Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Doctor Who: The Myth Makers - A Mixed Mythical Adventure



"The Myth Makers" is a 1965 historical serial from Doctor

Who's classic era, part of the First Doctor's adventures.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide if you'd like to

embark on this journey through Trojan War myths:



Story



The TARDIS materializes in ancient Greece during the Trojan War.

The Doctor, Vicki, Steven, and Barbara find themselves caught

between the Greeks and the Trojans. The Doctor discovers

the Trojan War might be a fabricated story perpetuated

by the manipulative Medusa, a creature from another

world who feeds on human conflict. The companions

get embroiled in the legendary events as the

Doctor tries to expose the truth and prevent

further bloodshed.



Review



Strengths



Unique Blend of History and Myth: The story weaves

together elements of Greek mythology (Trojan War, Medusa)

with historical fiction (Trojan conflict), creating

an intriguing backdrop.



Focus on Companions: The companions play active roles

in the narrative, with Barbara's knowledge of history

proving valuable.



Humorous Elements: The serial has lighter moments

with the Doctor and companions adjusting to ancient

Greece, providing a balance to the historical drama.



Weaknesses



Missing Episodes: Unfortunately, episodes 2 and 3

exist only as photo reconstructions, which can

disrupt the narrative flow for modern viewers.



Limited Historical Accuracy: While inspired

by mythology, the depiction of the Trojan War

might not be entirely historically accurate.



Slow Pacing in Parts (Reconstructions):

The reconstructed sections might feel

slow at times, especially during exposition

scenes explaining the mythology and historical context.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its unique blend of history

and myth, focus on the companions' roles,

and lighter humorous moments. Some fans also

enjoy the concept of the Doctor unraveling

a fabricated mythology.



Negative: Criticised for its missing episodes

that disrupt the narrative, limited historical

accuracy, and slow pacing in certain sections,

especially when relying on reconstructions.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Myth Makers" is an interesting experiment

in merging mythology and historical fiction

in Doctor Who. While the missing episodes

and looser approach to history might be

drawbacks, it offers a thought-provoking

exploration of warfare and the power of stories.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Especially those interested in historical settings

with a mythological twist

and enjoy seeing the companions in action)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10



If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who

and are willing to overlook the limitations

of lost episodes and reconstructions,

"The Myth Makers" might be worth checking out.

However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures

with complete narratives and strict historical

accuracy, you might find it slow and less engaging.



Additional Points to Consider:



This serial is significant for being the First Doctor's

first historical adventure, paving the way

for future historical stories in the show.

"Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space" is a pivotal serial

from the Jon Pertwee era, originally broadcast in 1970.

Here's a review of the serial:



Episode 1: The newly regenerated Third Doctor, played by Jon Pertwee,

is exiled to Earth where he lands in a rural area. The episode

effectively introduces the new Doctor and sets up his dynamic

with UNIT and his companion, Liz Shaw. The Auton threat

is established, creating a sense of mystery and danger. Rating: 9/10



Episode 2: The Auton invasion escalates as more of the plastic creatures

come to life, causing chaos. The Doctor, Liz, and UNIT work together

to investigate and combat the threat. The action sequences are engaging,

and the tension builds as the true scale of the invasion becomes

apparent. Rating: 9/10



Episode 3: The Doctor and his allies continue to uncover the extent

of the Auton threat, leading to some thrilling confrontations.

The pacing remains brisk, and the character dynamics

are well-developed. Rating: 9/10



Episode 4: The climax of the story sees the Doctor

and UNIT launching a final assault on the Autons' base,

leading to a dramatic showdown. The resolution is satisfying,

and the Doctor's resourcefulness shines through. Rating: 9/10



Overall, "Spearhead from Space" is a fantastic Doctor Who serial

that effectively reintroduces the show with a new Doctor

and a fresh direction. Jon Pertwee's portrayal of the Doctor

is charismatic and dynamic, and the story benefits

from strong performances, well-executed action sequences,

and a sense of urgency. The introduction of the Autons

as formidable villains adds to the excitement,

making this serial a standout in the show's history.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Doctor Who: Mission to the Unknown - A Curious Case



"Mission to the Unknown" is a unique entry in Doctor Who lore.

