After getting my rant out of the
way yesterday, I feel that I am now able to discuss some other important
features that are actually more relevant to this episode.
Costuming in any production is
something I personally feel the need to discuss, but I feel that it is
particularly important to bring up the costuming decisions and designs in this
1972 episode of Doctor Who. Naturally the first piece of costuming that springs
to mind is one that must be seen to be believed, Alpha Centauri. And at that
mention we shall leave it as there may be children present, but I will say that
it does win the award for most outstanding use of a shower curtain in an
attempt to hide any unprofessional parts of the costume.
A common feature of Doctor Who is
the usually quite stunning costuming sported by the companions, and Jo Grant is
no exception to this. In this episode we see Jo in a shiny two piece outfit,
adorned with floral patterns. It is so very 1970s. But not, however as 1970s as
the costuming of our King Peladon. Peladon is dressed in an interesting outfit
of deep purples and royal blue, signifying his high standing in this society.
Similarly we see his advisors dressed in a similar get up, although a little
more conservative than Peladons mini-skirt. Perhaps on Peladon the shortness of
ones skirt denotes importance? Or perhaps the costume designers of this show
were faced with a small budget and expensive fabrics, leading them to make cuts
wherever possible?
Similarly, the costuming of the
guards of the citadel also leaves very little to the imagination. So much so
that one wonders how practical this ‘armour’ must be should conflict arise. I
imagine as practical as that of the kind granted so often to female superheroes
and video game characters, that is to say, not very. But let us not get off
topic here, I had my little rant yesterday.
Although I could find at least one
thousand more words to say on the costuming of this episode, going into
intricate detail on the makings of the costumes, and rambling on about what
kinds of fabrics I think they used, I feel that I must draw this entry to a
close. This is simply to spare you from boredom as you read through an overly
long and drawn out entry discussing the intricacies of the making of the
Doctors jacket, which is, may I say in one final comment, rather fabulous.
The Sea Devils is an episode of Doctor Who that I know very little
about. Up until today, my knowledge of the episode was limited to a vague idea
of what the monster looks like, simply from having, at some point, seen a
picture or two in a book or online. So, with that in mind, I have very little
to say in regards to themes portrayed in the episode, and shall perhaps leave
that to my brother when he returns tomorrow. So, now that we have gotten that
out of the way, perhaps we should have a look at the costuming of our
protagonists. 
