Pyramids of Mars

Lore & Background

Sutekh, an Elder God from the House of Ra, was imprisoned eons ago for his attempt to destroy all life. His escape threatens not just Earth but the entire fabric of existence. The story explores themes of destiny and the weight of history, as the Doctor realizes that some forces are beyond simple containment. For Sarah Jane Smith, this journey represents her true initiation into time travel. She moves from a curious journalist to an active participant in saving reality, establishing a dynamic partnership with the Doctor that would define future adventures. The narrative balances horror elements with character development, showcasing the stakes of the Time Lord's mission.

In Their Own Story

Rain lashed against the stone walls of Castle Hinton as Sarah Jane peered into the shadows. The Doctor stood before a pyramid within the earth, his face grim. He whispered to the darkness itself, knowing the end was near.

Reader's Guide

This four-part adventure aired during the Christmas season spanning late December 1975 and early January 1976. It serves as the first full story featuring Sarah Jane Smith following her initial appearance in Planet of the Spiders. The plot follows the Doctor arriving at Castle Hinton to investigate strange occurrences linked to a buried pyramid beneath the estate grounds. Inside, he discovers Sutekh is manipulating events through human agents who believe they are conducting legitimate research. The Mastermind seeks to use an ancient device known as the Eye of Horus to reset the universe and destroy all life. Production code K4 identifies it within the Third Doctor's era on Earth. Critics often regard this as one of Jon Pertwee's finest performances due to the high stakes and gothic atmosphere surrounding the narrative. It fits into the timeline while the Time Lord is still technically exiled, though he operates with significant UNIT support during these missions. The story concludes with a tense resolution involving the activation of the device and the Doctor's sacrifice to stop it. Sarah Jane proves her worth by helping to contain the threat alongside her new friend.

Did You Know?

• This is the first full serial where Sarah Jane Smith travels regularly with the Third Doctor.
• Sutekh was originally planned as a recurring villain across multiple seasons before being contained here.
• The story is frequently cited by fans and critics as one of the greatest classics of the Pertwee era.