Airing in 1965 as part of the First Doctor's era,

it holds the distinction of being the shortest Doctor Who

story ever, a single 25-minute episode. Here's a breakdown

to help you decide if you want to embark on this brief

but intriguing mission:



Story



This serial does not feature the Doctor and his companions.

Instead, it focuses on space security agents sent

to investigate a distress call from a damaged

alien vessel. Upon arrival, they encounter strange

plant life with mind-altering effects

and the deadly threat of the Daleks,

who were introduced in the previous serial.



Review



Strengths



A Prequel to Dalek Greatness: "Mission to the Unknown"

serves as a prelude to the epic serial

"The Daleks' Master Plan," introducing the Daleks'

master plan and setting the stage for their confrontation

with the Doctor.



Focus on Dalek Threat: This short episode showcases

the ruthlessness and intelligence of the Daleks,

building suspense for their future encounters with the Doctor.



Atmospheric Setting: Despite limited resources, the episode

creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere onboard

the damaged spaceship.



Weaknesses



Lack of the Doctor and Companions: The absence

of the familiar faces might be a drawback for some viewers

accustomed to the Doctor's presence.



Limited Scope Due to Length: Being a single episode,

"Mission to the Unknown" lacks the character development

and plot complexity found in longer serials.



Dated Special Effects: The special effects used

for the alien plants and the Daleks might seem primitive

by modern standards.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its connection to

"The Daleks' Master Plan," focusing on the Dalek threat,

and creating an atmospheric setting within the time

constraints. Some fans also appreciate the experimentation

with a Doctor-lite story.



Negative: Criticised for the absence of the Doctor

and companions, limited scope due to the short length,

and dated special effects.



Overall Thoughts:



"Mission to the Unknown" is a historical curiosity

in Doctor Who. While the lack of the Doctor might

be a turn-off for some, it offers a different

perspective on the Dalek threat

and sets the stage for a larger narrative.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10 (Especially those completing

"The Daleks' Master Plan" and interested in seeing the introduction

of the Dalek masterplan)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 2/10 (The short length

and lack of the Doctor might make it less appealing for modern viewers)





Additional Points to Consider:



This episode was originally intended as the first episode

of "The Daleks' Master Plan" but was later separated due

to scheduling constraints.



If you enjoy "Mission to the Unknown"

and find the concept of stories focusing

on characters besides the Doctor intriguing,

you might want to explore other "Doctor-lite"

episodes produced throughout the show's history.

"Doctor Who: The War Games" is a monumental serial

from the Patrick Troughton era, originally broadcast

in 1969. Here's a review and rating for each episode:



Episode 1: The TARDIS lands in the midst of a First

World War battlefield, but something is amiss.

The Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe soon discover

a much larger conflict spanning across

various historical periods. The episode effectively

establishes the mystery and the scale of the danger. Rating: 9/10



Episode 2: The Doctor and his companions continue to navigate

through different time zones, encountering various groups

of soldiers and realizing the true extent of the War Chief's

manipulation. The tension builds as they try to uncover

the truth. Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: Captured by the War Chief and the War Lord,

the Doctor's situation becomes increasingly dire.

Meanwhile, Jamie and Zoe face their own challenges,

adding depth to the narrative. Rating: 8/10



Episode 4: The Doctor's plan to escape and expose

the War Chief's scheme takes shape, leading

to a thrilling confrontation. The rebellion

gains momentum as the rebels prepare to fight

against their oppressors. Rating: 9/10



Episode 5: The rebellion gains momentum as the Doctor

and his allies prepare for the final showdown against

the War Chief and the War Lord. The action sequences

are intense, and the resolution is both satisfying

and poignant. Rating: 9/10



Episode 6: The climax of the story sees the Doctor

confronting the War Lord and the Time Lords intervening

to put an end to the War Games. The revelations

are shocking, and the consequences of the Doctor's

actions are profound. Rating: 10/10



Episode 7: The Doctor is put on trial by the

Time Lords, and his companions plead his case.

