One of the better First Doctor (William Hartnell) stories after the departure of Ian (William Russell) and Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), The Time Meddler is at its best when the Doctor and the Meddling Monk (Peter Butterworth) are on screen together. Their chemistry together is impressive and Hartnell is really on his game here, perhaps spurred to such heights because he was working with an actor (again Butterwoth) of his own caliber. Vicki (Maureen O'Brien) and Steven (Peter Purves) are quite a team as well and certainly better than some of the companions to come (i.e. Dodo Chaplet).
Keep in mind, this is the first time in the history of Doctor Who when audiences discovered there was another individual flying through time and space in a TARDIS. It's impossible today to fully appreciate the importance of the cliffhanger in 'A Battle of Wits' (Episode 3) when Vicki utters those words: "The Monk's got a TARDIS!" Furthermore, how the Doctor decides to deal with the Monk is simultaneously hilarious and rather cruel, but you can't say he didn't deserve it. All in all, a fun pseudo-historical romp and an excellent way to end the second season of the original Doctor Who!
Keep in mind, this is the first time in the history of Doctor Who when audiences discovered there was another individual flying through time and space in a TARDIS. It's impossible today to fully appreciate the importance of the cliffhanger in 'A Battle of Wits' (Episode 3) when Vicki utters those words: "The Monk's got a TARDIS!" Furthermore, how the Doctor decides to deal with the Monk is simultaneously hilarious and rather cruel, but you can't say he didn't deserve it. All in all, a fun pseudo-historical romp and an excellent way to end the second season of the original Doctor Who!
4 Daleks (out of 5)
I've only seen two or three of the first doctor's stories, and he is definitely one of my favorite doctors--I hope we get another like him before the show is over. I haven't seen this on, though. Hook a brotha up?
ReplyDeleteI'm still a fan of Celery... either that, or it's my fondness for watching car crashes.
ReplyDelete<.<
Rob: Yes, it's hard to imagine Doctor Who without William Hartnell. He pretty much set the bar. His Doctor probably developed more than any of of the others in his three seasons. He started out stern, arrogant and rather xenophobic, but softened considerably as the show went on. I'd love to see another older, wiser Doctor, mainly because I think older, wiser actors are generally better at their craft and have the right gravitas for the role.
ReplyDeletef0x: >.>