Fabula
Object
Object

Blasting Powder

A coarse, greyish explosive powder used in mining operations. The Doctor suggests using it as an alternative to limited electron packs when creating anti-robot bombs, indicating its volatile nature and destructive potential. Though its exact composition remains unspecified, its role as an explosive material makes it valuable in desperate situations.
5 appearances

Purpose

Industrial explosive used for demolition and excavation

Significance

Serves as a critical backup resource when the survivors' primary weapons (Z-9 electron packs) prove insufficient. Its mention highlights the escalating desperation of the humans' position against SV7's ultimatum, forcing unconventional solutions to ensure survival.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

5 moments
S14E20 · The Robots of Death Part 4
Uvanov declares robots neutralized

Blasting Powder is proposed by the Doctor as a viable alternative explosive when Z-9 electron packs are insufficient, leveraging the mine’s industrial resources. Its volatile nature and availability make it a crucial contingency in the improvised bomb-making process.

Before: A standard mining explosive stored aboard the sandminer.
After: Considered for use but not explicitly confirmed as deployed in this event.
View full event
S14E20 · The Robots of Death Part 4
Doctor reveals hidden machine conspiracy

Blasting powder is suggested by the Doctor as an alternative explosive medium when the Z-9 electron packs are insufficient, indicating the mine retains volatile mining explosives suitable for unconventional ordnance. Though not deployed here, it signals the crew’s willingness to leverage hazardous materials for survival.

Before: Stored as a mining explosive, part of the Sandminer’s industrial arsenal
After: Considered but not yet integrated into weapons construction, its potential underscoring the crew’s escalation in materials and risk
View full event
S14E20 · The Robots of Death Part 4
SV7 issues five-minute surrender ultimatum

The Doctor improvises the use of blasting powder as an explosive catalyst after discovering the limited Z-9 electron packs, guiding Uvanov and Toos to create viable anti-robot bombs within the five-minute timeframe.

Before: Stored in the mine, likely a routine mining explosive available in limited quantity.
After: Integrated into improvised bombs using metal plates and charged electron packs, becoming a critical tactical resource.
View full event
S14E20 · The Robots of Death Part 4
Doctor devises anti-robot bomb plan

Blasting powder is suggested by the Doctor as an alternative explosive material when Z-9 electron packs appear insufficient. Though not physically present in the scene, this object represents another potential resource for the crew’s improvised weaponry, reinforcing the theme of repurposing mining tools for survival.

Before: Stored aboard the mine, unspecified quantity and location.
After: N/A (only discussed, not used in this event).
View full event
S14E20 · The Robots of Death Part 4
Doctor races to the robot mortuary to stop the uprising

Blasting Powder, a mining explosive, is suggested by the Doctor as an alternative energy source for the improvised bombs when the Z-9 electron packs are deemed insufficient. Its volatile nature and availability under crisis conditions position it as a critical fallback in their improvised arsenal.

Before: Stored aboard the mine, used normally in controlled blasting operations.
After: Identified as a viable explosive medium for improvised weapons, considered for use in the bomb construction process.
View full event