Day 23 - The Ark

Another rather weird day, with some setbacks in the road put in front of me, and a change to the routine that I have started to put together that was disappointing. These things do happen, and this too shall pass. I have lots to bet organized for the big India trip, and routines will still be there to be developed when I get back, as will all sorts of other things!

I am starting to think about what I shall do with the free weekend in Bangalore. There is not much that is touristy there, although I will have to see at least one temple, just because. I think I will investigate the hiking in the area, to see if there is some outdoors adventure I can go on. I’ve also had some friends who have been there reach out to offer suggestions of places to go out. I really hope this visa comes through this week!

Episode 1 – The Steel Sky

This is a fascinating opening to a story. We’ve got real wildlife, which looks somewhat earthlike, and an interesting one-eyed alien.

What *is* Dodo wearing? It looks like leftovers from the adventure in the Crusades. She appears to have a similar attitude to Steven when he first traveled in the TARDIS. She doesn’t believe a word of time travel and thinks she’s at Whipsnade Zoo. I don’t know why though, I’ve been to Whipsnade, and it looks nothing like this arboretum on the Ark.

This courtroom scene is quite interesting, and sets the scene rather well. We are in the far future, with advanced technology, and the punishment of the court is presented well. We also seem to have humans and Monoids living together quite nicely at this time.

Wow. An elephant. I wonder if they had the same problems with this animal in the studio that they had on Blue Peter when a baby elephant visited. It was repeated ad nauseum, and any British readers of a certain age will know exactly what I am thinking of. This is a nice surprise to see in the story though, and gives the jungle on the Ark a sense of scale and grandeur.

The Doctor touches the ground, and that’s what makes him realize they are on a spaceship. It reminds me of the opening of The Beast Below and how the Doctor realizes there are no engines on Starship UK. There have been echoes of future stories all the way through this marathon, and it’s enlightening to have to reinforced time and time again that this really is all one long story, with the same man, just with a different face.

It’s nice to see the Doctor is also commenting on Dodo’s stupid outfit! And on her accent. It’s rather Henry Higgins of him!

Audio space research huh? They can shrink everything, but space research is audio? There are some odd concepts in this story! Although the silliest is yet to come.

The thought that a cold could wipe out humanity is a scary idea. It makes you consider that perhaps the odd cold every now and then is not so bad, if a future super-version could be so damaging. Considering some of the flu strains that have been discovered over the last few years, perhaps this is more prescient than we would like.

Episode 2 – The Plague

I’m not sure how those masks could actually protect from germs. They seem to have an awful lot of openings. The fact that the cold can actually kill is a shock, and the burial is shocking. It is nice to see that the old and wise Commander that we met in the previous episode is able to inspire his daughter, who understands that the TARDIS crew are not malicious, and that they can help.

Steven makes a nice speech about humanity, and its weaknesses, but it is shocking to see him to succumb to the cold as well (is it mutating already?), and quite a relief when the Doctor is eventually able to cure him.

This has seemed like a very slight story so far, but the ending to this episode really distinguishes it. This is one of my favourite cliffhangers in the show ever. It’s very simple, but at the same time extremely shocking, and extremely well done.

Episode 3 – The Return

The Doctor’s philosophy is stated quite plainly as he introduces himself and his friends to the Monoids. “We are friends to all”. Quite right too. But the shift to seeing the Monoids being in charge and treating the humans so poorly is really quite disconcerting.

It turns out that the cure was not as complete as the Doctor had hoped, and that weakened humanity. It is also interesting that the human innovations that were intended to help the Monoids, ended up giving them the ability to take over. The Monoids did not seem that badly treated in the first two episodes, and their rights were advocated by the Commander of the Ark. But something went very wrong with them somewhere along the line, or perhaps they were treated worse later, or the humans judged badly in empowering them.

The security kitchen. That always makes me laugh.

This is the first example I think of showing how the Doctor and his friends make an impact on the places that they land. This is a theme that has become more prevalent in the new series, but was occasionally brought to the fore in the older stories. Their first adventure on the Ark made quite an impression. Indeed the naming of the ship came from them, and they have become mythic figures on the Ark, that everyone has heard stories of from their parents, and parents’ parents.

Episode 4 – The Bomb

Oh these Monoids are chummy with each other. They seem to like gloating to camera as well. That’s a pretty big weakness when enemies overhear, and will be part of their downfall, I suspect.

The set with the launchers in it is really well done, especially the background that shows a great number of the stretching off into the distance. It gives the Ark a great sense of scale, which it needs. The model shot of the launchers exiting the ship isn’t horrible either.

Now this story turns into a traditional race against time. We’ve got a ticking clock. But of course the bomb was in the statue. Where else would it be? I like the confidence the Doctor shows in knowing he can get the location from the Monoids. He has realized how chatty they can be!

The Monoids have become terribly militant and fight too much among themselves. So much so that the last Monoid standing e just tosses his weapon aside at the end. It’s a bit of an anticlimax really.

