Doctor Who: The Big Review (Season 2)

 

 Doctor Who: The Big Review

Season 2 (1964-65)

Season 2 came around about a month and a half after the first season. We were met with Daleks, Zarbi, Romans and more. Our TARDIS crew pop back up ready for more adventures, and it isn't long before there's new additions to the blue box, Vicki (Maureen O'Brien) and Steven Taylor (Peter Purves). Season two has a couple episodes missing, and as a result, 'The Crusade' will not be included in the evaluation. 

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 (episodes are rated in retrospect to the period it aired, some may not receive the same grades if they were to air today):

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. PLANET OF GIANTS (three episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), Reginald Barratt (Smithers), Alan Tilvern (Forester).

Broadcast: 31 October 1964 - 14 November 1964

Writer: Louis Marks

Director: Mervyn Pinfield & Douglas Camfield

Synopsis: An unknown issue with the TARDIS has forced the group to the size of an inch. They step out into the human world with everything around them being seemingly huge. As they plot their return, a sinister plot is discovered they also need to put an end to.

Verdict: I was very surprised by the quality of this episode; the set design and prop work were rather impressive. Although the story was a tad disjointed, it was a rather interesting watch, and Barbara's ill state built some good tension, that I didn't expect from the first moments of the opening episode.

GRADE: B+

2. THE DALEK INVASION OF EARTH (six episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman), Graham Rigby (Larry Madison), Bernard Kay (Carl Tyler), Ann Davies (Jenny), Peter Fraser (David Campbell).

Broadcast: 21 November 1964 - 26 December 1964

Writer: Terry Nation

Director: Richard Martin

Synopsis: In 22nd Century Earth, the Daleks have infiltrated the Earth. The TARDIS crew become separated and join forces with rebels of the Daleks. They must work together to stop the Daleks from mining out the Earth's core.

Verdict: Initially this serial didn't offer much. Once again, I found the Daleks to see clumsy and the Robomen could've been so much more threatening. However, the developments between the characters and the dystopian taste was quite special. Susan's farewell was also quite tear-jerking and ended the story very emotionally.

GRADE: B

3. THE RESCUE (two episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Ray Barrett (Bennett/Koquillion).

Broadcast: 2 January 1965 - 9 January 1965

Writer: David Whitaker

Director: Christopher Barry

Synopsis: The TARDIS arrives on the Planet of Dido and befriend a young girl called Vicki. She is awaiting rescue whilst being threatened constantly by what she believes to be one of the natives of the planet.

Verdict: I'm starting to think the shorter episodes are more entertaining. I enjoyed this from start to finish. O'Brien's performance was really incredible and I'm excited to see what she can bring to the team. Great directing, great sets/costumes and even decent music, something I was surprised to see, so bravo to Tristram Cary for his score. 

GRADE: A

4. THE ROMANS (four episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Derek Francis (Nero), Kay Patrick (Poppaea Sabina). 

Broadcast: 16 January 1965 - 6 February 1965

Writer: Dennis Spooner

Director: Christopher Barry

Synopsis: The Doctor decides it's time for a break and the retreat to Rome, just before the Great Fire. It soon turns into an investigation into the death of a lyre player.

Verdict: The humour in this was a refreshing input into the show. The 'Carry On' like comedy worked against the serious message of the story/plot, but it did also mean I didn't really pick up on the plot well. It wasn't entirely accurate to history, and the characters were more like caricatures, which could be seen as a negative, but I liked it.

GRADE: B+

5. THE WEB PLANET (six episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Roslyn de Winter (Vrestin), Arne Gordon (Hrastar), Catherine Fleming (Animus Voice).

Broadcast: 13 February 1965 - 20 March 1965

Writer: Bill Strutton

Director: Richard Martin

Synopsis: Arriving on Vortis, the TARDIS crew are met with the insect-like, Zarbi. The Menoptra must ally themselves with the travellers to win their planet back and defeat the malignant Animus. 

Verdict: Visually, this episode is absolutely stunning and must be recognised for the quality of the picture for such an early season. Sadly, the story doesn't quite match, with a story in six parts that would've even struggled in four. I was just waiting for more. There was one exciting scene in the entire serial.

GRADE: C+

6. THE CRUSADE (four episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), John Flint (William Des Preaux), Walter Randall (El Akir), Tutte Lemkow (Ibrahim), Bernard Kay (Saladin), Roger Avon (Saphadin). 

Broadcast: 27 March 1965 - 17 April 1965

Writer: David Whitaker

Director: Douglas Camfield

Synopsis: The Doctor arrives during the Third Crusade, in the 12th Century. The group quickly fall into history and a rescue mission develops. 

Verdict: N/A

7. THE SPACE MUSEUM (four episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Peter Craze (Dako), Jeremy Bulloch (Tor), Richard Shaw (Lobos), Ivor Salter (Morok Commander). 

Broadcast: 24 April 1965 - 15 May 1965

Writer: Glyn Jones

Director: Mervyn Pinfield

Synopsis: The crew arrive at a seemingly empty museum, but soon come across themselves trapped as exhibits. Recognising their impending doom, they must try and discover how to avoid it. 

Verdict: This serial first proved interesting and I always appreciate stories with friction between the companions. However, the story didn't offer too much else and had a very jolted resolution. 