The trial scenes are captivating, offering

insights into the Doctor's character and motivations.

Rating: 9/10



Episode 8: The Doctor's trial continues,

and the truth behind his actions is revealed.

The moral dilemmas faced by the Doctor are explored

in depth, adding layers to the narrative. Rating: 9/10



Episode 9: The Doctor's fate is decided by the Time Lords,

leading to a dramatic conclusion that shakes the very

foundation of the series. The emotional impact is profound,

and the resolution is both poignant and thought-provoking. Rating: 10/10



Episode 10: The Doctor's exile is enforced by the Time Lords,

and he says his goodbyes to Jamie and Zoe. The farewell scenes

are bittersweet, marking the end of an era while hinting

at new adventures to come. Rating: 9/10



Overall, "The War Games" is an epic Doctor Who serial

that delivers a gripping storyline, memorable characters,

and thought-provoking themes. It's a fitting conclusion

to Patrick Troughton's era and a milestone

in the show's history. Overall Rating: 9/10

Doctor Who: Galaxy 4 - A Mixed Bag on a Lost Planet



"Galaxy 4" is a lost serial from Doctor Who's classic era, originally airing in 1965 as part of the First Doctor's tenure. Due to missing episodes, reconstructions are used to view the story, which can affect the overall experience. Here's a breakdown to help you decide if you'd like to venture to this mysterious planet:



Story



The TARDIS lands on a seemingly barren planet called Galaxy 4. The Doctor, Steven, and Vicki encounter the ammonia-based alien race, the Rills, who communicate telepathically and appear somewhat repulsive due to their reliance on ammonia environments. Meanwhile, a group of humanoid aliens called the Drahvins arrive, claiming ownership of the planet. The companions get caught in the middle of this conflict while the Doctor tries to unravel the truth about Galaxy 4 and the intentions of both alien races.



Review



Strengths



Unique Alien Concepts: The story introduces the concepts of ammonia-based life forms (the Rills) and telepathic communication, which were original ideas for television at the time.

Moral Complexity: The serial doesn't present clear-cut heroes and villains. Both the Rills and the Drahvins have their own motivations, raising questions about perception and prejudice.

Strong Voice Acting (Rills): Despite not being seen fully, the voice acting for the Rills is considered a highlight, bringing them to life in a memorable way.



Weaknesses



Missing Episodes: Unfortunately, a large portion of "Galaxy 4" is lost, with only reconstructions available. This can disrupt the narrative flow and make certain plot points less clear for modern viewers.

Dated Special Effects: The visual effects used for the alien races and the planet itself might seem primitive by modern standards, especially when relying on reconstructions.

Slow Pacing in Parts (Reconstructions): The reconstructed version might feel slow at times, especially during exposition scenes explaining the alien races and the conflict on the planet.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its unique alien concepts, exploration of moral complexity, and strong voice acting for the Rills. Some fans also appreciate the subversion of expectations regarding the alien races.



Negative: Criticized for its large amount of missing episodes that hinder the narrative, dated special effects (especially noticeable in reconstructions), and slow pacing in certain sections.



Overall Thoughts:



"Galaxy 4" has interesting ideas but suffers from the limitations of its era and the loss of episodes. While the reconstructions might not be ideal, the story offers a glimpse into the inventiveness of early Doctor Who and explores thought-provoking themes about appearances being deceitful.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 5/10 (Especially those interested in the show's exploration of alien societies and moral dilemmas, but be prepared for the missing episodes)

For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 3/10



If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who and are willing to overlook the limitations of lost episodes and reconstructions, "

"Doctor Who: The Space Pirates" is a Doctor Who serial from the Patrick Troughton era, originally broadcast in 1969. Here's a review of the serial:



Episode 1: The story starts with the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe arriving on a space beacon where they encounter a mysterious group of space pirates. The introduction sets up an intriguing premise, but the pacing feels somewhat slow. Rating: 6/10



