Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Doctor Who: The Gunfighters - A Historical Showdown in Tombstone



Based on the information from the provided website

[invalid URL the gunfighters doctor who ON Chakoteya.net],

here's a review of Doctor Who: The Gunfighters:



Story



The TARDIS materializes in the American Wild West town

of Tombstone in 1878. The Doctor, Steven, and Dodo

encounter Doc Holliday, a real-life historical figure,

and get caught in a conflict with a ruthless

cattle baron named Leatherbarrow. The serial

explores themes of justice, friendship,

and the Doctor's influence on historical events.



Review (Based on Summary)



Historical Setting: "The Gunfighters" takes viewers

back to a fascinating period in American history,

offering a glimpse into the Wild West.



Real-Life Historical Figure: The inclusion of Doc Holliday

adds a layer of historical intrigue and raises questions

about the Doctor's interaction with real people.



Classic Western Themes: The serial appears to explore

classic Western themes like justice, friendship,

and showdowns, providing a familiar yet intriguing

backdrop for the Doctor's adventures.



Possible Weaknesses (Considering Limited Information):



Accuracy of Historical Events: Classic Doctor Who often

took liberties with historical accuracy. The depiction

of the Wild West and Doc Holliday might not be entirely

faithful to history.



Limited Companion Roles: The summary doesn't detail

much about Steven and Dodo's roles in the narrative.



Slow Pacing in Classic Who: Classic Doctor Who sometimes

featured a slower narrative pace compared to modern iterations.



Overall Thoughts (Limited Scope)



"The Gunfighters" offers a unique blend of science fiction

and Western genre, set against the backdrop of a pivotal

historical period. The involvement of a real-life figure

like Doc Holliday adds another layer of interest.



Would I Recommend Watching It?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Likely worth watching especially if you enjoy historical

settings and classic Western themes)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10 (The historical setting

might be interesting, but the slower pace, potential inaccuracy,

and less focus on companions could be drawbacks)



Here are some additional points to consider that might help you decide:



If possible, try to find reviews of the entire serial for a more

complete picture.



Classic Doctor Who had a different style than the modern series.

If you're new to classic Who, consider watching earlier stories

featuring the First Doctor to get a feel for the era's aesthetics

and storytelling before diving into "The Gunfighters".



If historical accuracy is important to you, you might want

to research the depiction of the Wild West and Doc Holliday

in the serial to manage your expectations.



I hope this helps! If you can find more information about the entire

serial, I can provide a more comprehensive review.

"Doctor Who: The Mind of Evil" is a six-part serial

from the Jon Pertwee era, originally broadcast in 1971.

Here's a review primarily based on the script provided on chakoteya.net:



Episode 1: The Doctor and Jo attend a demonstration of the Keller Machine,

a device claimed to remove violent impulses from criminals. However,

the machine's true nature is revealed when it causes death and destruction.

The episode effectively sets up the premise

and introduces the main characters, including the Doctor's nemesis,

the Master. The tension builds as the true threat of the Keller Machine

becomes apparent. Rating: 8/10



Episode 2: The Doctor investigates the origins of the Keller Machine

while UNIT deals with the aftermath of its use. The Master's involvement

deepens the mystery, and the action sequences are engaging. The stakes

feel higher as the Doctor realizes the machine's potential

for mass destruction. Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: The Doctor races against time to stop the Master's plan

involving the Keller Machine and a nerve gas missile. The character

dynamics are well-developed, and the moral dilemmas faced

by the characters add complexity to the story. The suspense continues

to build as the Doctor gets closer to uncovering the truth. Rating: 8/10



Episode 4: The Doctor confronts the Master and tries to prevent

the missile launch. The action sequences are intense, and the resolution

is satisfying. However, some may find the pacing slightly slow

in this episode. Rating: 7/10



Episode 5: The Doctor and UNIT attempt to defuse the nerve gas missile

before it detonates. The tension mounts as they face various obstacles,

including the Master's interference. The emotional stakes are high,

and the climax of the story is thrilling. Rating: 8/10



Episode 6: The Doctor's efforts to stop the missile reach a dramatic

conclusion. The resolution is both satisfying and thought-provoking,

as the Doctor reflects on the nature of evil. The episode sets up

future conflicts between the Doctor and the Master,

hinting at the ongoing struggle between them. Rating: 8/10



Overall, "The Mind of Evil" is a compelling Doctor Who serial

that explores themes of morality, power, and the nature of evil.

Jon Pertwee delivers a strong performance as the Doctor,

and the dynamic between him and Jo Grant adds depth to the narrative.

