Previously … The Temple of Evil …

Not much more really needs to be said about The Aztecs.  I sometimes feel that this story gets hyped up better than it is.  There are several reasons why it’s so good, but I think a lot of them have to do with the fact that it’s not so plodding as some of the lengthier stories.  It’s a solid, well-structured story without much of a plot.  Had it been forced into 6 or 7 weeks, it would doubtless feel as laggy as the others.

It’s better than its surrounding stories because (i) Hartnell is clearly improved from his two-week rest, (ii) Susan is missing from two episodes (and, in the filmed inserts, she’s not required to scream at her own shadow), and (iii) Ian gets some solid scenes on his own, befitting the “hero” character, etc.

The backdrops are effective, but they’re not impressive until the fight scene at the end when we get to see a vast vista of the other pyramids.  We should have seen that much sooner because that really belies the lack of budget.

Also, I’m really not sure how “Tlotoxl” became “Clotoxl” as the story progressed, though.  Maybe he was Welsh?

Next time … Strangers in Space