The Refusians provide a nice moral about living together to end the story. Understanding and acceptance. It’s what it’s all about, and I like that the show reinforces that whenever it can.

Oh my. We have a disappearing Doctor. What’s going on? (Other than Dodo’s taste in clothes getting no better. Is that a trend too? I hope not.)

Day 22 - The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve

After the high of yesterday today feels somewhat empty. I suppose I should expect there to be setbacks on this journey though, and days when I don’t feel quite so good about things. I did a lot of cleaning and household chores today to try and keep myself busy. However, this evening I am have dinner with some people from the group, which will be nice, and will certainly help take my mind of things.

I also watched some modern television and film for the first time in quite a while, and it was almost strange watching things in colour, rather than black and white, and seeing the faster editing and pacing. It’s probably a good thing to take these breaks though.

Episode 1 – War of God

We’ve gone straight into education mode here, although unlike previous historical, this is a more obscure period of history, so it’s understandable. As usual in a historical story people are dressing up, but this time the Doctor is prepared, and they get changed in the TARDIS rather than having to acquire clothes by other means. It makes a change.

As with the previous story we are thrown immediately into political intrigue, but this time we know something of the arguments, as opposed to them all being about the year 4000AD. The dialogue is also a lot stronger, as I would expect from Lucarotti.

The Doctor’s becoming quite fatherly to Steven, and quite protective. He clearly wants to ensure he stays out of trouble, while the Doctor himself is gallivanting around after an early scientist! When he does find Preslin he seems to be quite interfering, and pushing along and encouraging his research. This is more than just a friendly nudge in the right direction.

There’s a lot of exposition in this episode. As I mentioned above, even in 1966 this is a fairly obscure period of history. However the exposition dialogue is quite natural and so it does not stand out as much as that type of thing often does.

The cliffhanger showing Hartnell as the Abbott is wonderful. He really has changed his voice and look to play that part. I’m very intrigued.

Episode 2 – The Sea Beggar

This is fantastic drama. While many of the themes are similar to those seen in the Dalek epic – politics, backstabbing, betrayal, intrigue and counterplots, with that story being set in the future there is an element of camp and ridiculousness. Here though everything is played completely straight. If the arrival of Steven and the Doctor in the TARDIS is ignored, and we pretend that they really are just out of town travelers, this could be a standout historical drama all on its own.

Steven and Ann are getting very close. She trusts him completely because he does the right thing, and stands up for him. It’s nice to see the theme of the companions doing the right thing and it winning them allies along the way is continuing.

Episode 3 – Priest of Death

There really is some great drama here, as the plots we are witnessing start moving into high gear.

This is the episode where we get to see Hartnell be absolutely brilliant as the Abbott of Amboise. It is a completely different performance from the one that he gives when he is playing the Doctor. The more you watch him, the less you believe that it is the Doctor, despite Steven’s belief to the contrary. This performance completely undermines the myth that Hartnell was ever losing it as an actor. He is alert here, quick witted and giving a magnificent performance. Mind you, I have not doubted his Doctor for one moment during this journey, despite the flubs. As far as I’m concerned they happen when his mind is ahead of his mouth and he is racing to catch up.

Catherine de Medici is a dominating woman, and she is very well portrayed by Joan Young. Actually this is a very well acted and cast story, insofar as I can tell from just the audio and the telesnaps. Leonard Sachs is great as the Admiral de Coligny, and so is Christopher Tranchell as Colbert, Only Annette Robertson grates a little bit, but that is very much in character in any case.

The death of the Abbott is a great way to end the episode. Steven is still convinced that it’s the Doctor, although I wonder why based on the feelings I have that I described above. But it would certainly concern me to feel abandoned in this dangerous time period.

Episode 4 - Bell of Doom

Even later, Steven is still convinced that the Abbott was the Doctor and he is now dead. So it is a relief when the Doctor does show up and try to make everything simple and straightforward. It’s strange. Even though Hartnell has had a great presence in the story, the Doctor hasn’t really been involved in events at all. He’s simply been off doing goodness know what with Preslin. Steven hasn’t really been that integral to events either. This may be the story in which their actions are completely peripheral to the main thrust of the story being told.

As the massacre begins, the woodcuts are a clever way to portray the scale of events. This is one of the most brutal we have ever witnessed on the show, and Steven does not understand, and wants out. The scale of this devastation, as told by the Doctor, combined with the losses that he and the Doctor suffered during the Dalek story have overwhelmed him.

Steven leaving knocks the wind out of the Doctor, and the speech he gives here is magnificent. It bears all the signs of a tired old man, who relies on his friends to keep him young. I find that there’s as much emotion in this as in a modern series finale. And it’s all down to Hartnell. There’s no Murray Gold music, no spectacular sets. It’s all just Hartnell talking and it’s pure magic! The just as the Doctor is at his lowest ebb, a new young person walks into the ship. Could this be just what he needs to regain his energy? As both the Doctor and Steve get to know more about her, they seem to find that it is just what they need; a new young friend to restore the Doctor’s energy, and the hope that the events of 1572 were not as black as he had feared for Steven. Welcome to the ship Dodo Chaplet!

