Doctor Who: The Big Review (Season 1)

 Doctor Who: The Big Review

Season 1 (1963-64)

Season 1 of Doctor Who introduced us to a figure that would be known worldwide - The Doctor. Nestled in a junkyard no more, The Doctor (William Hartnell) whisks Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), Ian Chesterton (William Russell) and his Granddaughter, Susan (Carole Ann Ford) into the stars. From Cavemen to the Daleks, they'll face them all. Here I will be reviewing each episode in Season 1. However, this review will not include ' Marco Polo' since none of the seven episodes are currently available and are still regarded as 'missing.' 

First of all, I will grade each episode from A+ to F, the table below shows a concise list of the overall impression I'll want for each grade:

For each serial, I will provide a list of the main cast (omitting a few who don't appear often), and a list of some key facts of the episodes, such as the writer and director. I will then offer a little synopsis and my overall verdict. My favourite serial will then be listed at the bottom, where I will offer a few further thoughts and opinions. 

Below is a table which offers some short, concise figures and a more in-depth description just below.

1. AN UNEARTHLY CHILD (four episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), Reg Cranfield (The Policeman), Derek Newark (Za), Jeremy Young (Kal), Alethea Charlton (Hur), Eileen Way (Old Mother).

Broadcast: 23 November - 14 December 1963

Writer: Anthony Coburn

Director: Waris Hussein

Synopsis: Concerned teachers, Barbara and Ian follow their young student home. In the junkyard she apparently lives is the TARDIS. With hesitation, they suddenly find themselves travelling far into the past with The Doctor and their student, Susan. They soon find themselves trapped and imprisoned by the people of the Stone Age.

Verdict: The episode began with a lot more promise than it finished with. I found the simplicity of the story rather dull and the premise of it just wasn't very thrilling. Although I like the TARDIS crew, I think Barbara and Susan are very under-appreciated which was one of the many disappointments of this serial, for me. 

Grade: C

2. THE DALEKS (seven episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), carol Ann Ford (Susan Foreman),  Philip Bond (Ganatus), John Lee (Alydon), Alan Wheatley (Temmosus), Gerald Curtis (Elyon), Jonathan Crane (Kristas), Marcus Hammond (Antodus).

Broadcast: 21 December 1963 - 1 February 1964

Writer: Terry Nation

Director: Christopher Barry & Richard Martin

Synopsis: Eager to explore a beautiful city on a seemingly dead planet, The Doctor must force his team to follow him in. Unbeknownst to them, this is Skaro, home to the Daleks. In a bid for survival, the group work with the Thals to try and prevent the Daleks from flooding the area with radiation and achieve peace between the two races.

Verdict: This is another episode that started out very promising and the first cliff-hanger was something special. Beyond that, the clumsiness of the Daleks seemed to take from their menace and the story went on just a little too long. However, it was a much-needed improvement from the first episode, with numerous emotional moments injected into a story, realised by some rather great sets and props. 

Grade: B-

3. THE EDGE OF DESTRUCTION (two episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman).

Broadcast: 8 February 1963 - 15 February 1964

Writer: David Whitaker

Director: Richard Martin & Frank Cox

Synopsis: An apparent issue with the TARDIS leaves the group reeling and some members of the team acting rather strangely. Time keeps ticking to solve the issue or will they turn on each other before anything can be done?

Verdict: Initially, this episode came across quite poorly written. However, by the half-way mark of the first episode, I was enthralled. Ford's acting in this felt so alien and the friction really held the tension of the story. I even liked the quick resolution.

Grade: B+

4. MARCO POLO (seven episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), Mark Eden (Marco Polo).

Broadcast: 22 February 1964 - 4 April 1964

Writer: John Lucarotti

Director: Waris Hussein & John Crockett

Synopsis: The Doctor arrives just in time for Marco Polo's journey to Kublai Khan's Court. 

Verdict: N/A

5. THE KEYS OF MARINUS (six episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), George Coulouris (Arbitan), Robin Phillips (Altos), Katharine Schofield (Sabetha). 

Broadcast: 11 April 1964 - 16 May 1964

Writer: Terry Nation

Director: John Gorrie

Synopsis: Arriving on the Planet of Marinus, they come across the monstrous Voords. In order to keep them at bay, four keys must be located. Finding these keys will take them through a variety of terrifying situations.

Verdict: I rather liked this serial because it never stayed too long in one place meaning the story was constantly refreshing. It is a common plot put to use here, however, and against a threat that has so little screen time, we forget they're even much of a villain. It is a strong instalment and offers fun and tension throughout. 

Grade: B

6. THE AZTECS (four episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), John Ringham (Tlotoxl), Keith Pyott (Autloc), Ian Cullen (Ixta), Margot Van Der Burgh (Cameca).

Broadcast: 23 May 1964 - 13 June 1964

Writer: John Lucarotti

Director: John Crockett

Synopsis: When Barbara is mistook for an Aztec Goddess, it is up to the group to attempt to fit in until they can find a way back to the TARDIS. Not everyone believes in this spirit reborn. 

Verdict: There are some wonderful scenes made stronger by the terrific sets. I also like seeing Barbara have a stronger role. However, very little actually happens in terms of plot and every episode seems to meld into one. 

