Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Here's a review of all 4 episodes of Doctor Who: The Aztecs

to help you decide if you'd like to watch it and form your own opinion:



Background



"The Aztecs" originally aired in 1964 as part of the First Doctor's era.

This four-episode serial takes the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara

to 15th-century Mexico, during the reign of the Aztec Empire.

The companions find themselves mistaken for Aztec gods,

leading to ethical dilemmas and dangerous situations.



Review



Here's a breakdown of some key points to consider:



Historical Drama with Sci-Fi Twist: "The Aztecs" blends historical

drama with science fiction elements. It explores the Aztec culture

and beliefs while weaving in the time travel narrative

of the Doctor and his companions.



Ethical Dilemmas: A core theme of the serial is the ethical

quandary of interference in history. The Doctor

and his companions must decide how far they can go

to avoid disrupting the past.



Character Development: We see the companions grapple with the moral

complexities of their situation. Barbara in particular wrestles

with her knowledge of history and the desire to help

the Aztecs.



Limited Set Design: Due to production limitations, the sets

and costumes might not be entirely accurate depictions

of Aztec civilization. However, they still evoke a sense

of the period.



Reception



Positive: Praised for its exploration of historical themes,

ethical dilemmas, and the companions' inner struggles.

It's also considered a well-acted and suspenseful story.



Negative: Criticized for certain inaccuracies in its portrayal

of Aztec culture. Some viewers might find the historical

context less engaging than pure science fiction narratives.



Overall Thoughts



"The Aztecs" is a thought-provoking story that tackles mature themes

like cultural sensitivity and altering history. While some

historical elements might not be entirely accurate, it offers

a fascinating blend of historical drama

and science fiction adventure.



Would I recommend watching it?



If you're interested in Doctor Who exploring historical settings

and ethical dilemmas, "The Aztecs" is a must-watch. However,

if you prefer fast-paced space adventures with entirely fictional

settings, you might find it slow and less exciting.



Rating:



Here's a breakdown to help you decide:



For Fans of Historical Drama: 8/10

For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 7/10

For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 6/10



Ultimately, the enjoyment of "The Aztecs" depends on your

personal preferences and your interest in historical

settings within a science fiction narrative.