Day 21 – The Daleks' Master Plan (Episodes 7-12)

It has been a very busy, but very exciting day! I gathered together everything for visa purposes, and the trip to India is on! The tickets have been booked. The visa is in-progress, so things could still change as far as timing goes, but it will happen. I am very excited. This will be a new adventure, and it is coming at exactly the right time. I get out of the city, and to explore somewhere completely new. I even get to see friends in London on the way back home.

Episode 7 – The Feast of Steven

Well this episode started out quite seriously, but as soon as we see and hear the policemen, we get the impression that it will be a lot less so. It  really is a very silly 25 minutes of television. We have a comedy yokel complaining about a missing greenhouse on Christmas Eve (he’s definitely had way too much “Christmas cheer”, and some less-than-smart policemen. Then we move onto a completely over-the-top silent film set, with comedy accents, and madcap chases around the studio. It’s definitely not one to be taken serious, and works quite well as a holiday episode, I suppose.

I find that some of this particular episode is quite hard to follow without the visuals. There are some amusing one-liners, but I suspect a lot of this was visual farce, which really only works in moving pictures, despite the best efforts of the fans behind the reconstructions.

The last line always makes me smile. Hartnell looks so happy, and it’s just a nice gesture to the viewers on the holiday.

Episode 8 - Volcano

After the fun holiday interlude it’s back to the Daleks. And I am very pleased to see them. The delegates are bickering again over who it is who is behind the theft of the Taranium. And while their “allies” bicker, the Daleks are making their own plans, knowing that the dreams of power that each of the delegates covet so much will enslave them to the Dalek cause.

Things are not quite as tense in the TARDIS, despite the concern about who might be following them. We even have a fun diversion as the TARDIS interrupts England cricket. It makes a change from rain, I suppose. But once again I’m thinking this is not being taken as seriously as it was a couple of episodes ago.

It’s a nice surprise when the following time machine turns out to be the Monk, rather than the Daleks. It’s nice to see him again, and fun to see that he is up to his usual tricks. His verbal sparring with the Doctor continues to be a delight. I hope we see more of him.

I love how the Doctor gets out of the trap that the Monk set for them. Although that ring is starting to be as useful as the sonic screwdriver is today! It seems to have a multiplicity of uses, depending on the situation that the Doctor finds himself in.

As I reach the episode’s end it turns out that it’s another holiday tribute, although this time it’s not acknowledged by the Doctor at all, since it reminds him of Mafeking. It’s a nice way for the show to ring in 1966.

Episode 9 – Golden Death

It’s Ancient Egpyt. Another ambitious setting. It looks like a building site to start with though. I wonder if later sets in this sequence will be more ambitious. The Egyptians look quite fierce against Steven and Sara, but against the Daleks it hardly seems like a fair fight. Once again, even just in the stills on the reconstruction, this looks like a well put together action sequence by Camfield, and the Daleks looking intimidating and menacing.

I like the Doctor’s hat. He looks very much like an Englishman abroad, and ready for a holiday. I don’t think this will be it, though. And look, here to join the fun is Peter Butterworth! Mavic Chen is most suspicious of the Monk when they meet, and watching the time traveler squirm as he attempts to wriggle out of trouble is most amusing. The expressions on the Monk’s face are priceless!

Spooner loves writing for the Monk. He seems to be an amalgamation of many of the other characters that he has had in his stories. That great chemistry between him and Doctor is back, as they continuously attempt to outwit or one-up each other.

While I am enjoying these past few episodes, I have to admit that this story has become somewhat derailed, from the fantastic taut thrills and tension of the first 6 parts, to the more leisurely comedy that I’m watching now. I suppose with 12 weeks to fill it was inevitable that that would happen. I hope the tension starts to build up for the finale though.

Episode 10 – Escape Switch

Well, I didn’t see that coming at the end of the last episode; the Monk is the scary Mummy coming out of the tomb. His sense of indignity at what he claims the Doctor did to him is marvelous. Butterworth is once again having a ball with the character. But neither Sara or Steven believe a word of it. Sara has grown to trust the Doctor very quickly it seems and stands up for him immediately.

Once he has managed to place them all in the custody of the Daleks and Chen, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that he has betrayed the TARDIS crew, the Monk continues trying to play both sides, and convince each party that he is their ally. His squirming and wriggling as he tries to make his case are a constant delight to watch.

The model sequences of the pyramids look really good, and it’s a nice touch that the Egyptians are so intimidated by the amplified sound. I love the look on the Doctor’s face as he listens to Chen’s ultimatum. It’s as if he is making up a plan on the spot, and calculating the best way to handle the situation. Once more, the confrontation method is that which is chosen.

And there’s that line that inspired Rob Shearman’s “Dalek”. “One Dalek is capable of exterminating all”. The look on Chen’s face at hearing that is one of shock. Perhaps he underestimated the Daleks. On the face of their actions in this story, I’d choose the Daleks every time.

