that he is Sezhyr by recounting his many triumphs. During this, Felton and Ace attempt to look for a way out. Glarva claims that they have worshipped the relics, but Sezhyr points out that the energy orbs are gone. Glarva speculates that they may not have survived, but Hhessh states that he saw them and realised that they, along with Ace and Felton, are missing.

Out in a dark corridor, Ace and Felton reach a dead end. The two soon realise that they are in a cold storage facility somewhere in England. Felton then shoves Ace into one of the freezers and locks her in before running off.

Over at Sam's mother's house, Sam informs the Doctor that he has gotten in touch with his boss and discovered that he is being paid off. He then tells the Doctor that one of his contacts knows somebody who delivers fish fingers to a cold storage facility on the South Bank with a dodgy reputation. This makes the Doctor realise that's where the Ice Warrior ship is, and it's revealed that the Doctor and Sam both have the Martian energy cells. The two head off to the cold storage facility before the army can get there.

Ace is freed from the freezer by Mr Walters, who takes her to his office to warm up. In the big freezer, Sezhyr learns that they are on Earth and is furious that the Ice Warriors have fled from Mars. Hhessh explains that they fled due to the Ice Armies splitting into factions, and it is revealed that Hhessh and the other Ice Warriors are the last of the old believers. Sezhyr asks if Earth is owned by Mars, but Hhessh explains that it isn't and that when they arrived, the ship carrying Sezhyr's relics crashed. Sezhyr is horrified to learn that they've been getting help from a human, but Hhessh states that the human, who turns out to be Valerie Walters, is also in exile. Sezhyr is outraged and declares that these changes must be put to right and that Earth must be made to recognise who they are.

Over in Walters's office, he and Ace are eating soup which warms Ace up. Ace is questioned by Valerie about what she's going to do about the Ice Warriors, to which Ace answers that she plans to destroy their relics as they need to be stopped. Valerie agrees before stating that if she's accepted into the Prydonian Academy, she would find it easy there. Ace is completely confused by this and it's revealed that Walters is the Adjudicator, but is surprised to learn that Ace didn’t know about the test, after mentioning that the Doctor believes that going to Gallifrey would be good for her. Ace is shocked and despite Valerie's best efforts to calm her down, she becomes angry that the Doctor set her up, stating that she'll never trust him again.

Part 4

Walters tries to tell Ace that he'll understand if she's not ready for the Academy, but Ace angrily says that she's ready and that she wouldn’t want to disappoint the Doctor. She then asks what happens next, and Walters tells her that she must choose and asks who she favours, stating that everything now hangs in the balance.

In the freezer, Sezhyr wishes to leave and asks Hhessh about news from Mars. Hhessh informs him that they've heard nothing in the past forty years and that Earth is now their home. Sezhyr states that with the energy cells they stole from the ship, he could return home. Glarva approaches, holding Felton around the neck. Felton claims that Sezhyr's soldiers stole the cells and that Ace might have them. Glarva reveals that Ace has escaped, angering Sezhyr. Felton promises to deal with the Doctor and Sam, revealing that the British Government has already got agents everywhere. Hhessh disagrees with Felton's proposal, but Sezhyr feels he offers better terms. Felton is released to solve their problem.

Back in Walters's office, Ace demands to know where the Doctor is, causing Walters to think that she suddenly wants to see him again. It's revealed to be Hhessh, who owes Walters a favour for releasing Ace. Hhessh learns that Walters is a Time Lord and after Ace demands more answers, Hhessh agrees to take her for a drive.

The Doctor and Sam are walking along the South End when Felton's motorcycle gang suddenly appear and starts riding after them. The Doctor realises that while they may be looking for the Ice Warriors, the Ice Warriors may come looking for them. They run as the gang chases them.

Back in the freezer, Sezhyr orders Glarva to bring him his warrior armour and some vodka as they're going to take this impasse by the throat. Ace and Hhessh have entered the freezer, but both have been restrained by some Ice Warriors. Glarva tells Hhessh that Sezhyr demands his presence.

Ace and Hhessh drive in Walters's Bentley, discussing Sezhyr's disappointing performance. Hhessh explains Sezhyr's tyrant history and asks if Ace is disappointed too. Ace admits she is and laments not being able to trust Sezhyr. Hhessh wonders if he can defy Sezhyr and Ace asks what they can do to stop him.

The Doctor and Sam hide in an alleyway and notice Motorcycle riders with helmets identical to Sezhyr's. The Doctor realises the British Government are investing in stolen technology and they follow a Bentley that speeds past them. The Motorcycle gang follows, but the Doctor uses a sonic grenade to distract them.

