After Unearthly Child, after The Daleks, after The Edge of Destruction, after Marco Polo…

The Keys Of Marinus.

This is the first story (not counting Marco Polo, which very little of has survived) where we properly see the Tardis crew working together. Everyone shines. And despite the odd dialogue fluff it’s brilliant. The sets are simple and effective, and I’m a sucker for decent miniature work.

Episode One : The Old Guy’s machine (the old guy that isn’t The Doctor) is fucked up.

Ep 2 : If it all seems too good to be true… Also, trust Barbara you idiots. Honestly, she’s worth the three of you put together. Also, also… Brains in jars!

Ep 3 : Because of William Hartnell being on holiday it’s Companions and Pals! It does go to show that Hartnell’s supporting cast are excellent. And bloody imitation microkeys. Gah!

Ep 4 : The Snows of Terror! The Day After Tomorrow! The Beast From The East! Ahem. Sorry about that. And Ian? Brilliant idea leaving Barbara with the fur trapper. He’s not dodgy at all. Also, Susan does a fair amount of moaning and screaming, and in her defence I’d probably do the same.

Ep 5 : Oh no! Not the glass factories in the desert! And yay! The Doctor is back from his hols!

Ep 6 : I really don’t know what’s going on anymore. The whole trial / investigation lark is a tad out of place. Enjoyable, but odd.

So, there we go. All in all, a good romp. The last two episodes could have done with a rewrite and a change of pace, but 145 mins well spent.

Tomorrow, if I have time, I might crack on with The Aztecs.