http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Green_Death
Friday, April 19, 2013
69. The Green Death
What started with the Doctor regaining his ability to travel through time and space, ends with one of the best departures in Doctor Who history. The season 10 finales sees the departure of companion Jo Grant, going off to marry a man and go travel the Amazon River. Despite the numerous courtships and proposals Jo has received throughout time and space on her travels with the Doctor, it's a present day Earth man that wins her heart. And they actually develop Jo's relationship with Cliff over the course of the episode. When the story concludes and Jo breaks the news to the Doctor, you actually feel her conflicted emotions and you see the Doctor visibly heartbroken. The Doctor fades away into the background as people toast Jo's engagement and you see his silhouette drove off into the sunset. This marks the beginning of the end for the 3rd Doctor's tenure. With the tragic passing of Roger Delgado and the departure of Katy Manning, the Doctor's little UNIT family is slowly breaking up and you can see the toll on Jon Pertwee's face. While the introduction of Elizabeth Sladen's Sarah Jane Smith next season is a great shot of energy for the show, it's also the slow wind down for Jon Pertwee as the end of the 3rd Doctor approaches,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Green_Death
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Green_Death
68. Planet of the Daleks
Picking up where the last story left off, the ailing Doctor mentally commands the TARDIS to follow the Daleks and ends up on Spiridon where a bunch of Daleks are in suspended animation. We see that the TARDIS has a bed in the console room. We witness how Terry Nation can reprocess, repackage and reuse almost every story he's ever written into a new Dalek casserole. The Doctor and Jo run in to a band of Thals, who are probably wearing their shammy leather from 1963 under their space suits. We do get some shiny new Daleks and a Gold Dalek with a swank flashlight on his eye stalk. This story really could have been 4 episodes instead of 6. And of course, Jo gets cozy and sweet on another man who wants to sweep her away. It's become a recurring theme on every planet the Doctor takes Jo to that she must get hit on by alien men. It's actually quite amusing watching her spurn their affections. As the penultimate story of the season, this story does bring to a close the plot lines of the Doctor's freedom, the Master, the Daleks, and setting the Doctor back on course to his pre-exile life, setting the stage for the season finale and the Doctor's next chapter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_of_the_Daleks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_of_the_Daleks
67. Frontier in Space
An era comes to an end with the last story featuring Roger Delgado as The Master. With Roger dying in a tragic car accident after this episode aired, Frontier in Space is the final battle between Jon Pertwee's Doctor and Roger's Master. The story sums up quite well their relationship. Political maneuvering, power plays, pitting two sides against each other, and the Master impersonating a diplomat. It's a fun space drama romp!
We also are introduced to the Draconians, an alien reptile like species akin to ancient Japanese samurai. Jon Pertwee was frequently quoted as saying the Draconians were his favorite alien because you could see their face. I am surprised that the Draconians haven't been brought back in the new series, but the new Silurians have in many ways become the new Draconians.
The surprise twist at the end is something we've never seen before and we haven't seen again since- the Master and the Daleks joining forces! If only for a few brief moments, it's a great moment. This dovetails into the next story for another joyous Dalek romp. But after a great presence as the Master, Roger fades away into the darkness, and we say good night sweet Prince. Farewell Master.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontier_in_Space
We also are introduced to the Draconians, an alien reptile like species akin to ancient Japanese samurai. Jon Pertwee was frequently quoted as saying the Draconians were his favorite alien because you could see their face. I am surprised that the Draconians haven't been brought back in the new series, but the new Silurians have in many ways become the new Draconians.
The surprise twist at the end is something we've never seen before and we haven't seen again since- the Master and the Daleks joining forces! If only for a few brief moments, it's a great moment. This dovetails into the next story for another joyous Dalek romp. But after a great presence as the Master, Roger fades away into the darkness, and we say good night sweet Prince. Farewell Master.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontier_in_Space
66. Carnival of Monsters
The Carnival of Monsters marks the one and only time the Cybermen appear during the whole Jon Pertwee era. For a few seconds, inside the miniscope. Fresh off his triumphant victory over Omega and with the secrets of time travel returned to him, the Doctor and Jo Grant tear off through time and space. Unfortunately they land inside a miniscope, essentially a miniature traveling zoo. We meet the Drashigs for the first time, horrible scary monsters.
For the Doctor's first trip of freedom, it's a rather lackluster adventure. Knowing what's to come for the rest of season, this is the calm before the storm. Considering how many monsters the Doctor's encountered in the past 10 years, the menagerie in the miniscope could have been a little more interesting. Especially in this 10th season, this could have been a monster celebration.