Ace and Hhessh are restrained by Ice Warriors in the freezer. Glarva tells Hhessh that Sezhyr wants to see them both. Hhessh protests that Ace is not involved, and Glarva releases her. Ace runs off after wishing Hhessh luck.

Ace rings Walters's doorbell and is approached by Felton, who asks for her help in finding stolen weapons. Ace refuses, and Felton knocks on the door, revealing an Ice Warrior who captures Ace.

In the freezer, Sezhyr confronts Hhessh about his abandonment of Mars. The Ice Warrior who captured Ace arrives with her, and Sezhyr asks if they will join him or be exiled in shame. Glarva and the others agree to stand by him, but Hhessh remains silent.

Sam tells the Doctor that Felton's gang is all over the place. The Doctor takes the other energy cell from Sam and points out where the Bentley and the Ice Warriors are. As they approach, they see some of the motorcyclists. Felton suddenly appears with his gang and demands the rest of the relics back, revealing his alliance with Sezhyr. The Doctor takes out a sonic grenade and asks about Ace. Felton says if the energy cells aren't handed over, Ace will be killed. Sam's friends show up, leading to a gun battle between them and the motorcyclists, and allowing the Doctor and Sam to head towards the building.

In the freezer, Sezhyr refuses to release Ace and reveals his alliance with Felton. Hhessh tells Sezhyr that he can't trust Felton, but Sezhyr strips Hhessh of his rank and has Ace taken away. Sezhyr orders the other Ice Warriors to follow him and bring Ace along.

The gunfight continues as the Doctor tries to contact Walters. Felton demands they hand over the energy cells, but the Doctor refuses and demands to see Ace. The wall of the building opens and Sezhyr marches out, followed by Glarva and the remaining Ice Warriors. Glarva is holding Ace hostage. Sezhyr tells Felton that their alliance is over and orders Glarva to release Ace. Sam tries to get Ace to come with them but she refuses, instead challenging Sezhyr to a fight to the death in the name of Anna and Hhessh. Sezhyr accepts the challenge and orders the other Ice Warriors to go back inside.

Ace accuses the Doctor of playing with people's lives, so she refuses to walk away. Sam runs off to find Walters who reveals that Ace holds the key to Sam's future.

Sezhyr demands the Doctor hand over the remaining pieces of technology. Ace reveals that she has the orb. Sezhyr attempts to kill both her and the Doctor, but Sam tackles him and they enter a scuffle. Ace throws the orb at Sezhyr who misses, causing the orb to smash. Sezhyr dies and Anna is restored to life. Glarva takes both energy cells and leaves.

Anna wakes up and asks about the baby. The group exits the building as the ship takes off. The Doctor notices that Ace has vanished and comes to the conclusion that the Time Lords have already taken her. Sam and Anna keep the relics. The Doctor then goes on to say that Katie is special and that he'll be back to see her someday.

The Doctor heads outside and contacts Walters, he asks about Ace and Walters informs him that Ace passed and has been accepted into the Time Lord Academy. The Doctor is pleased and asks if he can see Ace and make his goodbyes, Walters says he can.

At the Time Lord Academy, Ace is in the main hall, now dressed in Gallifreyan robes. The Doctor suddenly appears and wants to talk, but Ace tells him to leave her alone. The Doctor says that he wanted to say goodbye, but Ace just brushes him off. The Doctor notes that she didn't call him Professor and Ace tells him that that's kids' stuff, the Doctor says he never got the hang of growing up before apologising and saying that he should have realised that she wasn’t willing to go to the Academy. Ace says that she isn't and laments that she didn't think much of 1967. The Doctor tells her that he thinks she'd be good for the Time Lords and promises that she'd feel more responsible. Ace is surprised by this and agrees to at least give the Academy a try. She and the Doctor then hug. They then say goodbye to each other and the Doctor taps Ace on the nose before walking away to the TARDIS, which soon dematerialises.

Cast

Crew

Writer - Marc Platt
Producer - John Nathan-Turner
Script Editor - Andrew Cartmel
Director - Nicholas Mallett
Lighting - Henry Barber
Designer - Nick Somerville
Visual Effects Designers - Malcom James, Dave Chapman
Make-Up Designer - Joan Stribling
Casting Director - Anne Henderson
Music - Mark Ayres
Costume Designer - Ken Trew
Edited by - Hugh Parson
Vision Mixer - Susan Brincat
Original Theme Music - Ron Grainer
Title Music - Keff McCulloch
Title Sequence by CAL Video

Memorable Quotes

To be added.

Background Information

Production History

To be added.

Development

Production

To be added.

Post-Production

To be added.

Reaction

Official BARB ratings: 4.5m for Part One, 4.8m for Part Two, 5.0m for Part Three and 4.7m for Part Four.

Story Notes

Continuity

Home Video Releases

To be added.