History Recap / DoctorWhoS14E1TheMasqueOfMandragora

* ArtisticLicenceHistory: Giuliano explains to Sarah his theory that the world is in fact round and not flat and that other scientists have started to accept this theory, repeating the common historical misconception that people living before 1492 thought the world was flat.

'''Production code:''' 4M

Written by Louis Marks. This four-episode serial first aired from September 4--25, 1976.

* HumansAreSpecial: The Mandragora Helix wants to conquer Earth because they believe that the ConstantlyCurious nature of the human race will cause them to spread beyond their own galaxy and challenge their power. The Doctor fears that a takeover will turn mankind into [[EmptyShell "idle sheep" who are only interested in their next meal]].

* MeaningfulName: The names of Rossini the antagonistic Captain of the Guard, and Scarlatti the torturer, translate respectively as "little red" and "scarlet", befitting the bloodthirsty cause they serve. However, as their destructive actions are the polar opposite of the creative ones carried out by famous composers Music/GioachinoRossini, Alessandro Scarlatti and Domenico Scarlatti, their names also double as {{Ironic Name}}s.

* TheBardOnBoard: Like Theatre/{{Hamlet}}, young Duke Giuliano is aided by a faithful companion in facing off against his EvilUncle who poisoned his father and intends to kill him too. In addition, many of the costumes used in the story had previously appeared in Franco Zeffirelli's ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet''.

* MeaningfulName: The names of Rossini the antagonistic Captain of the Guard, and Scarlatti the torturer, translate respectively as "little red" and "scarlet", befitting the bloodthirsty cause they serve. However, as their destructive actions are the polar opposite of the creative ones carried out by famous composers Music/GioachinoRossini, Alessandro Scarlatti and Domenico Scarlatti, their names also double as {{Ironic Name}}s

* MeaningfulName: The names of Rossini the antagonistic Captain of the Guard, and Scarlatti the torturer, translate respectively as "little red" and "scarlet", befitting the bloody cause they serve. They also double as {{IronicName}}s, as their destructive actions are the polar opposite of the creative ones carried out by famous composers Music/GioachinoRossini, Alessandro Scarlatti and Domenico Scarlatti.

* TheBardOnBoard: Just as in Theatre/{{Hamlet}}, young Duke Giuliano, aided by a faithful companion, faces off against his EvilUncle who poisoned his father and intends to kill him too. In addition, many of the costumes used in the story had previously appeared in Franco Zeffirelli's ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet''.

* TheBardOnBoard: Just like Theatre/{{Hamlet}}, Duke Giuliano is a royal whose EvilUncle poisoned his father and is now threatening his own life. In addition, many of the costumes used in the story had previously appeared in Franco Zeffirelli's ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet''.

* TheBardOnBoard: Duke Giuliano's situation, of being a royal whose life is threatened by his ambitious EvilUncle who poisoned his father, is more than reminiscent of ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}''. In addition, many of the costumes used in the story had previously appeared in Franco Zeffirelli's ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet''.

* NiceJobFixingItVillain: While a hypnotised Sarah is sneaking up behind the Doctor to stab him in the back with a poisoned needle, Hieronymous calls on her to "Strike him down!", alerting the Doctor that she's there. Though the Doctor clearly knows she's following him earlier, so it's likely he already knew.

* TheBardOnBoard: Duke Giuliano's situation, of being a royal whose life is threatened by his ambitious EvilUncle who killed his father, is more than reminiscent of ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}''. In addition, many of the costumes used in the story had previously appeared in Franco Zeffirelli's ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet''.

->'''The Doctor''': Humans have got such limited little minds. I don't know why I like you so much.
->'''Sarah Jane Smith''': Because you have such good taste.
->'''The Doctor''': That's true. That's very true.

The one with the evil spotlight... [[Series/ThePrisoner1967 in the Village]]!

The Doctor is giving Sarah Jane a tour of the TARDIS and they come across a fabulously wonderful new console room, in which they decide to stay. The TARDIS then pitches up in Renaissance Italy (well alright, in [[UsefulNotes/{{Portmeirion}} Portmeirion]]), having had an encounter en route with a fizzy ball of energy that the Doctor calls the Mandragora Helix. He hasn't realised that he's brought it with him (since he rather stupidly left the door open), and when it escapes from the TARDIS and begins taking over or killing the locals, he follows.

The Doctor is giving Sarah Jane a tour of the TARDIS and they come across a fabulously wonderful new console room, in which they decide to stay in. The TARDIS then pitches up in Renaissance Italy (well alright, in [[UsefulNotes/{{Portmeirion}} Portmeirion]]), having had an encounter en route with a fizzy ball of energy that the Doctor calls the Mandragora Helix. He hasn't realised that he's brought it with him (since he rather stupidly left the door open), and when it escapes from the TARDIS and begins taking over or killing the locals, he follows.

-->'''The Doctor:''' [[IncrediblyLamePun You can't count, Count.]]

* EnergyBeings: The Mandragora Helix. Once the Helix that's come to Earth spreads its power among the Brethren of the Cult of Demnos however, the Doctor realises it's vulnerable if he can trick them into fully draining their power.

* YouHaveToBelieveMe: Subverted; the Doctor ''does'' try to explain things in terms the locals will understand ("A ball of heavenly fire has come down to Earth, and I must return it to the stars!") after everyone laughs at his first attempt, while Count Federico thinks he's a fraud posing as a sorcerer and brings in Hieronymous to debate with him. As the Doctor thinks Hieronymous is a fraud, things don't go well.

* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: The late duke.