Doctor Who
Object

Alcohol (Component of Polly's Solvent Mixture)

Alcohol is one of the key solvents identified by Polly and Ben in the Moonbase sickbay, sourced from readily available supplies. It is listed alongside benzene, ether, and acetone before being mixed into their improvised 'Polly cocktail' with epoxy-propane. The alcohol is poured into a fire extinguisher, converting it into a spray weapon aimed at dissolving Cybermen's organic components. Polly initially collects it in solvent bottles for testing material dissolution before repurposing it into the weaponized mixture. The solvent's volatility and corrosive properties are central to the companions' resistance efforts against the Cybermen.
3 appearances

Purpose

Dissolve Cybermens organic components as a component of the solvent mixture loaded into a repurposed fire extinguisher

Significance

Transforms Polly's accidental acetone discovery into a practical weapon, marking the companions shift from defense to offense and highlighting their ingenuity against Cybermen superiority

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments
S4E25 · The Moonbase Part 3
Polly and Ben develop the solvent weapon

The bottles collected by Polly represent the initial, discarded idea for delivering the solvent. Though Ben suggests using them to throw the mixture, he quickly dismisses this in favor of fire extinguishers. Their presence in the scene underscores the improvisational nature of the companions’ plan, as they scavenge whatever is available. The bottles symbolize the raw materials of rebellion—ordinary objects repurposed for extraordinary ends—before being superseded by a more effective solution.

Before: Scattered across the sickbay counter, filled with various chemicals (including acetone), untouched and unremarkable until Polly’s experiment.
After: Abandoned as a delivery method, now empty or set aside as Ben and Polly pivot to fire extinguishers for pressurized spray.
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S4E25 · The Moonbase Part 3
Polly and Ben weaponize the solvent

The alcohol is one of the five solvents Polly and Ben identify in the moonbase sickbay, selected for its corrosive properties to dissolve the Cybermen's organic components. Ben and Polly pour it into the fire extinguisher alongside benzene, ether, acetone, and epoxy-propane, creating the 'Polly cocktail.' The alcohol's volatility adds to the weapon's destructive potential, making it a critical ingredient in their improvised defense. Its inclusion highlights the group's willingness to use any available resource, no matter how dangerous, to survive the Cybermen threat.

Before: Stored in the moonbase sickbay among other chemical supplies, intended for medical or lab use until repurposed for the weapon.
After: Mixed into the 'Polly cocktail' and loaded into the fire extinguisher, now a pressurized, flammable weapon ready for use.
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S4E25 · The Moonbase Part 3
Jamie’s Exclusion and Ben’s Mission

The alcohol in the 'Polly cocktail' serves as a stabilizing agent, balancing the more volatile components like benzene and ether. Polly lists it alongside acetone and epoxy-propane, indicating its carefully calibrated role in the mixture. While not as corrosive as acetone, its inclusion is critical: it ensures the solvent doesn’t degrade too quickly or react unpredictably when sprayed. The alcohol’s presence underscores the scientific rigor behind Polly’s improvisation—a deliberate, methodical approach that contrasts with Ben’s more instinctive, hands-on style. The object’s involvement is subtle but essential, much like Polly’s own role in the team: often overlooked, but indispensable.

Before: Stored in the moonbase sickbay, likely in a labeled bottle or container. Polly has already measured and mixed it into the 'Polly cocktail.'
After: Now part of the pressurized solvent inside the fire extinguisher, contributing to its stability and effectiveness. Its role is functional but symbolic: it represents the team’s need for balance—a balance that is currently lacking due to Ben and Jamie’s conflict.
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