GRADE: B-

8. THE CHASE (six episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Peter Purves (Steven Taylor).

Broadcast: 22 May 1965 - 26 June 1965

Writer: Terry Nation

Director: Richard Martin & Douglas Camfield (uncredited)

Synopsis: The Daleks return in a race through time in pursuit of the TARDIS. Jumping from planet to planet, the team try and escape, so the TARDIS remains in safe hands. 

Verdict: For once, not a single episode really felt like it really lost momentum. I admired the constant change of scenery and the quality of the story. Sometimes, the humour was a little too silly, especially the nature of the ending which seemed to take Ian and Barbara's departure to a funnier route. I like emotion, I wished for more. 

GRADE: A-

9. THE TIME MEDDLER (four episodes)

Main Cast: William Hartnell (The Doctor), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Peter Purves (Steven Taylor), Peter Butterworth (The Monk). Alethea Charlton (Edith). 

Broadcast: 3 July 1965 - 24 July 1965

Writer: Dennis Spooner

Director: Douglas Camfield

Synopsis: When the TARDIS team arrive in Northumbria, 1066, some things aren't all it seems, as a monk, another time-traveller, aims to alter European History by wiping out King Harald Hardrada's invasion fleet.

Verdict: The serial moves very slowly. I did enjoy the closing chapter, but the attitude of The Doctor towards Vicki seemed uncalled for. Compared to such a stellar season, this one just dragged a little too much. 

GRADE: C

Conclusions

The Rescue was an easy top for me. The Rescue felt like a modern Who episode to me. There was peril, intrigue, and a very interesting concept. The Koquillion was a visual treat for me. It carried a steampunk vibe that felt very alien: the intention I imagine. Beyond that, I think the sets, and everything was lovely, as it didn't require much, so there was more time to focus on the details of the episode. Obviously, the best feature was Vicki. I feel O'Brien had a lot of weight on her shoulders, with her being the first new addition to the team. Having someone new replace an original cast member, must be hard and she delivered a terrific performance. She was so lovely, sweet, and animated that I was instantly entertained. I will be sad when she leaves because she showed so much promise and did throughout the remainder of the season too. It's a pity her departure is still missing.

Before watching this episode, there was one issue I had sat in the back of my mind for a while, and it was the music. It always felt quite bombastic, it came in at the wrong places, it didn't reflect what was happening on screen and didn't have any particular flow or rhythm; this episode was different. I thought, for once, the score complimented the visual and it did seem better beyond this episode. Reviews always seem to be quite negative about the reveal at the end, but as a viewer, I'm very good at thinking about what's happening as I watch so it's rare I ever figure it out until right before it happens. So, the reveal of Koquillion's identity was something I didn't realise until about five minutes before. It made for a much more entertaining view. This episode is the first I rated an 'A' and I imagine it'll be hard to reach that level for future serials, but time will tell.

As mentioned, I rate each of these episodes thinking to the time period. If this episode were to air in 2020, it probably wouldn't be quite on the A grade level, simply because, times change. Quality, audience wants and needs, limitations, music... Everything changes over time. This is why I'm trying to judge from a different perspective and recognise the period it was broadcast, whether I'm still being too harsh or whether I am accurate with my thoughts is up to the reader. 

*

Overall, Season 2 was quite a strong one. It was definitely hard to say goodbye to the original TARDIS team. I can see this being hard for young viewers, this team was what brought the show to life so to see them leave throughout season 2 isn't easy. After all, Doctor Who is always about change, and this makes you realise this. Season 2 also seemed more adventurous when it came to comedy, with numerous episodes following a more slapstick approach, 'The Romans' for example. I quite liked the change in tone and it not being taken too seriously. It was lovely to see Hartnell so different sides to his role, which will make it harder to say goodbye when the time comes. Vicki has fast become one of my favourite members of the TARDIS team, she's so sweet but so brillian.t I am aware that the last episode of this season is the last episode I will get to see her in, since the remainder of the serials are missing and I enjoyed her energy a lot. It's a pity she wasn't given more to do, more purpose, because she had the skill. Season 2 must be commended for the artistic skill that went into it. Every episode had to be applauded for the sets and props that brought each story together. The Web Planet was a visual treat and the fact Planet of Giants even slightly worked was a triumph. It definitely makes me more excited to see where they go next when I know what they can do. 

I'm hoping, in the future, episodes feel more resolved. I've noticed a few serials wrap up extremely quickly when they didn't even need to have as many episodes as they did. The Space Museum comes to mind. The last episode had an entire revolution to reveal to us and it was finished in around two minutes. I'm hoping stories are more intense throughout and doesn't end up shoving it all into one moment. 

Season 3 is going to be a difficult one since so many episodes are missing. I find it unfair to react to a story when, for example, only one episode exists and then the script and audio for the rest. It's not right to treat it like another story and I could just judge what I have, but I made the decision to just react to full stories. It's fairer, it's easier and makes for a smoother viewing and reading. Hopefully in time, remakes are made, more animations are produced or at least something that gives the stories the justice they deserve. 

My average grade of a 'B' does not reflect the strength of this season. There were a few low moments, but overall, I was continually impressed. It is an improvement on Season 1, and I'm excited to see if Season 3 can deliver, or what's left of it anyway.