Show people Vorg and Shirma are actually quite amusing and are from the old vaudeville school. Despite it being 1972 and the producer's version of the future, their outfits are HORRIBLE! But they certainly take advantage of the show being color. In some ways though they are mirror versions of the Doctor and Jo and inject some much need humor into the story.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Monsters
For the Doctor's first trip of freedom, it's a rather lackluster adventure. Knowing what's to come for the rest of season, this is the calm before the storm. Considering how many monsters the Doctor's encountered in the past 10 years, the menagerie in the miniscope could have been a little more interesting. Especially in this 10th season, this could have been a monster celebration.
Show people Vorg and Shirma are actually quite amusing and are from the old vaudeville school. Despite it being 1972 and the producer's version of the future, their outfits are HORRIBLE! But they certainly take advantage of the show being color. In some ways though they are mirror versions of the Doctor and Jo and inject some much need humor into the story.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Monsters
65. The Three Doctors
Happy Anniversary Doctor Who! Kicking off the 10th season (but actually airing shortly after the show's 9th anniversary in 1972), the Three Doctors actually united the first three actors to play the Doctor. A grave threat to the Time Lords on Gallifrey forces them to pluck the Doctor out of his previous timelines and bring them together to save the universe.
Having just watched all the episodes of Doctor Who from 1963 through 1972, it actually is quite a treat to see Patrick Troughton again and even in a limited capacity William Hartnell. They are both spot on and recreate their Doctors splendidly. The chemistry between Jon Pertwee and Patrick Troughton is television magic. While William Hartnell was in poor health and losing his memory, his brief moments on screen are precious and is definitely the governor to his successors. It is also a treat to see the 1st and 2nd Doctors in color for the first time.
This story also marks the end of the Doctor's exile on Earth. After 3 seasons stuck on in one place and one time (more or less), the Time Lords graciously lift the Doctor's exile for saving the universe. While not returning the Doctor to travelling through time and space full time just yet, it does shift to more non-Earth based/ less UNIT-centric stories for Jon Pertwee's remaining two seasons. Interestingly, William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton each had 3 year tenures as the Doctor. At this point for Jon Pertwee, he has now reached the same mark and with this story, the producers actually shift the show back to a more classic formula. And when the Doctor is on Earth helping the Brigadier and UNIT, it's because he wants to and not because he has to.
While reuniting the Doctors has become an anniversary favorite throughout time, this story sets bar and does it best. With the 50th anniversary special coming later this year and the news the current incumbent Matt Smith is uniting with 10th Doctor David Tennant (at least), it promises to be another wonderful celebration with more television magic!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Doctors_(Doctor_Who)
Having just watched all the episodes of Doctor Who from 1963 through 1972, it actually is quite a treat to see Patrick Troughton again and even in a limited capacity William Hartnell. They are both spot on and recreate their Doctors splendidly. The chemistry between Jon Pertwee and Patrick Troughton is television magic. While William Hartnell was in poor health and losing his memory, his brief moments on screen are precious and is definitely the governor to his successors. It is also a treat to see the 1st and 2nd Doctors in color for the first time.
This story also marks the end of the Doctor's exile on Earth. After 3 seasons stuck on in one place and one time (more or less), the Time Lords graciously lift the Doctor's exile for saving the universe. While not returning the Doctor to travelling through time and space full time just yet, it does shift to more non-Earth based/ less UNIT-centric stories for Jon Pertwee's remaining two seasons. Interestingly, William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton each had 3 year tenures as the Doctor. At this point for Jon Pertwee, he has now reached the same mark and with this story, the producers actually shift the show back to a more classic formula. And when the Doctor is on Earth helping the Brigadier and UNIT, it's because he wants to and not because he has to.
While reuniting the Doctors has become an anniversary favorite throughout time, this story sets bar and does it best. With the 50th anniversary special coming later this year and the news the current incumbent Matt Smith is uniting with 10th Doctor David Tennant (at least), it promises to be another wonderful celebration with more television magic!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Doctors_(Doctor_Who)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
64. The Time Monster
The season 9 finale has everything in it- the Doctor vs the Master, Greek gods, the sinking of Atlantis (again), UNIT, and a swank new TARDIS console room (that lasts only one story)! Clocking in his second appearance of the season, the Master returns to harness the power of Greek Titan Kronos for universal domination. He once again uses a flimsy fake name and is quickly discovered. Amazingly the Doctor is able to pilot the TARDIS back to ancient Atlantis to pursue the Master. The Master seduces the Queen of Atlantis, kills off the King, and unleashes Kronos who wrecks Atlantis. For a 6 episode story, it's actually a pretty well paced story and doesn't feel drawn out. And the final moments of the story with a naked Sergeant Benton and the laughing UNIT family is a precious moment as the Doctor's time in UNIT's employ begins to wind down.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Time_Monster
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Time_Monster
63. The Mutants
While season 8 saw the Doctor leave Earth once, this season sees the Doctor and Jo leave twice, bouncing between Earthbound and space adventures. The previous trip to Peladon was a classic, this time is not so classic. The Mutants monsters themselves are quite good and make a reappearance or two in the future. But this story is again too long, with 6 episodes that could be 4. The dying imperialism of Earth is interesting with power hungry people running amok. The eventual point of the story of a races ultimate evolution is a nice twist on the Daleks origin. All in all, another lack luster mission for the Time Lords.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mutants
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mutants
62. The Sea Devils
The Sea Devil Wears Prada!
