Originally, I was planning on doing this post about The Visitation. However, recently I have been going back and watching some of the black-and-white episodes (you might ask how I actually intend to watch every Doctor Who serial if I keep going back to previous ones), and I became so interested in them that I decided to write about that instead. They have such a charm about them that even the ones I don't like, I can find value in. It's a hard thing to understand unless you are a classical Doctor Who fan. Anyway, I have decided to compile a list of the ten best Hartnell and Troughton stories (and by best, I mean the ones I like the most).
Ground rules: Stories with video tend to trump no-video stories. Sorry, but it's just harder to enjoy reconstructed stories knowing that this was not the way they were meant to be seen. So The Massacre, The Dalek's Master Plan, and Evil of the Daleks doesn't make the cut. Secondly, serials get points for being a significant story or an important landmark in the history of the show, but ultimately, clever story-telling, interesting characters, and professional production are what get this story on the list. So that means if a serial is basically a repetitous cycle of the protagonists being captured, escaping, and then being recaptured (I'm looking at you War Games), it will not be rated as high as it could have been, no matter how important of a serial it is seen to be. Be prepared to see a lot of Dalek and Cybermen stories. Off we go!
10) Dalek Invasion of Earth
So, this is a pretty obvious choice, with which to start. Ever since the Daleks were introduced, it was just a matter of time before they wound up invading the Doctor's favorite plant. Daleks
Ground rules: Stories with video tend to trump no-video stories. Sorry, but it's just harder to enjoy reconstructed stories knowing that this was not the way they were meant to be seen. So The Massacre, The Dalek's Master Plan, and Evil of the Daleks doesn't make the cut. Secondly, serials get points for being a significant story or an important landmark in the history of the show, but ultimately, clever story-telling, interesting characters, and professional production are what get this story on the list. So that means if a serial is basically a repetitous cycle of the protagonists being captured, escaping, and then being recaptured (I'm looking at you War Games), it will not be rated as high as it could have been, no matter how important of a serial it is seen to be. Be prepared to see a lot of Dalek and Cybermen stories. Off we go!
10) Dalek Invasion of Earth
So, this is a pretty obvious choice, with which to start. Ever since the Daleks were introduced, it was just a matter of time before they wound up invading the Doctor's favorite plant. Daleks
roaming around London, going in and out of Trafalgar Square at will was sure to be a Doctor Who classic, right?
This is a nicely done serial, with each character getting their own individual story as they are separated and then reunited at the mine at Bedfordshire.The production is fabulous for Doctor Who standards; it's clear they were really trying to pull out all the stops, and most of them came off pretty well too, except for the possible exception of the Slyther.
The only place where this story disappoints is the ending. After all the drama, we discover that the Daleks are going to turn the Earth into a vehicle they can just drive around? It sounded kind of stupid to me and made all the suffering each character went through to get there seem moot. The Doctor's speech to Susan at the end is wonderful though.
This is a nicely done serial, with each character getting their own individual story as they are separated and then reunited at the mine at Bedfordshire.The production is fabulous for Doctor Who standards; it's clear they were really trying to pull out all the stops, and most of them came off pretty well too, except for the possible exception of the Slyther.
The only place where this story disappoints is the ending. After all the drama, we discover that the Daleks are going to turn the Earth into a vehicle they can just drive around? It sounded kind of stupid to me and made all the suffering each character went through to get there seem moot. The Doctor's speech to Susan at the end is wonderful though.
9) The Romans
The Romans is the first attempt in Doctor Who to hold a story together through comedy, and they succeed brilliantly. This serial could so easily have become another horrific historical, being set in the violent age of ancient Rome under the rule of the egotistical Nero. There is a suspensful side to it; the sickening portrayal of Ian and Barbara's kidnapping by slave-traders is not far off from the truth. However, the rest of the story really is about comedy. Hartnell shows off his skill in this regard, and is backed up by Vicki nicely, who in only her first full story as a companion is shaping up to be a pretty good one. Derek Francis is a wonderful Nero, and a story that most people would have thought would be dark becomes a silly romp around ancient Rome. It is a nice change of pace for the series, and everything just comes off beautifully. It is a format that the writers of Doctor Who will come back to again and again. The Romans is not particularly eye-opening, but it has enough charm and wit that it should be remembered fondly.
