Dave Yadallee's personal blog

The Web of Fear" is a classic Doctor Who serial

from the Patrick Troughton era, originally broadcast in 1968.

Here's a brief review and rating for each of its episodes:



Episode 1: This episode effectively sets up the mysterious

atmosphere of the story, introducing the Yeti

and the web-like substance. The introduction of the military

adds tension and intrigue. Rating: 8/10



Episode 2: The tension builds as the situation escalates, with

the Yeti attacking and the web spreading further.

The claustrophobic setting of the underground tunnels

adds to the suspense. Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: This episode sees the characters facing

increasing danger as they try to find a way to stop

the Yeti and the web. The sense of isolation

and paranoia is palpable. Rating: 8/10



Episode 4: The Doctor's plan to defeat the Yeti begins

to take shape, leading to some exciting action sequences.

The stakes feel higher as the threat grows. Rating: 9/10



Episode 5: The tension reaches its peak as the Doctor

and his companions confront the Great Intelligence.

The resolution is satisfying, though some may find

it slightly rushed. Rating: 9/10



Overall, "The Web of Fear" is a thrilling

and atmospheric serial with strong performances

and a compelling storyline. While some episodes

may have pacing issues, the overall experience

is highly enjoyable. Overall Rating: 8.5/10

"The Dalek Invasion of Earth" is a landmark six-episode serial

in Doctor Who's classic era, airing in 1966. It marks

the triumphant return of the Daleks, solidifying them

as the Doctor's most iconic enemies. Here's a breakdown

to help you decide if you'd like to watch it:



Story



The TARDIS lands in 2150 AD Earth, a desolate wasteland

under Dalek occupation. The Doctor and his companions,

Susan, Ian, and Barbara, find themselves embroiled

in a resistance movement fighting for humanity's survival.

The story follows their struggle against the Daleks

and their ruthless leader, Supreme Dalek.



Review



Strengths:



Iconic Dalek Story: This serial is considered one

of the best Dalek stories ever written. It showcases

their ruthlessness, intelligence, and vulnerability

in a high-stakes conflict.



Earth Invasion Setting: The Dalek occupation of Earth

creates a sense of urgency and raises questions about

humanity's resilience.



Companion Departures: The serial features the emotional

departure of Susan Foreman, the Doctor's granddaughter.

This adds a layer of poignancy to the story.



Weaknesses:



Dated Special Effects: While groundbreaking for its time,

the special effects used for the Daleks and the devastated

Earth might seem primitive by modern standards.

Slow Pacing in Parts: The narrative can feel slow at times,

especially during exposition scenes explaining the situation on Earth.

Repetitive Dialogue: The Daleks' catchphrases ("Exterminate!") might

become repetitive for some viewers after a while.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its iconic status, high stakes narrative,

and emotional weight of Susan's departure. The story

is considered a turning point for the show's popularity.



Negative: Criticized for its slow pacing, dated special effects,

and repetitive dialogue from the Daleks.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Dalek Invasion of Earth" is a classic Doctor Who story

with historical significance. While the production values

might not hold up entirely today, it offers a thrilling

adventure and an important chapter in the Doctor

and the Daleks' ongoing conflict.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 8/10

For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 6/10



If you're interested in the history of Doctor Who

and enjoy stories featuring the Daleks,

"The Dalek Invasion of Earth" is a must-watch.

However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures

with cutting-edge special effects, you might

find it slow and less exciting.



Additional Points to Consider:



This serial introduced the iconic Dalek catchphrase

"Exterminate!" which has become synonymous with the show

and the Daleks themselves.



If you enjoy "The Dalek Invasion of Earth," you might

also appreciate other classic Doctor Who stories that

feature high-stakes conflicts and iconic monsters.



Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch

"The Dalek Invasion of Earth" depends on your personal preferences

and your tolerance for slower-paced storytelling

with historical significance and a focus on the

Doctor's arch nemesis: the Daleks.