M is for... Morlox

Giant long-necked lizards native to the planet Karfel, the Morlox lived in a network of caverns close to the citadel. 

The scientist Megelen once carried out genetic experiments on the creatures. The gas Mustakozene-80 was found to stimulate them as it mimicked their pheromones. When a cannister of the substance burst open as he was working with one of the Morlox, it attacked him. However, it also had mutagenic properties and caused their bodies to become fused. He became half Morlox, with their increased strength and longevity as well as some of their physical characteristics. This caused him to become a recluse, ruling the planet from behind the scenes.

One of the creatures was kept chained up in one of the caverns and used by him to dispose of prisoners.

Seeking to create a mate for himself by re-enacting the accident, he had the Doctor's companion Peri shackled in the cavern with a cannister of the gas around her neck.

Appearances: Timelash (1985).

• The story features a young H G Wells, and has references to many of his most popular works. The Morlox were named after the cannibalistic Morlocks from the far future which appear in The Time Machine (1895). The animal-human hybridisation comes from The Island of Dr Moreau (1896).
• Kevin Molloy was VFX designer on Timelash, assisted by Paul Mann.