Doctor Who, season 2 continued …

What a exceptional first episode of The Crusade!

Preceded by a lovely introduction by Ian Chesterton (looking like an older William Russell), reminiscing about his time with the Doctor, the episode begins in a forest in Jaffa with King Richard and his hawk leading an hunting party.  They’re soon attacked by Saracens, who overwhelm and defeat them.

A wounded King limps off to hide whilst his friend, William des Preaux, claims to be him and is captured.  The Saracens continue their search for survivors of the battle, and one runs across the wounded King.  Ian Chesteron leaps in to the King’s defence but, while the others are distracted, Barbara is kidnapped and another Saracen finds the King.  The Doctor battles also to save the King’s life and an epic battle follows between the Doctor/Ian and their respective Saracens.

Barbara, posing as the King’s sister Joanne, and William, posing as the King, are presented to Saladin’s brother, only to be exposed as fakes.  Saladin isn’t so quick to exact revenge as his brother, but believes Barbara’s report of the treatment she and William receives will hold him in good stead with King Richard.

Later, the Doctor steals clothes for Vicki and they meet again with King Richard at his court.  Ian wants the King’s help to find Barbara, whom they believe has been taken to Saladin’s camp with William.  After the great losses and recent tragedies, the King refuses.

This episode has everything.  An epic battle, the Doctor being rogueish (stealing the clothes), wonderful dialogue, and mostly excellent acting.  The plot is a little thin as we’ve had this kind of thing before – one of the TARDIS crew get separated from the others, and the others can’t leave without them.  The story is set in historical times, lending authenticity to the piece.  And viewer loyalty is rewarded by means of Barbara’s recounting of recent adventures to Saladin.

Such a pity this story isn’t complete because, judging by this first episode, this would be an excellent one to get new viewers to watch.  It has everything and doesn’t disappoint at any stage or in any area.

Next time … The Knight of Jaffa