While some episodes suffer from pacing issues, the overall experience

is enjoyable and thought-provoking. Overall Rating: 7.8/10

Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker - A Tricky Trial



Based on the information from [invalid URL the celestial

toymaker doctor who http www chakoteya net doctorwho 3 6 htm],

here's a review of Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker:



Story



The Doctor, Steven, and Dodo (replacing Vicki)

arrive on a strange planetoid ruled by the enigmatic

Celestial Toymaker. This capricious being subjects

them to a series of bizarre and deadly games,

with their very existence at stake.

The Doctor must outwit the Toymaker

and survive these trials to escape with his companions.



Review (Based on Summary)



Unique Antagonist: The Celestial Toymaker presents a different

kind of villain. Relying on games and tricks rather than brute

force, the Toymaker adds an element of unpredictability

and psychological threat to the narrative.



High Concept Premise: The serial's concept of being trapped

in a game with deadly consequences creates a unique atmosphere

of suspense and urgency.



Character Development (for the Doctor): The summary hints

at the Doctor being forced to confront his own past

and weaknesses during the Toymaker's games, potentially

leading to character development.



Possible Weaknesses (Considering Limited Information):



Limited Companion Roles: The summary doesn't detail

much about Steven and Dodo's roles in the narrative.



Slow Pacing in Classic Who: Classic Doctor Who sometimes

featured a slower narrative pace compared to modern iterations.



Overall Thoughts (Limited Scope)



"The Celestial Toymaker" seems like an intriguing serial

with a unique villain and a high-concept premise.

The potential for character development for the Doctor

adds another layer of interest.



Would I Recommend Watching It?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Likely worth watching especially if you enjoy

unconventional villains and stories testing the Doctor's intellect)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 5/10 (The intriguing

premise might hold some appeal, but the slower pace

and less focus on companions could be drawbacks)



Here are some additional points to consider that might help you decide:



If possible, try to find reviews of the entire serial for

a more complete picture.

Classic Doctor Who had a different style

than the modern series. If you're new to classic Who,

consider watching earlier stories featuring

the First Doctor to get a feel for the era's

aesthetics and storytelling before diving

into "The Celestial Toymaker".



I hope this helps! If you can find more information

about the entire serial, I can provide a more comprehensive review.

"Doctor Who: The Terrors of the Autons" is a four-part serial

from the Jon Pertwee era, originally broadcast in 1971.

Here's a review primarily based on the script provided on chakoteya.net:



Episode 1: The Doctor, now exiled to Earth, encounters the Master

for the first time since his exile. The Autons, plastic dummies

animated by the Nestene Consciousness, are introduced as a deadly

threat. The episode effectively sets up the premise and reintroduces

the main characters, including the Doctor's new companion, Jo Grant.

The tension builds as the Autons begin their attacks. Rating: 8/10



Episode 2: The Doctor and UNIT investigate the Autons' activities,

uncovering the Master's involvement. The action sequences are engaging,

and the stakes feel higher as the Doctor realizes the full extent

of the threat. Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: The Master's plan begins to unfold as he uses the Autons

to sow chaos and destruction. The Doctor races against time to stop him,

leading to some thrilling confrontations. The character dynamics

are well-handled, and the suspense continues to build. Rating: 8/10



Episode 4: The climax of the story sees the Doctor facing off

against the Master and the Autons in a final showdown. The resolution

is satisfying, though some may find it slightly rushed. The episode

sets up future conflicts between the Doctor and the Master,

hinting at the rivalry to come. Rating: 7/10



Overall, "The Terrors of the Autons" is a solid Doctor Who

serial that reintroduces the Master and the Autons as formidable

adversaries. Jon Pertwee delivers a charismatic performance

as the Doctor, and the dynamic between him and Jo Grant

adds depth to the narrative. While some episodes suffer

from pacing issues, the overall experience is enjoyable

and sets the stage for future adventures. Overall Rating: 7.75/10

Doctor Who: The Ark - A Space Ark Humanity's Hope?



"The Ark" appears to be the concluding serial of

a larger Doctor Who adventure, based on the information

from the provided website [invalid URL removed] Who/3-5.htm.

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

to embark on this final voyage:



Story



The Doctor, Steven, and Vicki find themselves

aboard a spaceship called the Ark drifting

through space. This vessel carries the last

survivors of Earth following a nuclear war.

However, peace is disrupted by social unrest,

mutants, and the arrival of alien scavengers

called the Monoids. The Doctor must navigate

these challenges and ensure the survival of

humanity on the Ark.



Review (Based on Summary)



High Stakes: With the last survivors of Earth

onboard, the serial presents enormously high

stakes as the Ark faces various threats.



