3. The Edge of Destruction

From the far flung past to the far flung future, we now get a little 2 part story set entirely Inside the Ship. And I have to say, this is probably my favorite 1st Doctor story. It showcases the 4 lead actors so well. It is a master class in psychological drama. It begins to reveal the TARDIS as more than just a ship. By the end of the story, the crew has been broken apart and put back together for the better and sets the show on a course we're still seeing today.

In An Unearthly Child, the antagonist were the cavemen. In The Daleks, the title character were the antagonists. Each captured, tortured, and put the Doctor, Susan, Barbara and Ian through the paces. Each time reacting to the elements and enemies in front of them.

This time, they're trapped inside the TARDIS and have no one to fight with exempt themselves. The tension from the internal strife becomes so thick you can cut it with a sonic screwdriver. In the forging of this crew, this is the final challenge that brings a more lasting cohesion and comradery that will continue on for adventures to come.

In the classic series, they never did another story set entirely in one set. In the new series, the episode 'Midnight' with David Tennant was set entirely inside a shuttle craft. Rumor has it that one of the upcoming Matt Smith episode will be set entirely, once again, inside the TARDIS. And I for one can't wait!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Edge_of_Destruction

Up next: Marco Polo!