The Tomorrow People 2:3: The Doomsday Men
01/04/2003 . Source: Geoff Willmetts 

Video: Revelation/Freemantle Media PAR 50132. 100 minutes. Price: £10.99.) stars: Elizabeth Adare, Nicholas Young, Peter Vaughan-Clarke, Philip Gilbert and Chris Chittel.

check out website: www.revfilms.com

Another odd blast from the past. The Tomorrow People are investigating a secret organisation called ‘The Doomsday Men’ whose main objective is to promote war.

Considering a world peace treaty is about to be signed largely cos of a space station called Damaclese is prepared to bombard any country who intends to go to war (let’s hope George W never watches this video), the elements of the story are laid in.

Since they can’t find the organisation’s leader, Sir Arthur McLelland, Stephen is sent to Glen College in Scotland to keep tabs on McLelland’s grandson, Douglas. Even when he turns up, they continue to watch to see what his plan is.

Many of the standard Scots jokes are played upon, including how hardy they are north of the border. There are a lot of unusual under-currents concerning the morality of the Tomorrow People themselves as to whether they should rescue a stranded astronaut or even disarming Damaclese when they have the opportunity.

Elizabeth turns into the voice of reason against John’s more pious attitude.

There’s lots going on in this story and with so many characters, not everyone has got enough to do. I often wondered if writer/director Roger Price wasn’t planning for a 6 parter and had to cut back on what he could do and padding in other directions to compensate for lost time.

It’s rather interesting how the box notes point out some details and totally miss others, one of which is bound to interest the Gerry Anderson fans. The astronaut spacesuit is one of the same ones that was used in ‘UFO’ with the coloured bits painted silver.

It’s got a knapsack jetpack added but the distinctive shoulder air re-circulator tends to reveal all. Two of the stupid guards in the fourth episode are named after director Price and producer Ruth Boswell.

If you’re considering buying these stories, then these early seasons are worth looking at to relive your past and while away a couple hours.

GF Willmetts