Episode 2: The Doctor and his companions continue to investigate the disappearance of a missing Earth cargo ship and encounter various characters, including the ruthless space pirate Caven. The tension begins to build, but the story feels somewhat disjointed. Rating: 6/10



Episode 3: The Doctor and his companions are separated, and they each face their own challenges while trying to uncover the truth behind the space pirate operation. The plot progresses, but some scenes feel drawn out. Rating: 6/10



Episode 4: The climax of the story sees the Doctor and his allies devising a plan to stop the space pirates and rescue the captured spaceship. The action sequences are engaging, but the resolution feels somewhat rushed. Rating: 7/10



Overall, "The Space Pirates" is considered one of the weaker serials of the Second Doctor era. While it has an interesting premise and some moments of excitement, the pacing is inconsistent, and the story lacks the depth and cohesion found in other serials of the era. The absence of existing footage for most of the episodes also hampers the viewing experience. Overall Rating: 6.25/10

Doctor Who: The Time Meddler - A Monk Mishap



"The Time Meddler" is a 1965 serial from Doctor

Who's classic era, part of the First Doctor's adventures.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide if you'd like to

embark on this timey-wimey adventure with a meddling menace:



Story



The TARDIS materializes on the Northumbrian coast in the

11th century. The Doctor, Vicki, and Steven encounter

a mysterious figure called the Monk who is tampering

with history by aiding the Vikings

against the Saxons. The Doctor must foil

the Monk's interference and ensure the historical

timeline remains relatively unchanged, all while

dealing with anachronisms caused by the Monk's meddling.



Review



Strengths:



Introduction of the Meddling Monk: This serial introduces

the Monk, a time-traveling renegade who becomes a recurring

foe of the Doctor. He presents an interesting contrast

to the Doctor, willing to alter history for his own gain.



Focus on Historical Preservation: The story highlights

the importance of preserving the flow of time

and the unintended consequences of historical manipulation.



Early Exploration of Time Travel Dilemmas: "The Time Meddler"

touches upon the ethical dilemmas of time travel

and the Doctor's responsibility to safeguard history.



Weaknesses:



Limited Special Effects: The special effects used for the Monk

and certain historical elements might seem primitive

by modern standards.



Slow Pacing in Parts: The narrative can feel slow at times,

especially during exposition scenes explaining the Monk's

motivations and the historical context.



Repetitive Nature of the Conflict: The Doctor and the Monk

essentially play a game of cat and mouse throughout

the serial, which might feel repetitive for some viewers.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its introduction of the Meddling

Monk, focus on historical preservation, and early

exploration of time travel dilemmas. Some fans

also enjoy the contrast between the Doctor and the Monk.



Negative: Criticized for its limited special effects,

slow pacing in certain sections, and somewhat

repetitive nature of the Doctor versus the Monk conflict.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Time Meddler" offers an interesting introduction

to a recurring villain and explores the concept

of responsible time travel. While the pacing might

be slow for modern viewers, it provides a glimpse

into the development of Doctor Who's lore

and the challenges of maintaining the timeline.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Especially those interested in the show's

recurring villains and exploration of time travel consequences)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10



If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who

and enjoy the introduction of new adversaries,

"The Time Meddler" might be worth checking out.

However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures with

cutting-edge special effects, you might find it

dated and less engaging.



Additional Points to Consider:



The Meddling Monk would go on to appear in a few other

classic Doctor Who stories, becoming a foil to the Doctor's morality.



If you enjoy "The Time Meddler" and find the concept

"Doctor Who: The Seeds of Death" is a classic serial

from the Patrick Troughton era, originally broadcast

in 1969. Here's a review of the serial:



Episode 1: The TARDIS lands in the 21st century Earth

where the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe find a world reliant

on the T-Mat, a teleportation system. The introduction

of the T-Mat system and the mystery surrounding

its malfunctioning set a promising stage for the story. Rating: 7/10



Episode 2: The tension escalates as it's revealed that

the Ice Warriors are behind the disruption of the T-Mat system.