That’s an unfortunate Billy Fluff. But also a little amusing, in that he seems ready to call Mavic Chen “Magic Chen”, which is what it’s going to take for Chen to survive this!

Once again the Doctor’s “revenege” on the Monk is most appropriate. It’s not terrible, or malicious, just mischievous again, and inspires just the expected reaction as the Monk rages powerless to the stars!

Episode 11 – The Abandoned Planet

Mavic Chen has grown extremely confident in his victory, and as soon as he has departed, it is clear that the Daleks know this an intend to use this against him. They really are wonderfully devious in this story. Far more so than we have seen them in previous adventures.

Perhaps Sara hasn’t quite got to know the Doctor as well as I had thought! But she cares, or she would not get so exasperated.

The delegates are not quite as impressed with Chen as he is with himself! I sense more intrigue and scheming. This episode has started to ramp up the tension again, which had dissipated rather over the last three or four episodes, which were amusing and fun, but lost the urgent pacing of the first half of this story.

Mavic Chen now starts his coup. You can hear the stunned silence after he kills one of them, and declares his control of the galactic council. But we all know what pride cometh before, and it doesn’t take long before the entire council is betrayed, including Chen.

Steven continues to show how much he has learned from the Doctor. Trusting the delegates to do the right thing now that they have seen the Daleks’ true colours, and they need to do whatever they can to protect their own areas of space.

All except Chen, of course. He is a wily fellow, and still has dreams of empire and more!

Episode 12 – The Destruction of Time

The Dalek fleet is mobilizing. They are ready for action. Mavic Chen is still delusional, and convinced he can turn things around, as he attempts to control Steven and Sara. But where has the Doctor gone? What is he up to?

We get one more wonderful boast from Mavic Chen. And then suddenly the Daleks cut him off. And then they are silent. If anything the silence that follows is more intimidating that any Dalek ranting. And Chen has no idea what to do, until he finally resorts to the violence that will end in his own extermination.

The Doctor has obviously been up to something, and has worked out how to defeat the Daleks. He is completely in control and knows exactly what he is doing. He knows he must protect his companions, and he has the Daleks at his mercy. It is a powerful performance. I would love to have seen how Hartnell played it.

Oh Sara, Sara, Sara! I love that you go back for the Doctor, but I wish she didn’t. It will doom her, and I would like to have spent more time with her. She’s been a great companion for the Doctor and Steven during this adventure, and I would like to have seen her develop more. The make-up work as Sara ages looks so impressive, and as she and the Doctor battle on, and the time destructor vibrates away, and the sounds of the wind and the sound effects get louder and louder, the tension increases and you feel the danger they are all in. As Sara wastes away and ages into dust, I feel so sad.

This story has been full of death and destruction. The Daleks are defeated but it has been at a high cost. The Doctor seems frail after he is rescued by Steven, and full of remorse for what has happened. It seems that he too has been affected by this, possibly more than any adventure they have been through so far. There is great sadness in him after all they have been through, and also great respect for the bravery of those they have lost.

I absolutely loved this story! It’s a true classic, despite the slowdown in the middle. A definite highlight of the marathon so far.

Day 20 – The Daleks’ Master Plan (Episodes 1-6)

An intriguing day today, as a trip has been proposed that is very exciting to me, and now I have to make it happen.

Episode 1 – The Nightmare Begins

There’s a tense opening to this story, which is unsurprising given the ominous title. We are back on Kembel with some more of the Earth agents, and we find out that Steven’s injury is worse than expected.

Then there’s a sudden change to a scene showing a very domesticated space station. It’s a great set, with gorgeous sleek lines. In a change for stories set in the future, we get a definite date for the story, as we watch two employees arguing about what to watch. It’s a very familiar type of scene, with a science fiction twist. This politician is very confident and a great speaker. But it rings rather false I wonder if that is because I know who he is, or it’s in Kevin Stoney’s performance.

It’s quite strange hearing Nick Courtney’s very familiar tones in such unfamiliar surroundings. It was very brave to have a prologue separated by the Trojan epic, and they refer back to Marc Corey, expecting viewers to remember the events from a few weeks ago.

What a fantastic reveal of the Dalek. It doesn’t even need to say anything. It just exterminates. Brilliant stuff.

Hartnell seems to have a lot of fun talking to himself. He has done a lot of exploring, and can certainly fend for himself very well, even against the much younger Bret Vyon. It would be fun to have one of those immobilizing chairs! It seems that the problem at hand is keeping him very occupied, and so he is not missing Vicki at the moment, and has not even mentioned her, in fact, which surprises me. This is an extremely dynamic Doctor we are presented with, and he is independent as well.

The space city set is great, and full of wonderful spaceship designs. This is continuing the taut thriller that we started 5 episodes ago, and it is also adding the elements to political intrigue and deception. It seems that I was right to mistrust Mavic Chen. He is the Dalek’s new ally.

