Master's Radio Impulse for Daffodil Activation

A physical radio device created by the Master in Terror of the Autons Part 4, intended to trigger 450,000 plastic daffodils to release lethal gas, causing mass suffocation. Neutralized when the Doctor seizes the dematerialization circuit.

2 appearances

Purpose

Activate plastic daffodils to release deadly gas, creating chaos for Nestene landing

Significance

Drives the Master's full invasion plot; its threatened deployment escalates the laboratory confrontation into a race to stop the daffodil threat before RAF strike disrupts the quarry

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S8E4 · Terror of the Autons Part 4

Master reveals daffodil invasion plan

The radio impulse for daffodil activation is the Master's intended method of triggering the mass casualties that will disrupt Earth. He brandishes it as his ultimate weapon, confident in its ability to execute his plan. However, the Doctor's threat and Jo's revelation disrupt the Master's confidence, causing him to abandon the immediate activation. This object represents the Nestene Consciousness's control over the invasion, and its untriggered state reflects the Doctor's temporary victory in stalling the apocalypse.

Before: Clutched in the Master's hand, ready to be transmitted via the radio telescope to activate the daffodils.

After: Still in the Master's possession, but its use is delayed as he flees to the quarry, forcing him to adapt his strategy.

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S8E4 · Terror of the Autons Part 4

Master’s assassination attempt thwarted by Jo

The Master’s radio impulse for daffodil activation is a critical object in this event, representing the immediate threat of mass casualties. The Master brandishes it as part of his leverage during the standoff, intending to use it to trigger the daffodils’ deadly mechanism. Jo’s revelation of the RAF’s strike on the quarry forces the Master to abandon his immediate plan to activate the impulse, shifting the focus of the confrontation and buying time for the Doctor to counter the invasion.

Before: Ready to be activated by the Master, representing the immediate threat of mass suffocation.

After: Not activated; the Master retreats without using it, but the threat remains imminent.

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