The Ice Warriors' presence adds an element of danger

and urgency to the story. Rating: 7/10



Episode 3: The Doctor and his companions, along with

the Earth crew, attempt to stop the Ice Warriors' takeover.

The suspense builds as they face various challenges,

including sabotage and attacks by the Ice Warriors. Rating: 7/10



Episode 4: The climax of the story sees the Doctor devising a plan

to defeat the Ice Warriors and save Earth. The action sequences

are engaging, and the resolution is satisfying. Rating: 8/10



Overall, "The Seeds of Death" is a solid Doctor Who serial

with a compelling storyline, memorable villains in the form

of the Ice Warriors, and strong performances from the cast,

particularly Patrick Troughton as the Second Doctor.

The serial effectively combines elements of science fiction

and suspense to create an engaging adventure. Overall Rating: 7.25/10

Doctor Who: The Chase - A Dalek Extravaganza



"The Chase" is a classic Doctor Who adventure from 1965,

part of the Second Doctor's regeneration cycle.

It holds a special place in the show's history

for bringing back the iconic villains, the Daleks.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide if you'd like

to join this thrilling chase through time and space:



Story



The Doctor and his companions, Barbara and Ian,

land on the desert planet Aridius. While exploring,

they encounter the peaceful Aridians under

threat of Dalek invasion. It turns out the

Daleks have constructed their own time machine

and are determined to exterminate the Doctor

throughout history. The narrative follows

the Doctor, Barbara, and Ian on

a desperate chase through various

time periods and locations like

the Empire State Building, the Mary Celeste,

and even a haunted house,

all while being pursued by the ruthless Daleks.



Review



Strengths:



Iconic Dalek Story: "The Chase" is considered

one of the best Dalek stories ever written.

It showcases their intelligence, ruthlessness,

and vulnerability in a high-stakes chase across time.



High-Concept Premise: The idea of the Daleks hunting

the Doctor through various points in history is inventive

and keeps the narrative engaging.



Companion Performances: Barbara and Ian play pivotal

roles in helping the Doctor throughout the chase,

showcasing their courage and resourcefulness.



Weaknesses:



Dated Special Effects: While groundbreaking for its time,

the special effects used for the Daleks

and the various historical settings might seem primitive

by modern standards.



Repetitive Dialogue: The Daleks' catchphrases ("Exterminate!")

might become repetitive for some viewers after a while.



Uneven Pacing at Times: The story switches between

different time periods quickly, which can disrupt

the flow for some viewers.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its iconic status, high-concept

premise, memorable chase sequence, and strong companion

performances. This serial solidified the Daleks

as the Doctor's arch-nemesis.



Negative: Criticized for its dated special effects,

repetitive dialogue from the Daleks,

and uneven pacing as the narrative jumps between time periods.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Chase" is a landmark serial in Doctor Who history.

While the production values might not hold up entirely today,

it offers a thrilling adventure and an important chapter

in the ongoing conflict between the Doctor and the Daleks.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 8/10 (A must-watch

for understanding the significance of the Daleks

and appreciating the Second Doctor's era)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 6/10 (It might be enjoyable

for its historical setting hopping and iconic villain focus,

but be prepared for the limitations of classic Doctor Who production)



Additional Points to Consider:



This serial introduced the Daleks' iconic battle cry "Exterminate!"

which has become synonymous with the show and the Daleks themselves.



If you enjoy "The Chase" and find yourself intrigued by the Daleks,

you might also appreciate

Doctor Who: The Space Museum - A Review with Timey-Wimey Twists



"The Space Museum" is a 1965 serial from Doctor Who's classic era,

part of the First Doctor's adventures. Here's a breakdown to help

you decide if you'd like to embark on this journey through a museum

of galactic conquests:



Story



The TARDIS lands on a seemingly empty planet. The Doctor, Ian,

Barbara, and Vicki soon discover it's actually a giant

space museum dedicated to the victories of the ruthless

Morok race. However, things get complicated when our heroes

find themselves stuck in a time loop, witnessing

their own capture and display as museum exhibits.

