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Here's a review of Doctor Who: The Edge of Destruction / The Brink of

Disaster (sometimes listed as simply "The Edge of Destruction"):



Background



Airing in February 1964, "The Edge of Destruction"

(originally titled "Inside the Ship") is the third Doctor Who serial

and the first written by Script Editor David Whitaker. It marks

a turning point in the show, introducing a more psychological

and character-driven approach to storytelling compared to the historical

adventures of the first two serials.



Story



The TARDIS crew – the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara – find themselves

disoriented and suspicious of each other. A broken safety switch on the

TARDIS disrupts the crew's mental state, leading to paranoia, fear,

and even violence. The Doctor must not only fix the TARDIS

but also navigate the fractured relationships within his crew.



Review



"The Edge of Destruction" is a unique and experimental story in Doctor Who

history. Here are some key points to consider:



Psychological Thriller: This serial departs from the sci-fi adventure

format of the previous stories. It delves into the psychological effects

of the malfunctioning TARDIS, creating a tense and claustrophobic

atmosphere.



Character Development: "The Edge of Destruction" focuses heavily

on character development. We see the Doctor's resourcefulness

and his struggle to maintain control. The companions also grapple

with fear and suspicion, revealing their inner strengths and weaknesses.



Mixed Pacing: The story starts slow, establishing the mystery

and the characters' growing unease. The pace picks up as the situation

becomes more desperate.



Controversial Elements: Some viewers find the acting and dialogue a bit

over-the-top, especially the Doctor's uncharacteristically aggressive

behaviour.



Reception



Positive: Praised for its originality, psychological depth, and focus

on character development. It's also considered a turning point for the

show's direction.



Negative: Criticised for its slow pacing, melodramatic acting,

and departure from the established format.



Overall Thoughts



"The Edge of Destruction" is a bold experiment in Doctor Who history.

While not without its flaws, it offers a unique and thought-provoking

story that delves into the characters' psyches. It represents

a significant step in the show's evolution from pure sci-fi adventure

to a more complex and character-driven format.



Would I recommend watching it?:



If you're interested in the history of Doctor Who and seeing the show evolve,

"The Edge of Destruction" is a valuable watch. However, if you prefer

fast-paced adventures with clear heroes and villains, you might find it

slow and confusing.



Here are some additional points to consider:



The Historical Context: Remember, this serial aired in 1964. Television

production values and storytelling techniques have changed significantly

since then.

The Doctor's Character: This is still the early days of the First Doctor.

His personality and relationship with his companions are still being

established. He might come across as more ruthless or even cruel compared

to later incarnations.



Ultimately, whether you enjoy "The Edge of Destruction" depends on your

personal preferences. It's a unique and experimental story that

offers a different flavour of Doctor Who.