The Romans is the first attempt in Doctor Who to hold a story together through comedy, and they succeed brilliantly. This serial could so easily have become another horrific historical, being set in the violent age of ancient Rome under the rule of the egotistical Nero. There is a suspensful side to it; the sickening portrayal of Ian and Barbara's kidnapping by slave-traders is not far off from the truth. However, the rest of the story really is about comedy. Hartnell shows off his skill in this regard, and is backed up by Vicki nicely, who in only her first full story as a companion is shaping up to be a pretty good one. Derek Francis is a wonderful Nero, and a story that most people would have thought would be dark becomes a silly romp around ancient Rome. It is a nice change of pace for the series, and everything just comes off beautifully. It is a format that the writers of Doctor Who will come back to again and again. The Romans is not particularly eye-opening, but it has enough charm and wit that it should be remembered fondly.
8) Tomb of the Cybermen
I am not actually a big fan of this story, in terms of the plot. It is a pretty straightforward and typical Troughton story; they go to this place, weird things start happening, people start getting picked off by strange and horriffic monsters, etc etc. It's nothing really special, although the regular cast is brilliant as always. Where this story excels is its production. Cybermen have been around in Doctor Who for 47 years, and there is no better depiction of them than in Tomb of the Cybermen. Their voices are the creepiest in the history of the series, and their mouths and faces and terrifyingly inhuman. It was during the Troughton era that Doctor Who started to be branded as scary and when the kids started hiding behind the sofa, and it's easy to see why. Even as an adult, watching this serial is highly unsettling. As characters, the Cybermen are designed to make the audience feel uncomfortable, and in Tomb of the Cybermen they fullfill their purpose very, very well.
7)The Faceless Ones
Although many people may overlook this one, I think this is one of the best missing stories, and maybe even one of Patrick Troughton's best stories. Most stories are obviously hurt by
I am not actually a big fan of this story, in terms of the plot. It is a pretty straightforward and typical Troughton story; they go to this place, weird things start happening, people start getting picked off by strange and horriffic monsters, etc etc. It's nothing really special, although the regular cast is brilliant as always. Where this story excels is its production. Cybermen have been around in Doctor Who for 47 years, and there is no better depiction of them than in Tomb of the Cybermen. Their voices are the creepiest in the history of the series, and their mouths and faces and terrifyingly inhuman. It was during the Troughton era that Doctor Who started to be branded as scary and when the kids started hiding behind the sofa, and it's easy to see why. Even as an adult, watching this serial is highly unsettling. As characters, the Cybermen are designed to make the audience feel uncomfortable, and in Tomb of the Cybermen they fullfill their purpose very, very well.
7)The Faceless Ones
Although many people may overlook this one, I think this is one of the best missing stories, and maybe even one of Patrick Troughton's best stories. Most stories are obviously hurt by
having their video missing, but somehow this is not the case with The Faceless Ones. In fact, it almost enhances the story; by not having any video in certain key scenes the listener's imagination is able to run free at pivotal moments, unhampered by visual "aids". The story is fairly simple but the telling of the story is done with such elegance and mystery that the audience is sucked into the drama almost as soon as the serial begins.
This is only the second story in the series that takes place in "modern" Earth, and I think this makes the story more suspenseful. It pulls off the argument pretty well that aliens could, potentially, be stealing people under the pretense of transporting them to a vacation destinition; it could even be happening in your local airpot. The Faceless Ones is a classic horror story, that deserves to be remembered even with the missing video. It is also Polly and Ben's last story as they have just happened to land on Earth on the same day they left at the end of The War Machines.
This is only the second story in the series that takes place in "modern" Earth, and I think this makes the story more suspenseful. It pulls off the argument pretty well that aliens could, potentially, be stealing people under the pretense of transporting them to a vacation destinition; it could even be happening in your local airpot. The Faceless Ones is a classic horror story, that deserves to be remembered even with the missing video. It is also Polly and Ben's last story as they have just happened to land on Earth on the same day they left at the end of The War Machines.
6) The Daleks
There's no way I could not put this one in, right? This serial overnight made Doctor Who famous. Obviously, the Daleks were a fantastic idea as antagonists, but this story is almost overlooked apart from them; if you look at it, the story is brilliantly told. The production of the city, although it is a relatively simple one, is quite eerily done. The Doctor and Ian's deactivation of the Dalek (as seen in the picture on the right), and henceforth escape from the Dalek city is done very well, and the writhing Dalek hand underneath the garmet is a nice touch. It will be years before we truly find out what's lurking inside a Dalek casing. After all the hard work, they remember they have left the fluid link for the TARDIS inside the city, and realize they must go back into the city, defeat the Daleks, and retrieve the missing mechanical part.
