Summary
Doctor Whohas a rich history of iconic monsters and alien species that have captured the imaginations of fans for decades. Among these, the Zygons stand out as one of the most intriguing races to have graced the show’s ever-expanding universe.
The Zygons first materialized on television screens in 1975, during the classic series' 11th season, in the serial “Terror of the Zygons.” Hailing from the planet Zygor, these extraterrestrial shape-shifters possess a remarkable ability to replicate the appearance of any living being, allowing them to infiltrate human society undetected. This unique power made them a formidable adversary forthe Doctor and his companions.
Classic Encounters
“Terror of the Zygons” (1975)
The Zygons first appeared on screens in the 1975 Fourth Doctor serial, “Terror of the Zygons.” This memorable story arc introduced us to the sinister Zygons and their cunning plot to take over the Earth. Hiding beneath the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland, these extraterrestrial shape-shifters posed a formidable challenge to the Doctor (Tom Baker) and his companions Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) and Harry Sullivan (Ian Marter).
The Zygons' distinctive appearance, with their squishy, orange bodies and sucker-covered faces, immediately set them apart from otherDoctor Whovillains. However, it was their shape-shifting abilities that made them truly formidable. AsDoctor Who’s take on theclassic sci-fi trope of body-snatching aliens, they could perfectly mimic any living being, making them virtually undetectable. What’s more, though, their sinister agenda had a sympathetic side. They were driven by their quest for a new home after their own planet was destroyed, adding depth to their characters and making them more than just monsters in rubber suits.
New Who Resurgence
After a long absence from the series, the Zygons returned toDoctor Whoin 2013, as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Their reappearance was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint.
“The Day of the Doctor: (2013)
In this special episode, featuring the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant), the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), and the surprise appearance of the War Doctor (John Hurt), the Zygons took center stage once more. The episode explored the Time War, a conflict between the Time Lords and the Daleks that threatened the very fabric of the universe. The Zygons, trapped in a parallel dimension, sought to return to our universe and claim it as their own.With their shape-shifting abilities, they infiltrated Earth and created a crisis that only the combined efforts of three Doctors could resolve.
One of the most memorable aspects of the Zygons' return in “The Day of the Doctor” was the character of Osgood, portrayed by Ingrid Oliver. Osgood was a UNIT scientist and a devoted fan of the Doctor, who wore a long scarf reminiscent of the Fourth Doctor’s iconic accessory. She represented the bridge between humans and Zygons, advocating for peace and coexistence. Her character became a symbol of hope and unity in the face of intergalactic turmoil.
Osgood’s fate was left ambiguous inthe 50th anniversary special, as there were two versions of her: one human and one Zygon. This duality raised intriguing questions about identity and the potential for harmony between different species. Osgood continued to make appearances in subsequent series, maintaining her commitment to the peaceful coexistence of humans and Zygons.
“The Day of the Doctor” is celebrated not only for its clever storytelling, but also for its significant role in theDoctor Whocanon.
“The Zygon Invasion” / “The Zygon Inversion” (2015)
“The Zygon Inversion” explores the intricacies of identity, assimilation, and the harrowing aftermath of war. This eighth episode of the ninth series oftheDoctor Whorevivalis the thrilling conclusion to a two-part saga, the first part being “The Zygon Invasion.” In the first episode, the Twelfth Doctor, masterfully portrayed by Peter Capaldi, and his stalwart companion Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes conflict between the Zygons and humanity.
Set against the backdrop of present-day London, “The Zygon Inversion” presents viewers with Bonnie, the determined leader of a splinter group of shapeshifting extraterrestrials known as Zygons. In a twist of alien ingenuity, Bonnie assumes the form of Clara, a familiar face for the Doctor and the audience. Her nefarious agenda revolves around the activation of a mysterious device known as the Osgood Box, designed to unveil the true identities of an astonishing 20 million Zygonshidden among humans on Earth. This revelation, she believes, will inevitably spark a catastrophic war between the Zygons and humanity, setting the stage for a moral and philosophical quandary of epic proportions.
The heart of this gripping narrative lies in the exploration of themes that resonate deeply with both theDoctor Whouniverse and our own reality. As theDoctor and Clara grapple with the implications of Bonnie’s plan, they are confronted withquestions of identity and belonging. Are the Zygons condemned to remain hidden and fearful of their true selves, or can they assimilate into human society without sacrificing their own identity? Can humanity find a way to coexist peacefully with a species so different from itself, or will fear and prejudice fuel the fires of conflict?
The Zygons, with their shape-shifting abilities and intricate backstory, have etched themselves into the annals ofDoctor Whohistory as a truly timeless enigma. From their classic series origins to their revival, they have emerged as one of the show’s most compelling and enduring adversaries. And yet, they’re not pure evil — in many of their appearances, they’re just trying to survive. As the Doctor continues to traverse the boundless cosmos,encountering new challenges and civilizations, the Zygons stand as a testament to the show’s ability to reinvent and reimagine its own lore. Their return in the 50th anniversary special, complete with the enigmatic character of Osgood, brought fresh layers to their narrative, exploring themes of identity, coexistence, and the consequences of conflict.
