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Doctor Who: Mission to the Unknown - A Curious Case



"Mission to the Unknown" is a unique entry in Doctor Who lore.

Airing in 1965 as part of the First Doctor's era,

it holds the distinction of being the shortest Doctor Who

story ever, a single 25-minute episode. Here's a breakdown

to help you decide if you want to embark on this brief

but intriguing mission:



Story



This serial does not feature the Doctor and his companions.

Instead, it focuses on space security agents sent

to investigate a distress call from a damaged

alien vessel. Upon arrival, they encounter strange

plant life with mind-altering effects

and the deadly threat of the Daleks,

who were introduced in the previous serial.



Review



Strengths



A Prequel to Dalek Greatness: "Mission to the Unknown"

serves as a prelude to the epic serial

"The Daleks' Master Plan," introducing the Daleks'

master plan and setting the stage for their confrontation

with the Doctor.



Focus on Dalek Threat: This short episode showcases

the ruthlessness and intelligence of the Daleks,

building suspense for their future encounters with the Doctor.



Atmospheric Setting: Despite limited resources, the episode

creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere onboard

the damaged spaceship.



Weaknesses



Lack of the Doctor and Companions: The absence

of the familiar faces might be a drawback for some viewers

accustomed to the Doctor's presence.



Limited Scope Due to Length: Being a single episode,

"Mission to the Unknown" lacks the character development

and plot complexity found in longer serials.



Dated Special Effects: The special effects used

for the alien plants and the Daleks might seem primitive

by modern standards.



Reception:



Positive: Praised for its connection to

"The Daleks' Master Plan," focusing on the Dalek threat,

and creating an atmospheric setting within the time

constraints. Some fans also appreciate the experimentation

with a Doctor-lite story.



Negative: Criticised for the absence of the Doctor

and companions, limited scope due to the short length,

and dated special effects.



Overall Thoughts:



"Mission to the Unknown" is a historical curiosity

in Doctor Who. While the lack of the Doctor might

be a turn-off for some, it offers a different

perspective on the Dalek threat

and sets the stage for a larger narrative.



Would I recommend watching it?



For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10 (Especially those completing

"The Daleks' Master Plan" and interested in seeing the introduction

of the Dalek masterplan)



For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 2/10 (The short length

and lack of the Doctor might make it less appealing for modern viewers)





Additional Points to Consider:



This episode was originally intended as the first episode

of "The Daleks' Master Plan" but was later separated due

to scheduling constraints.



If you enjoy "Mission to the Unknown"

and find the concept of stories focusing

on characters besides the Doctor intriguing,

you might want to explore other "Doctor-lite"

episodes produced throughout the show's history.

"Doctor Who: The War Games" is a monumental serial

from the Patrick Troughton era, originally broadcast

in 1969. Here's a review and rating for each episode:



Episode 1: The TARDIS lands in the midst of a First

World War battlefield, but something is amiss.

The Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe soon discover

a much larger conflict spanning across

various historical periods. The episode effectively

establishes the mystery and the scale of the danger. Rating: 9/10



Episode 2: The Doctor and his companions continue to navigate

through different time zones, encountering various groups

of soldiers and realizing the true extent of the War Chief's

manipulation. The tension builds as they try to uncover

the truth. Rating: 8/10



Episode 3: Captured by the War Chief and the War Lord,

the Doctor's situation becomes increasingly dire.

Meanwhile, Jamie and Zoe face their own challenges,

adding depth to the narrative. Rating: 8/10



Episode 4: The Doctor's plan to escape and expose

the War Chief's scheme takes shape, leading

to a thrilling confrontation. The rebellion

gains momentum as the rebels prepare to fight

against their oppressors. Rating: 9/10



Episode 5: The rebellion gains momentum as the Doctor

and his allies prepare for the final showdown against

the War Chief and the War Lord. The action sequences

are intense, and the resolution is both satisfying

and poignant. Rating: 9/10



Episode 6: The climax of the story sees the Doctor

confronting the War Lord and the Time Lords intervening

to put an end to the War Games. The revelations

are shocking, and the consequences of the Doctor's

actions are profound. Rating: 10/10



Episode 7: The Doctor is put on trial by the

Time Lords, and his companions plead his case.

The trial scenes are captivating, offering

insights into the Doctor's character and motivations.

Rating: 9/10



Episode 8: The Doctor's trial continues,

and the truth behind his actions is revealed.

The moral dilemmas faced by the Doctor are explored

in depth, adding layers to the narrative. Rating: 9/10



Episode 9: The Doctor's fate is decided by the Time Lords,

leading to a dramatic conclusion that shakes the very

foundation of the series. The emotional impact is profound,

and the resolution is both poignant and thought-provoking. Rating: 10/10



Episode 10: The Doctor's exile is enforced by the Time Lords,

and he says his goodbyes to Jamie and Zoe. The farewell scenes

are bittersweet, marking the end of an era while hinting

at new adventures to come. Rating: 9/10



Overall, "The War Games" is an epic Doctor Who serial

that delivers a gripping storyline, memorable characters,

and thought-provoking themes. It's a fitting conclusion

to Patrick Troughton's era and a milestone

in the show's history. Overall Rating: 9/10