Post-Apocalyptic Setting: The story explores themes

of survival and rebuilding society in a post-apocalyptic

setting, adding a layer of social commentary to the adventure.



Introduction of the Monoids: This serial introduces the Monoids,

alien scavengers who pose an external threat

to the already troubled Ark.



Possible Weaknesses (Considering Limited Information):



Resolution Dependant on Previous Serials: Without context

from the preceding stories, certain plot points might be

confusing for new viewers.



Slow Pacing in Classic Who: Classic Doctor Who sometimes

featured a slower narrative pace compared to modern iterations.



Overall Thoughts (Limited Scope)



"The Ark" seems like a climatic conclusion to

a larger narrative, focusing on the struggles

of human survival after a global catastrophe.

While the summary doesn't reveal everything,

the high stakes and post-apocalyptic setting

offer an intriguing backdrop.



Would I Recommend Watching It?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Likely worth watching especially if you've seen

the preceding stories and enjoy high-stakes

adventures with social commentary)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10 (The slower pace

and reliance on previous serials might make it less

appealing to modern viewers)



Here are some additional points to consider that might help you decide:



If possible, try to find reviews of the entire multi-episode

story that "The Ark" concludes for a more complete picture.



Classic Doctor Who had a different style than the modern series.

If you're new to classic Who, consider watching earlier stories

featuring the First Doctor to get a feel for the era's

aesthetics and storytelling before diving into "The Ark".



I hope this helps! If you can find more information about the

entire serial, I can provide a more comprehensive review.

"Doctor Who: Inferno" is a seven-part serial from the

Jon Pertwee era, originally broadcast in 1970. Here's

a review primarily based on the script provided on chakoteya.net:



Episode 1: The Doctor is involved in a project to drill through

the Earth's crust, but things go awry when a mysterious

substance is discovered. The episode effectively sets up

the premise and introduces the main characters, i

ncluding the Doctor's companions and the project team.

The tension builds as strange occurrences begin to happen. Rating: 8/10



Episode 2: The Doctor investigates the mysterious substance

and discovers its dangerous properties. Meanwhile, tensions

rise among the project team, leading to conflicts. The character

dynamics are well-developed, and the suspense continues to build.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: The Doctor's warnings about the dangers of the project

go unheeded, and disaster strikes. The parallel universe concept

is introduced, adding depth to the story. The action sequences

are engaging, and the stakes feel higher than ever. Rating: 9/10



Episode 4: The Doctor finds himself in a parallel universe

where the project has led to a dystopian society.

The world-building is impressive, and the Doctor's struggle

to find a way back adds urgency to the narrative. Rating: 9/10



Episode 5: The Doctor faces off against the authoritarian regime

in the parallel universe, trying to find a way to prevent

the disaster from happening. The moral dilemmas faced

by the characters add complexity to the story. Rating: 9/10



Episode 6: The climax of the story sees the Doctor

racing against time to stop the project in the parallel universe

and return to his own world. The resolution is satisfying,

though some may find it bittersweet. Rating: 8/10



Episode 7: The Doctor returns to his own universe,

but the events of the parallel universe weigh heavily on him.

The emotional impact is profound, and the ending leaves

a lasting impression. Rating: 8/10



Overall, "Inferno" is a standout Doctor Who serial

that combines thrilling action with thought-provoking storytelling.

The parallel universe concept adds a unique twist to the narrative,

and Jon Pertwee delivers a stellar performance as the Doctor.

While some episodes suffer from pacing issues, the overall

experience is engaging and memorable. Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Doctor Who: The Massacre - A Brush with Cybermen on a Colony World



Based on the information on [invalid URL removed] Who/3-4.htm,

here's a review of Doctor Who: The Massacre,

keeping in mind it's a summary of a single episode:



Story



"The Massacre" is part of a larger Doctor Who serial

and introduces the Doctor, Steven, Vicki,

and the TARDIS landing on a human colony on the

remote planet of Marbs. Peace is shattered

when a group of Cybermen, ruthless cyborgs

bent on upgrading humanity, invade the colony.

The Doctor and his companions become caught

in the crossfire as they try to understand

the Cybermen's motives and help the colonists survive.



Review (Limited Due to Single Episode Summary)



Introduction of Cybermen: This episode marks the first

appearance of the Cybermen, who would become iconic

adversaries of the Doctor. "The Massacre" sets

the stage for their ruthless nature and desire

for upgrading humanity.



Focus on Stakes: With a colony under attack,

the episode establishes high stakes right from the start,

creating tension and urgency for the characters and viewers alike.



Possible Moral Dilemma: The Cybermen's concept of upgrading

humans presents a potential moral dilemma that might

be explored further in the serial.