Grade: B-

7. THE SENSORITES (six episodes)

Main Cast: Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), Ilona Rodgers (Carol), Stephen Dartnell (John), Eric Francis (First Elder).

Broadcast: 20 June 1964 - 1 August 1964

Writer: Peter R. Newman

Director: Mervyn Pinfield & Frank Cox

Synopsis: A spaceship crew are seemingly forever trapped within the grasp of The Sensorites, but these rather feeble creatures only do it to protect themselves. The Doctor must build a bond with the alien race in order to leave their world.

Verdict: The Sensorites are rather adorable aliens that I grew quite fond of, and I appreciated the relationship that developed with the TARDIS crew. This is also the first episode where I got increasingly angered by the plot, not because it was bad, but because I so desperately wanted The Doctor to survive and win. 

Grade: B+

8. THE REIGN OF TERROR (six episodes)

Main Cast: Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), James Cairncross (Lemaitre), Jack Cunningham (Jailer), Donald Morley (Jules Renan), Peter Walker (Jean-Pierre).

Broadcast: 8 August 1964 - 12 September 1964

Writer: Dennis Spooner

Director: Henric Hirsch & John Gorrie

Synopsis: The TARDIS lands in the French Reign of Terror. Separated from the group, The Doctor must track down his friends by any means necessary. For his companions, the journey would not be easy during Robespierre's evil reign. 

Verdict: The First episode proved very exciting and I thought I'd be in for a fast-paced historical blockbuster, but beyond that, the episodes became slower to the point I sometimes didn't know what was going on. A story that could've been done a lot more concisely was stretched out for far too long.

Grade: C+

Conclusions

The Edge of Destruction is my favourite of Season One for multiple reasons. I feel it offered a different side of science fiction and not one you'd stereotype to the genre. I really appreciated the more psychological side of the episode and the strong development between the characters. I felt it wasn't something that you'd really expect of the genre, not in the 1960's anyway. I was particularly impressed by Ford in this serial, I could never quite decide where her sanity sat, and the scissor attack was quite a shock to watch. It really did feel like the aliens against the humans with Susan constantly flowing between. The shortness of the story was also quite nice as I didn't have to commit to a lengthy period of viewing. To me, forty - fifty minutes was just enough and I'm glad that's where we're at in the modern day. This made for a nice, quick story. Now, a common complaint for this serial is the rather simple conclusion, but this is something I enjoyed. Such a minor thing managed to cause a huge amount of friction; this contrast is what made the episode whole. 

However, there were faults. I did think it took a quick minute to find its footing. The first few minutes felt so off and poorly executed that I didn't think I'd enjoy the episode at all. Thankfully, this issue was quickly eradicated. The only other real issue was that it DID feel like a last-minute injection into the series and, as far as I know, it sort of was. I do feel, with more care and consideration, this could've been something really, really special. 

*

That brings us to the end of the first season. I found the opening season to be rather hit and miss and I didn't necessarily think there was an especially brilliant episode. Having said that, this is coming from the eye of someone watching for the first time, over fifty years after their broadcast. To contextualise into that time period, this was a huge feat, and the stories were stunningly realised. From the tiny studio to the ill fate of timings for the series opener, Doctor Who had its fair share of battles, but it succeeded. It wouldn't have been what it is today without the work done in 1963. For this, we must thank the many people involved with the creation of the show, from Producer Verity Lambert and Creators, Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber and Donald Wilson. 

Let's begin with a positive. The sets. When you consider the small workspace, the small budgets and people seemingly dismissing the series because it's 'for children,' it really is rather impressive. Obviously, you can tell it's a set a lot of the time, there were no massive green screens and CGI in the 60's, but what they did manage to achieve was really good. A special mention is The Aztecs sets and the TARDIS itself - stunning. Beyond that, the main cast were lovely for the most-part. Barbara is probably my favourite, she's strong-minded and careful, but is happy to get involved, and I like that about her. My only issue with the group is the masculinity. Ian and The Doctor made a few questionable remarks regarding the women of the group and their strength/agility. Let a woman live, please! I am aware that this is more than likely a reflection of the time, but for a 21st Century viewer, it's quite an 'eye-roll' thing to hear. Season One also had a nice mix of episodes in terms of setting. It's nice to jump between history and alien-life. It's more refreshing that each serial doesn't feel too similar to the previous. After all, this season took almost a year to air. 

In regards to the serials, this is where my issue lies... Quite a few stories began with a terrific first episode (most notably 'The Daleks,' 'An Unearthly Child' and 'The Reign of Terror'). These episodes alone would've garnered higher grades, but as the stories go on and reach the 3/4-episode mark, they falter. It starts to feel like it's dragging, and little is actually happening. It doesn't help that the crew tend to end up imprisoned and it's always just trying to get back to the TARDIS. I'm hoping more is done in the future, to really carry the viewer through the story rather than force them through. 

Now, there aren't many things that I wish to comment on because there aren't many issues to mention. Season one had a lot riding on it and it must've done something right for the show to still be kicking almost sixty years later. Here's to the team behind the show I know and love! Overall, I'm enjoying what I'm seeing, and I'm excited to keep watching!