The Doctor must unravel the mystery of the time loop

and find a way to escape becoming permanent museum

pieces themselves.



Review



Strengths:



Unique Premise: The concept of a space museum housing artifacts

from across the universe is inventive and intriguing. It allows

for glimpses of past alien civilizations defeated by the Morok.



Early Introduction of Time Loop: This serial is one of the first

Doctor Who stories to feature a time loop narrative, which was

a novel concept at the the time.



Focus on Companions: The companions play a significant

role in trying to break the time loop, showcasing their

resourcefulness and courage.



Weaknesses:



Limited Special Effects: The special effects used for

the space museum and the Morok costumes might seem primitive

by modern standards.



Repetitive Nature of Time Loop: While initially intriguing,

the time loop narrative can feel repetitive as the events

cycle back on themselves.



Mixed Pacing: The story starts strong with the museum

exploration but can drag in the middle sections

as the companions try to break the loop.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its unique premise, early use

of a time loop narrative, and focus on

the companions' roles in solving the problem.

Some fans also enjoy the sense of mystery and suspense.



Negative: Criticized for its dated special effects,

repetitive nature of the time loop, and uneven

pacing throughout the serial.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Space Museum" has an interesting concept

but suffers from the limitations of its era.

While the time loop might feel repetitive

for modern viewers, it offers a glimpse into

the inventiveness of early Doctor Who

and a thought-provoking puzzle for the Doctor

and companions to solve.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Especially those interested in the show's

development of narrative concepts and companion roles)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10



If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who

and are willing to overlook the dated effects,

"The Space Museum" might be worth checking out

for its unique premise and early use of a time

loop. However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures

with cutting-edge special effects, you might

find it slow and less engaging.

Doctor Who: The Crusade - A Mixed Bag in the Holy Land



"The Crusade" is a four-episode historical serial from

Doctor Who's classic era, airing in 1965 as part of the

First Doctor's tenure. Here's a breakdown to help you

decide if you'd like to embark on this timey-wimey pilgrimage:



Story



The TARDIS materialises in 1191 during the Third Crusade.

The Doctor, Susan, Barbara, and Ian find themselves caught

between King Richard the Lionheart of England and Saladin,

the Muslim leader. As political intrigue and warfare

unfold, the companions get separated, and the Doctor

must navigate the complexities of the conflict while

trying to reunite with his friends.



Review



Strengths



Exploration of Historical Context: "The Crusade" attempts

to depict the Third Crusade from multiple perspectives,

offering a glimpse into the political climate

and cultural clash of the era.



Character Development: The serial allows for Barbara

to shine as her knowledge of history becomes an asset.

We also see the companions grappling with the morality

of war and the importance of tolerance.



Guest Star Performances: The serial features well-regarded

guest stars like Julian Glover and Jean Marsh, who elevate

the drama with their performances.



Weaknesses



Missing Episodes: Unfortunately, episodes 2 and 3 of "The Crusade"

exist only as photo reconstructions, which can disrupt the narrative

flow for modern viewers.



Limited Scope by Modern Standards: The historical depiction might

seem simplistic compared to modern productions with richer detail

and cultural nuance.



Slow Pacing in Parts: The story can feel slow at times,

especially during exposition scenes explaining the historical context

and political landscape.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its attempt to tackle a complex historical

period, character development for Barbara, and strong guest star

performances. Some fans also appreciate the themes of war

and tolerance.



Negative: Criticised for its missing episodes that disrupt

the narrative, limited historical scope, and slow pacing

in certain sections.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Crusade" is an interesting experiment in historical Doctor Who.

While the missing episodes and simplistic historical depiction might

be drawbacks for some viewers, it offers a thought-provoking

exploration of war and cultural understanding through

the companions' eyes.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Especially those interested in historical stories

and character development for the companions)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10



If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who

and enjoy historical settings, "The Crusade"

might be worth checking out despite the missing episodes.

However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures with complete

narratives and a more nuanced approach to history,

you might find it slow and less engaging.



