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"The Romans" is a historical adventure from Doctor Who's classic era,

originally airing in 1965 as part of the First Doctor's tenure.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide if you'd enjoy it:



Story



The TARDIS materializes in ancient Rome, landing the Doctor

and his companions, Ian and Barbara, right in the middle

of political intrigue. Mistaken for a powerful seer,

the Doctor must navigate the dangers of the Roman court

while trying to find a way back to their own time.

Expect chariot races, gladiatorial combat, and a healthy dose

of slapstick humour.



Review



Strengths



Comedy Gold (for Classic Who): "The Romans" is considered

one of the First Doctor's funniest stories. The Doctor's

interactions with the Romans, his attempts to blend in,

and the general misunderstandings create lighthearted entertainment.



Early Historical Exploration: While historical accuracy

wasn't a major focus in early Doctor Who, "The Romans"

offers a glimpse into ancient Roman society and culture.



Character Development: The story allows for the development

of the relationship between the Doctor and his companions,

particularly the Doctor and Vicki (introduced in the previous serial).



Weaknesses



Campy Humour by Modern Standards: The humor in "The Romans"

might be considered campy or over-the-top by modern viewers

accustomed to more subtle comedy.



Limited Special Effects: The special effects used for ancient

Rome and any fantastical elements might seem primitive by today's

standards.



Historical Inaccuracy: As mentioned, historical accuracy wasn't

a priority. Viewers seeking a realistic depiction of ancient

Rome might be disappointed.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its humour, lighthearted adventure,

and early attempts at exploring historical settings.

Some fans also enjoy the dynamics

between the Doctor and his companions.



Negative: Criticized for its campy humor,

lack of historical accuracy, and somewhat

unconvincing special effects.



Overall Thoughts:



"The Romans" is a fun and comedic romp through time. While

it might not be the most serious historical adventure,

it offers a charming escape with memorable interactions

between the Doctor and his companions.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 7/10

(Especially those who enjoy the First Doctor's comedic flair)

For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 5/10



If you're open to campy humor and enjoy classic Doctor Who's

lighter adventures, "The Romans" is worth checking out.

However, if you prefer serious historical stories

with cutting-edge special effects, you might find it dated

and less appealing.



Additional Points to Consider:



"The Romans" is considered a significant serial for being

the First Doctor's first comedy-focused story, paving the

way for future adventures with a more humourous bent.



If you enjoy "The Romans," you might also appreciate

other classic Doctor Who stories that feature the Doctor

and companions in historical settings, like "The Aztecs"

or "Marco Polo" (though the latter is unfortunately lost).



Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch "The Romans"

depends on your personal preferences and your tolerance

for campy humour and a less serious approach

to historical settings.

"The Wheel in Space" is a Doctor Who serial from the Patrick Troughton era,

originally broadcast in 1968. Here's a review and rating for each episode:



Episode 1: The story begins with the TARDIS materialising

on a mysterious spaceship, setting up an intriguing premise.

The introduction of the Cybermen adds excitement and anticipation

for the events to come. Rating: 7/10



Episode 2: Tension builds as the crew of the spaceship discovers

the threat posed by the Cybermen. The pacing is steady,

and the sense of danger increases as the situation escalates.

Rating: 7/10



Episode 3: This episode sees the Cybermen's plan unfolding,

with the crew of the spaceship facing increasing peril.

The stakes feel higher as the Doctor and his companions race

to stop the Cybermen's scheme. Rating: 7/10



Episode 4: The danger reaches its peak as the Cybermen

launch their attack, leading to some thrilling action

sequences. The resolution is satisfying, though some

may find it slightly rushed. Rating: 8/10



Episode 5: The Doctor's plan to thwart the Cybermen's

invasion takes shape, leading to a tense and exciting climax.

The resolution provides closure while leaving room

for future adventures. Rating: 8/10



Overall, "The Wheel in Space" is an engaging Doctor Who

serial with a compelling storyline and memorable villains.

While some episodes may have pacing issues, the overall

experience is enjoyable for fans of classic Doctor Who.

Overall Rating: 7.4/10