Dave Yadallee's personal blog

I can provide you with a review of "Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus"

(all six episodes) to help you form your own opinion

and decide if you'd like to watch it.



Background



"The Keys of Marinus" aired in 1964 as part of the First Doctor's era.

It's a six-episode serial that takes the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara

to the fictional planet Marinus. There, they become entangled in a quest

to find the five Keys of Marinus, which are needed to avert a planetary

disaster.



Review



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



Puzzle Box Story: The narrative follows a classic puzzle-box structure,

with the Doctor and his companions needing to find the scattered keys

to solve a larger mystery. This can be engaging for viewers who enjoy

a good mystery.



Slow Pacing by Modern Standards: The story unfolds gradually, with

a focus on exploration and dialogue. This might feel slow for viewers

accustomed to the fast-paced action of modern Doctor Who.



Character Dynamics: The serial offers opportunities to see the Doctor

and companions working together and their individual personalities

emerge. Susan in particular plays a significant role in the story.



Limited Special Effects: Being a 1964 serial, the special effects are

primitive by today's standards. However, they might hold

a certain charm for those who appreciate classic television

aesthetics.



Reception



Positive: Praised for its sense of wonder, exploration, and focus

on puzzle-solving. Some fans also enjoy the atmospheric setting

of Marinus.



Negative: Criticized for its slow pacing, lack of action, and

derivative plot (borrowing elements from shows like "Fireball XL5").



Overall Thoughts



"The Keys of Marinus" is a mixed bag.

While it might not be the most action-packed story,

it offers a glimpse into the early days of Doctor Who

with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and character development.



Would I recommend watching it?



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

of television, "The Keys of Marinus" is worth checking out.

However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures with cutting-edge

special effects, you might find it slow and lacking in excitement.



Rating:



It's difficult to assign a single rating as enjoyment is subjective.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide:



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 7/10

For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 5/10



Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch

"The Keys of Marinus" depends on your personal preferences

and your tolerance for slower-paced storytelling.

"Doctor Who - The Evil of the Daleks" is a seven-part serial from the Fourth

Season of the original series, first broadcast in 1967. This iconic story

sees the Second Doctor and his companions embroiled in a deadly game

orchestrated by the Daleks, as they attempt to unlock the secrets of human

emotions.



Here's a review of each episode individually:



Episode 1:

The first episode sets the stage for the story, introducing the mystery

surrounding the Daleks' interest in human emotions and the enigmatic

figure of Edward Waterfield. The tension builds steadily as the Doctor

and his companions are drawn into the Daleks' machinations, setting the

tone for the ensuing adventure. Overall, it's a strong start that grabs

the viewer's attention and leaves them eager for more.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 2:

Episode 2 delves deeper into the Daleks' plot as the Doctor and Jamie

are transported back in time to 1866 London. The historical setting adds

an intriguing dimension to the story, as the Doctor investigates

the origins of the Daleks' experiments with human emotions.

Despite some pacing issues, it's an engaging installment that keeps

viewers guessing.

Rating: 7/10



Episode 3:

This episode sees the Doctor and Jamie confronting the Daleks in their

underground laboratory, as they attempt to thwart their plans

and rescue Victoria. The tension escalates as the true extent

of the Daleks' manipulation is revealed, leading to a thrilling climax

that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. Despite some pacing

issues, it's a satisfying installment that delivers on both suspense

and excitement.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 4:

Episode 4 sees the Doctor and his companions caught in a deadly game

of cat and mouse with the Daleks, as they attempt to escape their

clutches and uncover the truth behind their experiments. The action

sequences are well-staged, and the stakes feel higher than ever as

the Doctor races against time to save his friends and stop the Daleks'

plans. While there are moments of excitement, the pacing occasionally

falters, slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 7/10



Episode 5:

This episode sees the story reach its climax as the Doctor confronts

the Daleks in a final showdown, leading to a thrilling and emotionally

charged resolution. The action sequences are well-executed,

and the resolution is both satisfying and poignant, with moments

of sacrifice and heroism from the main characters. While there

are moments of excitement, the pacing occasionally falters, slowing down

the narrative momentum.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 6:

The penultimate episode brings the story to a dramatic climax

as the Doctor and his companions face off against the Daleks

in a desperate bid to save humanity. The tension builds steadily

as the true extent of the Daleks' plans is revealed, leading to

a thrilling and emotionally resonant conclusion. While there

are moments of excitement, the pacing occasionally falters,

slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 7:

The final episode brings the story to a satisfying conclusion

as the Doctor and his companions bid farewell to their new friends

and prepare to embark on their next adventure.

The resolution is both poignant and bittersweet,

with the Doctor reflecting on the consequences of their actions

and the toll it has taken on those involved. While there are moments

of excitement, the pacing occasionally falters,

slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 8/10



Overall, "Doctor Who - The Evil of the Daleks" is a gripping

and emotionally resonant serial that effectively combines

elements of science fiction, suspense, and drama.

While some episodes may have pacing issues,

the story remains engaging throughout, making it a standout installment

in the Doctor Who canon.



Total Rating: 7.8/10