Additional Points to Consider:



This serial is considered significant for being the First Doctor's

first historical adventure, paving the way for future historical

stories in the show.



If you enjoy "The Crusade" for its exploration of historical conflict

and the companions' roles

"The Mind Robber" is a Doctor Who serial from the Patrick Troughton era, originally broadcast in 1968. Here's a review and rating for each episode:



Episode 1: The TARDIS is forced out of normal space and time, leading the Doctor and his companions into a mysterious and surreal world. The introduction of the white void and the appearance of the mysterious figure effectively set up an intriguing premise. Rating: 8/10



Episode 2: The Doctor and his companions find themselves in a strange world where fiction becomes reality, encountering characters from various literary works. The concept is fascinating, and the pacing remains engaging. Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: The story continues to unfold as the Doctor and his companions navigate through different literary landscapes, facing new challenges and dangers. The creativity in adapting literary elements into the Doctor Who universe is commendable. Rating: 8/10



Episode 4: Tension builds as the Doctor and his companions try to escape the clutches of the Master of the Land of Fiction. The surreal nature of the story adds to the suspense, and the resolution is both satisfying and clever. Rating: 9/10



Episode 5: The Doctor and his companions face their greatest challenge yet as they confront the Master of the Land of Fiction and try to find a way back to reality. The climax is thrilling, and the conclusion ties up the story neatly. Rating: 9/10



Overall, "The Mind Robber" is a highly imaginative and surreal Doctor Who serial that stands out for its creativity and originality. The concept of a world where fiction comes to life is executed brilliantly, making it one of the highlights of the Troughton era. Overall Rating: 8.4/10

"The Web Planet" is a serial from Doctor Who's classic era, originally airing in 1964 as part of the First Doctor's tenure. It holds a somewhat mixed reputation, so here's a breakdown to help you decide if you'd like to watch it:



Story



The TARDIS lands on a seemingly barren planet covered in webs. The Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara encounter the Zarbi, insectoid humanoids who control the planet through a massive web intelligence called the Animus. The companions get caught in the webs and must find a way to free themselves and defeat the Animus while the Doctor negotiates with the Zarbi.



Review



Strengths



Early Exploration of Alien Concepts: The story introduces the idea of a sentient web intelligence and insectoid humanoids, which were unique concepts for television at the time.

Focus on Teamwork: The companions must work together to escape the webs and overcome challenges, showcasing their resourcefulness and camaraderie.

Moral Complexity: The Zarbi are not inherently evil, but their reliance on the Animus raises questions about blind obedience and the dangers of a hivemind mentality.



Weaknesses



Low-Budget Special Effects: The special effects used for the webs and the Zarbi costumes might seem primitive and unconvincing by modern standards.

Slow Pacing: The narrative can feel slow at times, especially during scenes explaining the situation on the planet and the Animus' power.

Repetitive Dialogue: The Zarbi have a limited vocabulary, which can lead to repetitive dialogue and exposition scenes.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its unique concepts, early exploration of alien societies, and focus on companionship. Some fans also appreciate the underlying themes of control and free will.



Negative: Criticized for its low-budget special effects, slow pacing, repetitive dialogue, and somewhat uninspired monster design for the Zarbi.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Web Planet" has interesting ideas but suffers from production limitations of its time. While the story might feel slow for modern viewers, it offers a glimpse into the inventiveness of early Doctor Who and explores thought-provoking themes.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 5/10 (Especially those interested in the show's history and development)

For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 3/10



If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who and are willing to overlook the low-budget effects, "The Web Planet" might be worth checking out for its unique concepts. However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures with cutting-edge special effects, you might find it dated and less exciting.



Additional Points to Consider:



This serial introduced the concept of the TARDIS being a living entity, which would be touched upon in later stories.

If you enjoy "The Web Planet" for its exploration of alien societies and moral dilemmas, you might also appreciate other classic Doctor Who stories like "The Sensorites" or "The Ark."



Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch "The Web Planet" depends on your personal preferences and your tolerance for slow pacing, low-budget effects, and stories with

"The Dominators" is a Doctor Who serial from the Patrick Troughton era, originally broadcast in 1968. Here's a review and rating for each episode:



Episode 1: The story starts with the TARDIS landing on the planet Dulkis, where the Doctor and his companions encounter the pacifist Dulcians and the aggressive Dominators. The introduction effectively sets up the conflict and establishes the setting. Rating: 7/10



Episode 2: Tension begins to build as the Dominators' plan to use the planet's resources becomes clearer. The Doctor and his companions try to warn the Dulcians, but their pacifism hinders their ability to respond effectively. Rating: 7/10



Episode 3: The situation escalates as the Dominators begin their drilling operation, threatening the very existence of Dulkis. The Doctor and his companions must find a way to stop them before it's too late. Rating: 7/10



Episode 4: The conflict between the Dominators and the Dulcians comes to a head, leading to a climactic showdown. The action sequences are engaging, but some may find the resolution slightly underwhelming. Rating: 6/10



Episode 5: The Doctor's plan to defeat the Dominators takes shape, leading to some tense and exciting moments. However, the pacing feels somewhat uneven, and the story drags in places. Rating: 6/10



Overall, "The Dominators" is a somewhat average Doctor Who serial with an interesting premise but execution that falls short in some aspects. While it has its moments, it's not among the strongest stories of the era. Overall Rating: 6.6/10

"The Romans" is a historical adventure from Doctor Who's classic era,

originally airing in 1965 as part of the First Doctor's tenure.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide if you'd enjoy it:



Story



The TARDIS materializes in ancient Rome, landing the Doctor

and his companions, Ian and Barbara, right in the middle

of political intrigue. Mistaken for a powerful seer,

the Doctor must navigate the dangers of the Roman court

while trying to find a way back to their own time.

Expect chariot races, gladiatorial combat, and a healthy dose

of slapstick humour.



Review



Strengths



Comedy Gold (for Classic Who): "The Romans" is considered

one of the First Doctor's funniest stories. The Doctor's

interactions with the Romans, his attempts to blend in,

and the general misunderstandings create lighthearted entertainment.



Early Historical Exploration: While historical accuracy

wasn't a major focus in early Doctor Who, "The Romans"

offers a glimpse into ancient Roman society and culture.



Character Development: The story allows for the development

of the relationship between the Doctor and his companions,

particularly the Doctor and Vicki (introduced in the previous serial).



Weaknesses



Campy Humour by Modern Standards: The humor in "The Romans"

might be considered campy or over-the-top by modern viewers

accustomed to more subtle comedy.



Limited Special Effects: The special effects used for ancient

Rome and any fantastical elements might seem primitive by today's

standards.



Historical Inaccuracy: As mentioned, historical accuracy wasn't

a priority. Viewers seeking a realistic depiction of ancient

Rome might be disappointed.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its humour, lighthearted adventure,

and early attempts at exploring historical settings.

Some fans also enjoy the dynamics

between the Doctor and his companions.



Negative: Criticized for its campy humor,

lack of historical accuracy, and somewhat

unconvincing special effects.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Romans" is a fun and comedic romp through time. While

it might not be the most serious historical adventure,

it offers a charming escape with memorable interactions

between the Doctor and his companions.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 7/10

(Especially those who enjoy the First Doctor's comedic flair)

For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 5/10



If you're open to campy humor and enjoy classic Doctor Who's

lighter adventures, "The Romans" is worth checking out.

However, if you prefer serious historical stories

with cutting-edge special effects, you might find it dated

and less appealing.



Additional Points to Consider:



"The Romans" is considered a significant serial for being

the First Doctor's first comedy-focused story, paving the

way for future adventures with a more humourous bent.



If you enjoy "The Romans," you might also appreciate

other classic Doctor Who stories that feature the Doctor

and companions in historical settings, like "The Aztecs"

or "Marco Polo" (though the latter is unfortunately lost).



Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch "The Romans"

depends on your personal preferences and your tolerance

for campy humour and a less serious approach

to historical settings.