Earthshock (TotT TV story)

Earthshock was the first episode in the Tales of the TARDIS series, released on BBC iPlayer on 1 November 2023 by the BBC, written by Russell T Davies and directed by Joshua M.G. Thomas.

This story consists of two newly recorded scenes bookending the omnibus version of the TV story Earthshock.

This episode is notable for featuring the televised returns of the Fifth Doctor and companion Tegan Jovanka.

Synopsis
The Doctor and Tegan meet again and remember their terrifying adventure against the Cybermen to save the Earth… and the friend they lost along the way.

Plot
The Fifth Doctor is exploring a strange TARDIS, comprised of a mishmash of old elements when Tegan appears behind him, they see each other and hug, remarking on how they never really used to.

The Doctor remarks that he thinks the TARDIS they are in is a memory and figures out that it wants them to tell stories and as he says this, the lights in the TARDIS begin to swirl. Two chairs appear in the middle of the room, on either side of a miniature version of the Thirteenth Doctor's TARDIS console, its appearance mimicking a campfire.

The Doctor says they need to tell the strongest story of all, the day they met the Cybermen, which Tegan agrees to and the two start reminiscing about the story. A television in the back of the TARDIS, with the aspect ratio 4:3, turns on and the memories start to fade in.

As they stop reminiscing about the past and return to their senses. The Doctor and Tegan talk about Adric and about how they never stopped to talk about him. The Doctor asks Tegan to tell him stories about her life. Tegan starts telling her about her campaign for the environment, and the stories go on…

Cast

 * Fifth Doctor - Peter Davison
 * Tegan Jovanka - Janet Fielding

Crew
to be added

Worldbuilding
to be added

Continuity

 * This story seemingly takes place after The Passenger for Tegan, as she says "I was fast asleep, in bed, I said goodnight to Nyssa and..." Alternatively, the dialogue may be a reference to Tegan and Nyssa being in a relationship, as suggested in Farewell, Sarah Jane Smith.
 * This further places the story after The Power of the Doctor for Tegan as well.
 * Whilst looking for a kettle, the Doctor said that they had a pineapple. (TV: The Five Doctors)
 * Tegan mentions that Adric was a stowaway. (TV: Full Circle, State of Decay)
 * The Doctor and Tegan previously faced their memory of Adric's death after Marc's cyber-conversion at the Welkin Sanatorium and Centre for Wellness on Soresia. (AUDIO: The Lost Resort)
 * The Doctor never looks back. (TV: Death of the Doctor)
 * Tegan mentions leaving the Doctor on the bank of the River Thames with a load of dead Daleks. (TV: Resurrection of the Daleks)
 * Tegan became an activist. (TV: The Power of the Doctor)