This serial really has the potential to be higher, but episode six brings this story down by being probably one of the biggest time-fillers in the history of the series. Yep, lots of cave exploring, not much plot development. Overall though, the good things in the story way outweigh the bad things, and that Doctor Who is about to reach its 50th anniversary is proof of this. Doctor Who would not have made this far without the Daleks, and this serial is where it all started.
5) The War Games
As I mentioned before, this story is a pretty repetitious cycle of the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe get captured, escaping, and then recaptured. Although I agree this starts to get really, really tiring near the end, for the most part, I'm entertained; and I think I'm entertained because this plot seems so brilliant, especially for a 1960s sci-fi story. The plot of the War Chief is so elaborate and diabolical that somehow, even though it plods along at times, this story kind of works pretty well despite its length.
There's no way I could not put this one in, right? This serial overnight made Doctor Who famous. Obviously, the Daleks were a fantastic idea as antagonists, but this story is almost overlooked apart from them; if you look at it, the story is brilliantly told. The production of the city, although it is a relatively simple one, is quite eerily done. The Doctor and Ian's deactivation of the Dalek (as seen in the picture on the right), and henceforth escape from the Dalek city is done very well, and the writhing Dalek hand underneath the garmet is a nice touch. It will be years before we truly find out what's lurking inside a Dalek casing. After all the hard work, they remember they have left the fluid link for the TARDIS inside the city, and realize they must go back into the city, defeat the Daleks, and retrieve the missing mechanical part.
This serial really has the potential to be higher, but episode six brings this story down by being probably one of the biggest time-fillers in the history of the series. Yep, lots of cave exploring, not much plot development. Overall though, the good things in the story way outweigh the bad things, and that Doctor Who is about to reach its 50th anniversary is proof of this. Doctor Who would not have made this far without the Daleks, and this serial is where it all started.
5) The War Games
As I mentioned before, this story is a pretty repetitious cycle of the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe get captured, escaping, and then recaptured. Although I agree this starts to get really, really tiring near the end, for the most part, I'm entertained; and I think I'm entertained because this plot seems so brilliant, especially for a 1960s sci-fi story. The plot of the War Chief is so elaborate and diabolical that somehow, even though it plods along at times, this story kind of works pretty well despite its length.
Alien generals with monocles who can manipulate people into believing they are still fighting a war on Earth even though they are actually millions of miles away? How crazy of a story is that? On the other hand, what good sci-fi isn't pretty crazy? Let's not forget that this serial alone provided more information about the Doctor and his past up to this point than all the previous serials combined. By introducing the Time Lords, The War Games forge a new path for the series to follow, and does it all inside a wonderfully clever story.
4) The Time Meddler
I was devastated when Barbara and Ian left the show. The question that drove the show forward had finally been answered; were Barabara and Ian ever going to return to their home again? Fortunately, The Time Meddler takes away some of the sting of Barbara and Ian's departure. Even Steven, whom I am not normally fond of, adds something to this story.
At the beginning, this looks like it is going to be a normal historical story, and I was starting to get tired of the routine. However, it soon becomes clear that something more is afoot, and the monk in the monastery is far more sinister than his cheerful face would otherwise suggest. The Doctor, Vicki, and Steven find him to be a Time Meddler, somehow who meddles in history for his personal motives and self-satisfaction. It's up to them to stop this Meddling Monk before he can carry out his fiendish plans. Before The War Games aired, The Time Meddler was the only clue the audience had in unlocking the Doctor's past, although it really asked more questions than it answered.
I was devastated when Barbara and Ian left the show. The question that drove the show forward had finally been answered; were Barabara and Ian ever going to return to their home again? Fortunately, The Time Meddler takes away some of the sting of Barbara and Ian's departure. Even Steven, whom I am not normally fond of, adds something to this story.
At the beginning, this looks like it is going to be a normal historical story, and I was starting to get tired of the routine. However, it soon becomes clear that something more is afoot, and the monk in the monastery is far more sinister than his cheerful face would otherwise suggest. The Doctor, Vicki, and Steven find him to be a Time Meddler, somehow who meddles in history for his personal motives and self-satisfaction. It's up to them to stop this Meddling Monk before he can carry out his fiendish plans. Before The War Games aired, The Time Meddler was the only clue the audience had in unlocking the Doctor's past, although it really asked more questions than it answered.
3) The War Machines
Finally, the swinging 60s arrive on Doctor Who in the form of Polly Wright. Coming in at no. 3 is The War Machines. I am very glad this story came when it did; season three was mostly disappointing with duds like Galaxy 4, The Gunfighters, and The Savages. The show needed something new; Steven and Dodo were not working as a couple. To solve this problem, enter Ben and Polly.