Episode 2 – Day of Armageddon

At last we get to meet all those wonderful aliens from “Mission to the Unknown”, along with new creatures. Zephon is a wonderful and spooky creation. There are some great arguments being presented here relating to why each has joined the Dalek alliance. Each is attempting to gain an advantage over the other. I expect fireworks and distrust down the road.

The Daleks with flame throwers look spectacular. I don’t know if they have ever looked better, or more menacing than they are in this story, and especially in this episode. That includes the CGI armies we have seen in the modern series. These just look so right, and completely in their element, both in the jungle and their gleaming city.

This is a massive continuity-fest! The Doctor is referencing “The Dalek Invasion of Earth”. To think that fans believe this is just a modern phenomenon! They are so wrong! There are more aliens are arriving now. I am just loving this. Bret Vyon now understands the depth of the conspiracy and the threat, and so does the viewer. This story is moving fast and it’s gripping stuff.

The reveal of the Dalek plan is great as the aliens and the viewer starts to find everything out, along with the hidden Doctor. The tension increases for me, as I wonder if he will be discovered. There is such a contrast between Mavic Chen and the Daleks. He speaks with eloquence and takes his time. He is a true politician.

Normally the alarm sounding would be a bad thing, but it enables the Doctor to put a spanner in the works by taking the Taranium. I suspect we are going to get another chase now, but I suspect this one will be a lot more serious in nature.

Episode 3 – Devil’s Planet

The cracks in the alliance have started already. Mavic Chen is already forced to defend himself, and the council suffers its first casualty. That didn’t take long, but honestly what did they expect, allying themselves with the Daleks?

The Dalek randomizer device is rather frightening. This chase will be very different that before. This time the Doctor is on a spaceship rather than the TARDIS, and the Daleks appear to control it. There was never this danger before.

I don’t like the look of these convicts. This is a rough looking planet that fits the description that Vyon gives before they land. In just a simple scene we get a good idea of what these characters are like, who is the leader, and how they react. Terry Nation is at the height of his powers here.

It’s quite subtle, but the change in production team is starting to be felt. The Doctor is still very recognizable, but he has become far more confident and dynamic. He is absolutely the hero of this show, and he is the one in charge who knows what to do and will save the day. I don’t remember him being like this before.

Episode 4 – The Traitors

Katarina’s death is truly shocking. I didn’t feel like we really got to meet her properly, and she may not have worked out as a long-time companion, but that doesn’t make it any less of a surprise. Steven is extremely upset by it, and the Doctor seems extremely shaken. It’s quite a contrast from the confident character I had observed previously. I wonder if this is the first person that he has lost. He pledges to always remember her, and that is tinged with great sadness. Sadness that affects the character to this day.

It’s quite difficult to distinguish between Dalek voices and that of representative Trantis when they are debating. Until, of course, the Dalek voices reach their wonderful level of hysteria!

Mavic Chen’s assistant Karlton is very sinister, and obsequious. His look is great, exactly what a henchman needs, especially one who wishes to be the power behind the throne. I always get curious about Kevin Stoney and his makeup. It’s casting at its worst, really. But Stoney is so very very good, I have to forgive it. I love the paranoia and counterplots that he has mixed up in his head, that really make him completely insane with the desire of power! I cannot imagine anyone better.

Hooray! It’s Jean Marsh! Sara Kingdom has one iconic look. She looks fantastic.

Bret Vyon’s death is the second shock of this episode. We had grown accustomed to his presence, and expected him to be around for the whole story. But now he’s gone, and Steven and the Doctor are the only ones left to stand against the Daleks

Episode 5 – Counter Plot

This story just gets better and better. Every episode ramps up the tension, and keeps it moving forward. We get to explore yet another planet –Mira, and it doesn’t seem  particularly inviting, and we later discover that it is full of that Terry Nation standby; invisible monsters! (Always great for the budger!)

Mavic Chen has very pointy fingernails. He is worried now. Interestingly, there is rather an interesting reaction. He expects an invasion. Is there are argument that he became part of the alliance to save Earth, rather than just for his own power? His assistant Karlton quashes this notion somewhat, and has his own interesting ideas. It seems that he may be the real brains behind the whole operation. He is a lot more savvy than Chen, but he doesn’t have the older man’s charm, or oratory skill. So he may be content to be the power behind the throne.

I am very amused that the Daleks consider white mice as being possible hostile!

It’s very smart of Nation to insert the added twist of Bret Vyon being Kingdom’s brother. It adds a whole new layer to the way that the drama plays out, and to the amoral nature of Mavic Chen; playing with people’s lives for his own pleasure and to his own ends. And it helps convince Sara that she should start to trust the Doctor and Steven

The Doctor has his confidence back, after the traumatic events of the previous episode. He knows of Mira. He knows of the dangers on the planet. But he also knows what to do. This still feels rather new for Hartnell’s Doctor, but it is undeniable Doctor-ish!