We are introduced to the Silurians aquatic cousins, the Sea Devils, as the Master tries to conquer the world again. Despite being captured and imprisoned at the end of last season, the Master is up to his old tricks and operating out of his prison cell!
There is some interesting dialog between the Doctor and the Master about their past and their lives on Gallifrey.
While this story is 6 episodes long, it probably could be cut down to 4. There are a lot of location shots and chases around the Naval Base. There's a bit of season 7 injected into this season 9 story and it's a jolly good romp.
Despite the defeat of the Sea Devils, the Master does escape to plague the Doctor another day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sea_Devils
We are introduced to the Silurians aquatic cousins, the Sea Devils, as the Master tries to conquer the world again. Despite being captured and imprisoned at the end of last season, the Master is up to his old tricks and operating out of his prison cell!
There is some interesting dialog between the Doctor and the Master about their past and their lives on Gallifrey.
While this story is 6 episodes long, it probably could be cut down to 4. There are a lot of location shots and chases around the Naval Base. There's a bit of season 7 injected into this season 9 story and it's a jolly good romp.
Despite the defeat of the Sea Devils, the Master does escape to plague the Doctor another day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sea_Devils
61. The Curse of Peladon
Welcome back my darling Ice Warriors! After a 3 year absence, the Ice Warriors from Mars return but this time as allies and not enemies. This is the Doctor's first trip to Peladon and another romance for Jo Grant. The Time Lords once again send the Doctor and Jo off planet to interfere on their behalf again. We meet for the first time Alpha Centuri and we hear the Doctor sing a lullaby to Aggedor. This is a fun little romp with some royal intrigue, misdirection and good old fashion corridor running. Of course we are to assume the Ice Warriors are the bad guys, again, but as it turns out they're good guys this time. And the Ice Marshall gets a cape this time! We also find out that the Ice Warriors are green.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Curse_of_Peladon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Curse_of_Peladon
60. The Day of the Daleks
Season 9 kicks off with the long awaited return of the Daleks. After a 5 year absence, the 3rd Doctor goes head to eye stalk with this oldest enemies. Despite the seeming end of the Daleks in their last appearance in the Evil of the Daleks, they return to conquer the Earth in the 22nd century.
The Doctor and Jo also get to travel in time again, but this time thanks to Dalek time travel technology. In modern day vernacular, this would be considered a "wibbley wobbly, timey winey" story. Rebels from the future come back in time to kill a peace broker and inadvertently create their own future. With the Doctor's timely intervention, this dystopian future is eliminated and this adventure ceases to exist.
After a whole season of the Master, it's nice to get a break from him. While this return of the Daleks is fine, it's not very exciting. There are only a handful of Daleks who have already conquered the Earth. No battle, no fighting, just Ogrons running around, and a human lackey. All in all, it's a bit lack luster.
Thankfully, there is a special edition version on the DVD that greatly enhances the story, beefs up the Daleks, adds more bang, flash and boom. It feels more like a proper season opener with the long awaited return of the Doctor's oldest enemies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Daleks
The Doctor and Jo also get to travel in time again, but this time thanks to Dalek time travel technology. In modern day vernacular, this would be considered a "wibbley wobbly, timey winey" story. Rebels from the future come back in time to kill a peace broker and inadvertently create their own future. With the Doctor's timely intervention, this dystopian future is eliminated and this adventure ceases to exist.
After a whole season of the Master, it's nice to get a break from him. While this return of the Daleks is fine, it's not very exciting. There are only a handful of Daleks who have already conquered the Earth. No battle, no fighting, just Ogrons running around, and a human lackey. All in all, it's a bit lack luster.
Thankfully, there is a special edition version on the DVD that greatly enhances the story, beefs up the Daleks, adds more bang, flash and boom. It feels more like a proper season opener with the long awaited return of the Doctor's oldest enemies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Daleks
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