Although some things are never explained, like WOTAN's knowledge of the Doctor, this story is a breath of fresh air. Some critics have said that the War Machines are a cheap imitation of the Daleks, but this is not really the case. With the introductiono of Ben and Polly The War Machines sets Doctor Who onto a new path, one that would only get more interesting a few stories later when the Doctor changes physical form and is immediately forced to battle his old enemies in.....
Finally, the swinging 60s arrive on Doctor Who in the form of Polly Wright. Coming in at no. 3 is The War Machines. I am very glad this story came when it did; season three was mostly disappointing with duds like Galaxy 4, The Gunfighters, and The Savages. The show needed something new; Steven and Dodo were not working as a couple. To solve this problem, enter Ben and Polly.
Although some things are never explained, like WOTAN's knowledge of the Doctor, this story is a breath of fresh air. Some critics have said that the War Machines are a cheap imitation of the Daleks, but this is not really the case. With the introductiono of Ben and Polly The War Machines sets Doctor Who onto a new path, one that would only get more interesting a few stories later when the Doctor changes physical form and is immediately forced to battle his old enemies in.....
2) Power of the Daleks
Yes, yes, I know this story has no video. But in listening to the audio, it is clear that this story is awesome; it says something about the serial when its lost video is considered the Holy Grail of lost Doctor Who film. It is Troughton's debut, of course, but it also portrays the Daleks in a slightly different, and I would say more effective way. The Daleks are forced to rely on their cunning to get what they want rather than highly advance weaponry and armor. It is legitimately scary to watch them predictably and systematically turn the tables on their human rulers and then obliterate the colony as the Doctor looks on powerlessly. Never, ever, just for one second believe that the Daleks are or ever will be "your servant". This really is a stunning story, and what a story to debut in for Troughton.
"Yes it will end the colony's problems, because it will end the colony."
Yes, yes, I know this story has no video. But in listening to the audio, it is clear that this story is awesome; it says something about the serial when its lost video is considered the Holy Grail of lost Doctor Who film. It is Troughton's debut, of course, but it also portrays the Daleks in a slightly different, and I would say more effective way. The Daleks are forced to rely on their cunning to get what they want rather than highly advance weaponry and armor. It is legitimately scary to watch them predictably and systematically turn the tables on their human rulers and then obliterate the colony as the Doctor looks on powerlessly. Never, ever, just for one second believe that the Daleks are or ever will be "your servant". This really is a stunning story, and what a story to debut in for Troughton.
"Yes it will end the colony's problems, because it will end the colony."
1) The Invasion
The Invasion is the greatest black-and-white story in Doctor Who. It is a classic Cyberman story (their voices are still not as good Tomb of the Cybermen, though) although, just like in most of their stories, they themselves are not introduced until about halfway through the story. Instead, the action is orchestrated through the intellectual battle between Tobias Vaughn and the Doctor. Vaughn is an awesome character, and probably the best antagonist shown in the series until The Master.
This serial introduces UNIT and serves as a trial run for the type of stories the audience will see in the next season when the Doctor is banished to Earth and acts as UNIT's scientific advisor. The Brigadier is his usual determined and courageous self, and Zoe shows again why she is such a great character by her humorous interactions with her new-found friend Isobel. There are relatively few plot holes, which is not usually the case in long Doctor Who stories, and perhaps even more surprising there are few time-filling scenes. The action moves swiftly, thoughtfully, and purposefully. When you combine the action with the great story and the great characters, there is no doubt in my mind, that The Invasion is the best black-and white story.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? What stories would you include? Comment down below, and I will see you next time.
The Invasion is the greatest black-and-white story in Doctor Who. It is a classic Cyberman story (their voices are still not as good Tomb of the Cybermen, though) although, just like in most of their stories, they themselves are not introduced until about halfway through the story. Instead, the action is orchestrated through the intellectual battle between Tobias Vaughn and the Doctor. Vaughn is an awesome character, and probably the best antagonist shown in the series until The Master.
This serial introduces UNIT and serves as a trial run for the type of stories the audience will see in the next season when the Doctor is banished to Earth and acts as UNIT's scientific advisor. The Brigadier is his usual determined and courageous self, and Zoe shows again why she is such a great character by her humorous interactions with her new-found friend Isobel. There are relatively few plot holes, which is not usually the case in long Doctor Who stories, and perhaps even more surprising there are few time-filling scenes. The action moves swiftly, thoughtfully, and purposefully. When you combine the action with the great story and the great characters, there is no doubt in my mind, that The Invasion is the best black-and white story.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? What stories would you include? Comment down below, and I will see you next time.