I love the wonderful mad eyes that Stoney gives Mavic Chen towards the end of this episode. He really is completely drunk on power! What a great villain he is.

Episode 6 – Coronas of the Sun

The opening of this episode showcases the Doctor at his bludding best! It reminds me rather of the closing moments of Bad Wolf. He shows the Daleks absolutely no fear at all. He may not have a plan, but he acts as though he does, and they have no idea how to react to that.

Steven has become the defender of the Doctor, and is now showing great faith in his abilities. It’s quite a change from his earlier stance of suspicion, and doubt. What happens to him later in the episode, being trapped and immobilised, forces him to put his words into actions, and shows how far he has come since meeting and starting his travels with the Doctor. The Doctor puts a lot of faith in this young man, and in return he trusts him implicitly.

The escape from Mira sequence is thrilling, even in just pictures, and audio. Douglas Camfield knows exactly how to pace an episode and rachets up the tension brilliantly. I am loving this story so far. It’s a true classic in every sense of the word.

Mavic Chen knows exactly how to stand up to the Daleks. He even manages to get them to show some emotion. There is definite irritation in the voice of the Dalek supreme as it tries to defend the efforts of its fellows in trying and failing to recover the Taranium. I am really enjoying the scenes featuring Chen and these killing machines.

It’s amazing what the Doctor is able to get away with, just by showing the Daleks no fear. They are desperate for this Taranium! It makes for a great mcguffin, as we know that they have a the fake one now, and it’s only a matter of time before they find this out and come after the TARDIS crew once more! 

Day 19 - Mission to the Unknown/The Myth Makers

I started the day with a good workout, and while it was an early start, it was really worth it. The gym was quiet, and the workout felt great. I really like doing this, and am really pleased I have decided to make it part of my routine. It made me feel more energized all day. I need to work on better workout music on the iPod, but that will come.

Mission to the Unknown

Episode 1 - Mission to the Unknown

We’re in another one of those jungle sets that these early production teams did so fantastically well. It’s full of hidden dangers. Those Varga Plants are deadly, and what far more threatening than what we saw on Mechanus, a few stories ago. Was that an early example of end-of-season budget constraints? I remember commenting that the early stories in the season were extremely lavish, so perhaps the money had run out. That is not the case here.

This is a taut little science fiction thriller. The crew is most likeable, and their leader is very motivated, once he realizes that his suspicions were correct, and he has to reveal his true purpose in bringing them to Kembel. He provides lots of great background into the Daleks in their role of galactic onquerers. These are the Daleks I remember from the annuals and the TV 21 comic strip. They are more interested in conquest than running after the Doctor. These are the Daleks I love.

Everything soon turns into a race against time, as the Varga plants are closing in, the crew expect the Daleks to show up any moment, and the only method of escape is gone! The Daleks soon show up, of course, and their weapons are far more effective on this ship than they were on the TARDIS.

The lineup of aliens that are allied with the Daleks is wonderful. There are some imaginative designs, and I absolutely get the feeling that this is gearing up to something big. The production team are pulling out all the stops here, with aliens, and Daleks and even body horror, with the effect that the Varga Plants have on people.

The episode ends with typical Dalek over confidence, despite their victory in this story! The tape recorder contains all the secrets that will reveal their plan. I wonder when we will return to it.

The Myth Makers

Episode 1 – Temple of Secrets

I suppose we are not going to get back to that tape recorder immediately. We are on a plain with two greek-looking warriors in some fine outfits doing battle. This immediately sets the scene for us. No Daleks around this week.

What we do get instead is some fun and wonderful dialogue. It is very florid and alliterative. Donald Cotton is a real find. He has taken a lot of what made Dennis Spooner so good at the historical and really gone to town with it! The script is incredibly rich and varied, based on which characters are talking. In more formal scenes it seems like iambic pentameter is being used, and then when Agammemnon and Menalaus are dining alone and more relaxed we get bawdy pun after bawdy pun. It really is hilarious.

Everybody is quite excited to be in ancient times. The Doctor is having an awful lot of fun playing the father of the Greek Gods, and Vickie, is absolutely enchanted. She has dreams of meeting a hero. Little does she know what lies ahead for her.

This story looks like it was spectacular to look at; great costumes, epic sets, and later some set pieces I would love to be able to see. It would be quite a treat to have even one episode recovered for the archive.  I am already looking at this as an underrated gem in “Doctor Who’s” crown.

Episode 2 – Small Prophet, Quick Return

What a brilliant episode title this is. I love all the puns that were sneaked in when we had individual episode titles. This might be my favourite, although if they had stuck with “Is there a Doctor in the Horse?” that would absolutely have trumped it.

As the action starts to introduce the Trojans, it’s interesting how their dialogue is different from the Greeks. It is far more modern, without any of the florid twists and rhythm that dominated the speech of their foes. I’m sure it was deliberate, and I think it makes the viewer have great sympathy for this doomed people, even if they would prefer a body to a shrine.

