The first episode is strange but pretty enjoyable (and pretty creative as well). The plot is pretty simple, centring around a space thug team chasing a person who has escaped to the Earth. The story slows down for the middle episode and after the introduction of the main players. The American characters who appear in several scenes feel like an unnecessary addition to the story, even if they do provide comic relief. And the entire Chimeron Queen thing, with the green and quickly growing baby with musical qualities, feels a bit bizarre. Everything is solved in a way that is not only stupid, but it's also a bit too simple.
The acting is okay, but only Sylvester McCoy and Bonnie Langford truly stand out. McCoy finally feels like he is the Doctor. While Don Henderson and Belinda Mayne are both fine, their performances are stripped down and a bit dull.
The Doctor is less of a clumsy clown and more of a typical hero here, both bad-ass and quick-thinking and nor afraid to put his life at risk to save others.
I'm convinced the writers don't know what to do with Mel. She's once again separated from the Doctor for the majority of the story and she isn't put t a vert good use even after reuniting with him.
The Bannermen are a fine idea; creepy and over-the-top, but they remain somewhat ambiguous, which makes them less believable. Gavrok is a pretty forgettable leader since he has no memorable qualities.
The late 50s period feel is very authentic and warm, which is lovely. The music is trying to evoke the sense of 50s rock, but it goes a bit too far. The production design is fine, but nothing special, even because this is set in the past.
This story feels a bit slower again, and it's interesting how the story slows down for Part Two while picking up speed for the climax in Part Three. At least the final episode is somewhat exciting and fast-paced.
The serial has the swinging rock n' roll atmosphere of the 50s, but it lacks the excitement and tension of a real chase, mostly because the Bannermen don't get going until quite let into the story. But once they do get going towards the end of Part Two, they feel like a creepily effective force. That being said, the sense of build-up to the climax and the climax itself feels a bit underwhelming.
This story feels very middle-of-the-road, with very little impact on the series as a whole.
This is is a simple, little adventure that doesn't need to be rewatched.
Review by Theo KallströmVIP 6BlockedParentSpoilers2020-07-15T06:10:57Z
The first episode is strange but pretty enjoyable (and pretty creative as well). The plot is pretty simple, centring around a space thug team chasing a person who has escaped to the Earth. The story slows down for the middle episode and after the introduction of the main players. The American characters who appear in several scenes feel like an unnecessary addition to the story, even if they do provide comic relief. And the entire Chimeron Queen thing, with the green and quickly growing baby with musical qualities, feels a bit bizarre. Everything is solved in a way that is not only stupid, but it's also a bit too simple.
The acting is okay, but only Sylvester McCoy and Bonnie Langford truly stand out. McCoy finally feels like he is the Doctor. While Don Henderson and Belinda Mayne are both fine, their performances are stripped down and a bit dull.
The Doctor is less of a clumsy clown and more of a typical hero here, both bad-ass and quick-thinking and nor afraid to put his life at risk to save others.
I'm convinced the writers don't know what to do with Mel. She's once again separated from the Doctor for the majority of the story and she isn't put t a vert good use even after reuniting with him.
The Bannermen are a fine idea; creepy and over-the-top, but they remain somewhat ambiguous, which makes them less believable. Gavrok is a pretty forgettable leader since he has no memorable qualities.
The late 50s period feel is very authentic and warm, which is lovely. The music is trying to evoke the sense of 50s rock, but it goes a bit too far. The production design is fine, but nothing special, even because this is set in the past.
This story feels a bit slower again, and it's interesting how the story slows down for Part Two while picking up speed for the climax in Part Three. At least the final episode is somewhat exciting and fast-paced.
The serial has the swinging rock n' roll atmosphere of the 50s, but it lacks the excitement and tension of a real chase, mostly because the Bannermen don't get going until quite let into the story. But once they do get going towards the end of Part Two, they feel like a creepily effective force. That being said, the sense of build-up to the climax and the climax itself feels a bit underwhelming.
This story feels very middle-of-the-road, with very little impact on the series as a whole.
This is is a simple, little adventure that doesn't need to be rewatched.
Score: 59/120