Dave Yadallee's personal blog

"Doctor Who - The Moonbase" is a classic four-part serial from the Fourth

Season of the original series, originally aired in 1967. In this story, the

Second Doctor and his companions find themselves on a moonbase

in the year 2070, where they confront a deadly threat from the Cybermen.



Episode 1 sets up the premise effectively, introducing the futuristic setting

of the moonbase and establishing tension with the discovery of mysterious

silver creatures lurking in the shadows. The Cybermen's return as the primary

antagonists adds a sense of menace and raises the stakes for the Doctor

and his companions.



Throughout the serial, the Cybermen are portrayed with chilling effectiveness,

emphasising their emotionless nature and relentless pursuit of their goals. The

design of the Cybermen is particularly striking, showcasing their iconic silver

suits and distinctive voices.



"The Moonbase" benefits from strong pacing, with each episode building upon the

tension and escalating the threat posed by the Cybermen. The serial also

features memorable moments of suspense and drama,

keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.



The characterisation of the Doctor and his companions is well-handled, with

Patrick Troughton delivering a charismatic and resourceful performance as the

Second Doctor. The interactions between the Doctor, Jamie, Ben, and Polly add

depth to the story and highlight the importance of teamwork in overcoming

adversity.



Overall, "Doctor Who - The Moonbase" is a classic serial that successfully

combines elements of science fiction, horror, and adventure. While some aspects

of the production may feel dated by modern standards, the serial remains a

compelling and entertaining watch for fans of classic Doctor Who.



Episode 1: 8/10

Episode 2: 8/10

Episode 3: 8/10

Episode 4: 8/10



Overall Rating: 8/10

I can provide you with some reviews and insights to help you form your own

opinion on "Doctor Who: The Daleks"

(also sometimes referred to as "Doctor Who and the Daleks"):



Background



"The Daleks" is the second serial of Doctor Who, originally airing in six

parts in December 1963 and January 1964. It features the iconic debut of the

Daleks, one of the show's most enduring villains. The story follows the

Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara as they land on the planet Skaro,

home to the Daleks.



Review



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



Landmark in Television History: The Daleks were a revelation in television.

Their unique design, electronic voices, and ruthless nature

made them instant pop culture icons.



Limited Special Effects by Modern Standards: The special effects used to

create the Daleks might seem primitive by today's standards. However,

they were groundbreaking for their time.



Simple Plot but Effective Execution: The plot of "The Daleks" is fairly

straightforward. However, the suspenseful atmosphere, moral dilemmas,

and introduction of the Daleks make it an engaging watch.



Character Development: This serial shows some development in the

characters, particularly Ian who becomes more assertive.



Reception



Positive: Praised for introducing the Daleks, creating a tense atmosphere,

and exploring themes of war and genocide.



Negative: Criticized for its simplistic plot and limited special effects

(by modern standards).



Overall Thoughts



"The Daleks" is a significant serial in Doctor Who history. While some

aspects might not hold up entirely against modern productions, its historical

significance and the introduction of the Daleks make it a must-watch for

any fan of the show.



Would I recommend watching it?:



If you're a die-hard Doctor Who fan or interested in television history,

"The Daleks" is a must-watch. However, if you're new to the show

and prefer more complex narratives with cutting-edge special effects,

you might want to start with a later serial.