Premise: Contact has been lost with Mars Probe 7 since it set off on its return journey to Earth. The Doctor embarks on a solo mission the recovery ship but is intercepted by an alien ship.
Notes: This was writer David Whitaker's final involvement in Doctor Who as he proved unable to write for the new format of the series. He was the original script editor and had written many stories prior to this one. Although he was the only writer credited, the story was heavily edited by Trevor Ray, Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke to make it fit the new format. The opening titles were quite different in this story for two reasons. Firstly, they cut off halfway through to give a quick recap of the last episode before continuing on to give the title, writer and episode number. Secondly, the title was split into two parts with 'The Ambassadors' appearing first and then followed by 'of Death' below it moments later. The second part is also accompanied by a strange but dramatic gunshot noise.
Verdict: A marvelous spectacle accompanied by eerie music, intrigue and a gleefully different plot where human villains replace the typical aliens trying to invade Earth. The Brigadier is at his best and it all comes together perfectly. It's just a shame the ending's so flat 9/10
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