Doctor Who continued …

The final episode of this serial, and the first season of Doctor Who, is a fast-paced piece with revelations that resolve the plot and plot turns that sync with established history.

William Hartnell again has a great scene as the First Doctor rescuing Susan from the cell, while William Russell and Jacqueline Hill have a blast disguising themselves in the tavern to overhear a hugely significant plot development.  The lack of Susan’s presence helped a lot, too, I believe.

The episode, and story, ends back in the TARDIS with the Doctor musing wistfully about their future.

Primarily due to Hartnell having some fantastic scenes as the Doctor, The Reign of Terror easily justifies itself as a great first season adventure.  It’s just a shame that we’ve lost two episodes that have had to be animated.  By the time of the 6th episode, I didn’t even recognise Robespierre despite him being in the previous two episodes because the animation didn’t look anything like him.  Oh well, better this than nothing I guess.

Next time … Planet of Giants