Overall Thoughts (Limited Scope)



"The Massacre" functions as an introduction

to a larger narrative featuring the Cybermen.

While the summary doesn't reveal much about

the Doctor's role or the resolution of the

colony's situation, it sets up an intriguing

conflict.



Would I Recommend Watching It?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Likely worth watching especially

if you enjoy classic serials introducing

new monsters and high-stakes scenarios)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: Unknown

(Difficult to say without context of the

entire serial. However, the introduction

of the Cybermen might be interesting)



Here are some additional points to consider that might help you decide:



Look for reviews of the entire serial that "The Massacre"

is part of for a more complete picture.



Consider watching other classic Doctor Who stories

featuring the Cybermen to get a feel for their threat

and the classic era's style before diving into this serial.



If you can find reviews or information on the entire serial,

I can provide a more comprehensive review of "The Massacre".

"Doctor Who: The Ambassadors of Death" is a seven-part serial

from the Jon Pertwee era, originally broadcast in 1970.

Here's a review primarily based on the script provided on chakoteya.net:



Episode 1: The Doctor is called in to investigate the mysterious

disappearance of a space probe. The episode effectively establishes

the premise and introduces the main characters, including UNIT

and the Doctor's companions. The tension builds as the Doctor

begins his investigation. Rating: 7/10



Episode 2: The Doctor uncovers evidence of an alien presence

and the involvement of a corrupt businessman. The plot thickens

as the mystery deepens, and the action sequences are engaging.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: The Doctor's investigation leads him to a secret

government facility where the alien ambassadors are being held.

The stakes are raised as tensions escalate between the humans

and the aliens. Rating: 8/10



Episode 4: The Doctor faces off against the aliens

and tries to negotiate a peaceful resolution. The character

dynamics are well-developed, and the moral dilemmas faced

by the characters add depth to the story. Rating: 8/10



Episode 5: The Doctor's efforts to establish communication

with the aliens are thwarted by outside forces. The action

sequences are intense, and the suspense continues to build. Rating: 8/10



Episode 6: The climax of the story sees the Doctor and his allies

launching a final assault on the aliens' base. The resolution is

satisfying, though some may find it slightly rushed. Rating: 7/10



Episode 7: The Doctor's actions have far-reaching consequences

as he tries to prevent a catastrophic war. The emotional impact

is profound, and the ending leaves a lasting impression. Rating: 8/10



Overall, "The Ambassadors of Death" is a compelling Doctor Who serial

that explores themes of communication, diplomacy, and trust.

The script provides a solid foundation for the story,

and the performances are strong throughout.

While some episodes suffer from pacing issues,

the overall experience is engaging and memorable. Overall Rating: 7.8/10

Based on the information found on http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/3-3.htm

and keeping in mind that it's just a single episode summary,

here's a limited review of "Doctor Who: The Daleks' Master Plan":



Story (Based on "Mission to the Unknown" Summary)



"The Daleks' Master Plan" seems to be a larger serial,

with "Mission to the Unknown" acting as the first episode.

This short episode introduces the concept of the

Daleks' master plan, which likely unfolds throughout

the serial. Space security agents encounter the Daleks

on a damaged spaceship, hinting at a larger threat brewing.



Review (Limited Due to Single Episode Summary)



Focuses on the Daleks: "Mission to the Unknown" establishes

the Daleks as the central threat, likely laying the groundwork

for the Doctor's confrontation with them in the serial.

Intriguing Premise: The concept of a Dalek master plan adds

an element of mystery and suspense, making viewers want to see

the bigger picture.



Possible Cliffhanger: "Mission to the Unknown" likely ends on a

cliffhanger, keeping the audience engaged and eager to watch

the following episodes of the serial.



Overall Thoughts (Limited Scope)



While a full review is difficult based on a single episode summary,

"Mission to the Unknown" teases an intriguing serial centered

around the Daleks' master plan.



Would I Recommend Watching It?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10

(Likely worth watching especially if you enjoy Dalek stories

and want to see the unfolding of their master plan)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: Unknown (Difficult to say without

context of the entire serial. However, the Dalek focus might

still hold some appeal)



Here are some additional points to consider that might help you decide:



Look for reviews of "The Daleks' Master Plan" as a whole rather

than just "Mission to the Unknown" for a more complete picture.



Consider watching other classic Doctor Who stories featuring

the Daleks to get a feel for the classic era's narrative style

and special effects before diving into "The Daleks' Master Plan."



If you can find reviews or information on the entire serial, I can

provide a more comprehensive review of "The Daleks' Master Plan".

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