The latest instalment of Obverse Books’ Black Archive series is available now, and examines a much-loved Fourth Doctor classic: The Robots of Death (1977).

Written by Fiona Moore, this edition – the 43rd Black Archive title – looks at the lasting significance of Chris Boucher’s four-part story, how artificial intelligence is portrayed in Doctor Who, and the depiction of class in Kaldor City.

Here’s the blurb:

‘That’s impossible. Robots can’t kill.’

A literate science-fiction mystery set in an elegant, multicultural future society, The Robots of Death (1977) represents a synthesis of a witty script, beautiful design and clever, sympathetic casting. This Black Archive examines these elements contributing to the story’s alchemical brilliance, alongside the themes of artificial intelligence, class and power in the works of scriptwriter Chris Boucher, and the titular robots’ legacy, including their reinterpretation in audio and stage plays.

The Black Archive is a series of monographs examining Doctor Who serials, and has so far featured stories like Listen, Doctor Who and the Silurians, and The Massacre. Future instalments include The Awakening, The Day of the Doctor, and The Pandorica Opens/ The Big Bang – the latter by me, so of course, you can expect plenty on that very soon!

The Black Archive: The Robots of Death ebook is available now, and the paperback will be published on 4th May 2020. Order now from Obverse Books, from just £3.99!