I like how the scene where the Trojans discuss the TARDIS, and Cassandra gives her warnings about objects being brought into the city, foreshadows the horse that will be their downfall. It’s almost as if they found that it was all right the first time, so it would be the second time as well.

Priam has taken an immediate shine to Vicki, and is already showing off for her. In many ways his behavior is similar to that of the Doctor, and he calls her “my child” as well. He has some suspicions, however, and wants to try and shape her, unlike the Doctor who is more interested in opening up people to the possibility of who they can be, and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Episode 3 – Death of a Spy

As we return to the Greeks there is trouble afoot for the Doctor, who must come up with a way for them to defeat the Trojans. I’m not convinced that he is completely serious about building an aeroplane, even one powered by catapult. But Odysseus’s comment about it being nothing but a “parchment dart” is very funny, so it is a well-earned joke. I am enjoying Odysseus and the Doctor matching each other wit for wit in this story.

Back in Troy, Steven and Vicki are bickering up a storm in a different way, until they are interrupted by Troilus. Vicki is earning to use her charms on this young man, who is quite clearly smitten with her. They have a lovely connection and chemistry, and his panic when he thinks Steven might be the special friend of the object of his affections is most endearing. Once Troilus leaves, Vicki shows that she and Steven have become firm friends, of the platonic variety though. She saves food for him, much to his surprise. How could she do otherwise? It’s not in her nature.

Overall, I don’t feel that the Doctor has that many qualms about being part of this situation, as he is finally forced to use the idea of the Horse. Is it because this is only mythical quasi-history, and many feel it is only a story, rather than fact? Or does he feel like he has no choice if he wishes to survive? Perhaps this is a “fixed” moment and he knows he must play his part. This time, unlike in Pompeii, he does it without any angst, despite what he must know it will mean for the Trojan people. It’s inevitable, I suppose, that if you visit interesting points in history that sometimes you become involved. It will happen many times in the future, not only in Pompeii, but also in London in 1666. Somehow his actions here feel the most deliberate.

Despite all the tension and the portents of doom that hang over everything, the episode ends with a dreadful pun. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I simply smile. This is great.

Episode 4 – Horse of Destruction

The scenes featuring the Trojan horse on the reconstruction look quite impressive. I am not completely sure whether or not they came from the story though. Does anyone know? So little footage and pictures exist of this, I am intrigued about how well it all worked and how the production team pulled it off. It seems such an ambitious thing to undertake. If I could only have one episode of the missing 108 returned, I think it might be this one, just to see how it was done.

The whole episode conveys a terrible sense of inevitability, and the story becomes more visual than verbal. We all know how this story ends. The Trojans seem perfectly nice, with a few exceptions (yes, Cassandra, I’m looking at you), and don’t deserve the fate that awaits them. The Greeks are also a mix of good and bad, but there really isn’t a villain in this story. The crew have been caught up in events and must do whatever they can to survive and get out in one piece.

Troilus is getting quite needy and protective of Vicki. Their relationship has grown quite nicely through this story, which is not always the case. These early production teams seemed to want to make sure that a companion’s departure did not come out of nowhere, but was part of the story. As the tension mounts, the Doctor seems very relaxed about escaping, but Vicki is panicked, and wants to be sure they all get away. Ironically, she doesn’t.

This is a weird leaving sequence for Vicki. She doesn’t really say goodbye, although the Doctor gives her his blessing in the confusion. He is still most concerned for her safety, of course, but she must manage on her own now. She chose to stay in this time for Troilus and nothing else. It’s very romantic. Vicki will take all she has learned; her optimism, hope, and morality to make a great new life with him.

Day 18 - Galaxy Four

A lousy weather day in the city greets me as I enter Series 3 of “Doctor Who”. I’m moving into the tougher section of the marathon now, as more stories are reconstructions than actually exist anymore, so there will be lots of listening and looking at pictures. I will be using reconstructions for everything though. So here we go.

In my copy of Rob Shearman and Toby Hadoke’s marvellous book, “Running Through Corridors” (available from Mad Norwgian Press), Rob was very mean about this story when he signed it for me. That book is partially to blame for giving me the idea to do this, and I recommend it highly. They are far funnier gentleman than I, and have some wonderful insights into this show that we love. But if Rob didn’t like “Galaxy Four”, what am I in for! Too late now, so here we go.

Episode 1 – Four Hundred Dawns

I have always loved this episode title. I find it to be very evocative, and mysterious. It turns out to be nothing of the kind, but I still like it a lot. Everyone is very relaxed to start this story. Steven is even letting Vicki cut his hair. This makes me think that some time has passed since “The Time Meddler”, but later events will challenge that thought.

I like the Doctor's moment, questioning and being surprised that a planet that seems so capable of supporting life does not have any. It’s not something that usually gets considered in this type of thing. I wonder why that should be. not having any.

This robot is so cute. The group behind this reconstruction have done a good job animating them. And there goes Vicki giving names again, just like she did with “Yombo” the Zarbi. Chumbly is much more appropriate, however. While Vicki is entranced by the Chumbly, Steven perks up when the Drahvins arrive. I’m not so sure. They seem rather confident and extremely regimented. Almost too much so.

