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.

"Doctor Who - Tomb of the Cybermen" is a classic four-part serial

from the Fifth Season of the original series, first broadcast in 1967.

This story is often regarded as one of the finest examples of Doctor Who's

early years, featuring the Second Doctor and his companions uncovering

the long-lost tomb of the Cybermen on the planet Telos.



Here's a review of each episode individually:



Episode 1:

The first episode sets up the premise of the story effectively,

as the Doctor and his companions arrive on Telos

and discover the expedition team led by Professor Parry.

The mystery surrounding the Cybermen's tomb is introduced,

building anticipation for the discoveries to come.

Overall, it's a strong start that establishes the tone

and atmosphere of the serial.

Rating: 9/10



Episode 2:

Episode 2 sees the Doctor and his companions exploring

the interior of the Cybermen's tomb, uncovering its secrets

and facing off against its deadly defenses. The tension builds

steadily as the true extent of the Cybermen's threat is revealed,

leading to a thrilling climax that leaves viewers on the edge

of their seats. While there are moments of excitement,

the pacing occasionally falters, slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 3:

This episode ramps up the tension as the Doctor and his companions

confront the Cybermen and their plans to revive their army.

The action sequences are well-executed, and the stakes feel

higher than ever as the Doctor races against time to stop

the Cybermen's schemes. While there are moments of excitement,

the pacing occasionally falters, slowing down the narrative momentum.

Rating: 8/10



Episode 4:

The final episode brings the story to a satisfying conclusion

as the Doctor and his companions face off against the Cybermen

in a desperate bid to save themselves and the expedition team.

The resolution is both action-packed and emotionally resonant,

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



Overall, "Doctor Who - Tomb of the Cybermen" is a gripping

and atmospheric serial that effectively combines elements of

science fiction, horror, and adventure. While some episodes

may have pacing issues, the story remains engaging throughout,

making it a standout installment in the Doctor Who canon.



Total Rating: 8.25/10