Doctor Who: Series 25, Episodes 5-7 – “The Happiness Patrol” (1988)

“The Happiness Patrol” is one of those serials that just make me smile and think, “God, I love Doctor Who.” Heartening to see a story like that so near the end of the classic run – even 25 seasons in, the show could still deliver a totally bonkers “only on Who” kind of dystopian sci-fi romp.

 

The Seventh Doctor and Ace have their work cut out for them on Terra Alpha, a human colony ruled by the tyrannical Helen A. and her elite police force. On the surface, Helen A. would say she just wants her people to be happy, but that’s not it. She demands them to be happy, sending her lethal “Happiness Patrol” to round up “killjoys.” To defeat her, our heroes will have to evade the Happiness Patrol, contend with a vicious beast named Fifi, and confront a candy robot executioner.

 

Only on Who, right? On some level, this story reminds me of “The Macra Terror” from the Second Doctor’s era, just in that 1) it uses a similar “society of happy shiny people is always hiding a dark underside” trope and 2) it contains elements that are just delightfully off-the-wall. Throw in some not-so-subtle Margaret Thatcher allusions, and you’ve got the makings of Doctor Who gold.

 

A scenario like this is a great fit for Seven and Ace, a little reminiscent of Twelve in “Smile.” Even though I wouldn’t call Seven a grouchy Doctor by any stretch, the air he gives off isn’t as frequently cheery as that of some Doctors. And of course, Ace’s moods are touch-and-go under ordinary circumstances, but if an authority figure tells her to smile? Then of course you’re gonna get a huge scowl from her. In other words, both of them have no problem quickly causing trouble for Helen A.

 

But really, it’s all in service of the citizens. I always appreciate stories that highlight the importance and validity of all emotions, not just the outwardly-positive ones (hello, Inside Out!), and the Doctor and Ace champion that here. People have the right not to pretend to be happy when they’re sad, and what’s more, experiencing sadness gives you a greater understanding of/appreciation for happiness. Because I’m apparently full of comparisons today, I think of Ten defying the Cybermen (or it the Daleks? One or the other – I can’t remember at the moment) when they claim that his grief makes him weak.

 

Also, can I just say one more time – candy robot executioner?? I mean, come on, what’s not to love?