The sudden small bits of moving picture that we get to see in the reconstruction are very welcome. I had forgotten such a big chunk existed from this story. It’s nice to be able to see a little bit of the Drahvins in action. They seem somewhat robotic in demeanor when they are in front of their leader.

It wasn’t a mystery for long. Now we find out why the planet is not inhabited. It is about to die. Both the Drahvins and Rills are trapped here. These Rills are made out to be dangerous and not a race you would want to run into in daytime, let along a dark night. The background of the Drahvins explains a lot. It’s an interesting civilization, but I wonder how practical it really could be. It seems very organized and structured. It explains the robotic nature of the soldiers in the earlier scene They also have a definite ruthless streak; coming across as very nice on the surface, but with a very sinister undercurrent.

Episode 2 – Trap of Steel

Vicki is getting concerned. She seems to have the Drahvins figured out and is very suspicious of their motives. They are certainly a healthy eating race – just subsisting on leaves apparently.

Oh look, the Doctor has a normal screwdriver only  right now. I wonder when he got bored enough to make it sonic! As the conversation goes on, the Doctor becomes more suspicious and starts to question the Drahvins and their motives. They have pushed him too far and he very clearly

The Doctor starts to question the morality of the Drahvins, as they start to push him much further than he is willing to go. He does not kill, and states that most openly. It puts me in mind of the 10^th Doctor’s blanket statement in “The Doctor’s Daughter”. Another reminder that all the way through this show I will be watching the same man, even if he changes his face from time to time.

As he communicates that the time that they thought they had is much less than expected, Maaga begins to accelerate her plans. It is plain that the Drahvins are shocked at the shortened timeline, and will stop at nothing to help them get away. I am slightly surprised that the Doctor hasn’t yet offered the TARDIS to take everyone away. Later Doctors would do this. But perhaps he is concerned about the Drahvins taking the ship, and I’m sure he also wants to find out about the Rills.

Once left on his own, Steven is even less impressed with the leaves than Vicki was. As a result he starts to try and stir up unrest. Of course, it is unsuccessful. These Drahvins are too well controlled.

At last we reach the Rill ship, and can start to find out about the race we have heard a lot of bad things about. What will we find? They seem more together and organized than the Drahvins.

Episode 3 – Air Lock

Ending with our first shot of the Rill is a classic episode ending. Their appearance seems shocking, but the Doctor needs to play for time, and so Vicki bravely follows them. You can hear the bluster in Hartnell’s performance, as he tries to work out what to do.

It seems that when she presented with the prospect of her own mortality, Maaga is starting to have doubts. There is almost a change of heart. But perhaps what the Doctor has said and the actions that she has observed are starting to rub off on her. This is most unexpected, and a very intriguing scene, as we hear, rather poetically a description of what the last moments of the planet will be like. But as we hear it, the hardness of the Drahvins returns. The Doctor has not rubbed off on them as much as it seemed.

We finally hear from the Rills. And it turns out that the supposedly evil creature we have heard so much about in the first couple of episodes, is a nice helpful alien, in direct contrast to the selfish and destructive beautiful people, who cannot handle differences between themselves and those that they encounter. The Rill seem to have been put in an impossible situation.

Episode 4 – The Exploding Planet

Another great episode title! The tension is rising, and time is running out.

The Rill definitely have power. But to go with this power, they also seem to follow the same moral code as the Doctor. This may not work out well for them, on this desperate last day of the planet. But once he finds a kindred spirit, the Doctor will do what the Doctor does best. Work out a way to get people off the planet before it is no more.

This may be the first example of the TARDIS being used as a method of solving the problem. Components were used in “The Web Planet”, but this time it is the power of the ship.

Steven has been much changed by his experiences with the Drahvins. He is a cynic at heart it seems, and expects the worst in everyone. This was hinted at in the previous stories that Steven has appeared in, but is very much to the fore here. I expect this to change over time, but his manner here suggests that he still has not known the Doctor all that long, despite appearances in the opening of this story.

Oooh. Halfway through the last episode of the story we get our bit of education, with the Doctor explaining what the planet will turn into when it explodes. It’s nice that the story finally seems to acknowledge that the planet is unstable, but quite surprising that the first tremors would not be felt until just a few hours before the end.

The moral of the story is made very clear as we finally get a full view of the Rill; Outside beauty does not always mean good, just as being good does not always mean you are beautiful on the outside. And the Doctor makes it very clear that his philosophy looks at people’s actions, far more than what they look like. It’s another example of the Doctor and his companions doing the right thing, and in so doing, they inspire other beings to want to help them.

So was Rob Shearman right about Galaxy 4 being a 4 letter word? Well, it’s not the most complex story in the world, but there are some interesting scenes, and ideas here, and I found things to enjoy. It’s not going to make a top ten list, but it’s not bad. And there’s a great shot at the end of the planet finally exploding.