The previous serial within this first series didn't really win me over as it was too fragmented and really just a collection of smaller adventures making up quests making up an overall plot. The Aztecs is an improvement on this not only because the structure of the story is better but also because it does much more of interest. The plot sees the group return to the time of the Aztecs and, while the Tardis is trapped within a temple, Barbara is mistaken for a goddess and the rest as her servants. Knowing the era from her studies, she seeks to use her newfound influence to guide the culture away from human sacrifice and violence by showing them that blood is not required to cause rain or end a solar eclipse. The Doctor of course warns against such attempts but she persists. Meanwhile Ian is drawn into a conflict to be a warrior, Susan is educated in the laws of the culture and the Doctor tries to work out a way back into the temple over a relaxing cup of cocoa.
The plot is very well done because it offers a lot within this simple structure. Primarily we have actual tension thanks to a very enjoyable manipulative villain (Tlotoxl) who tries to guide and twist things to his own ends. This character produces many good moments and is the central device for the plot to go the way it does. We also get action and, although the fights are rather dated in their style, there is an edge between Ian and his opposition and it does lead to a surprisingly stylish and enjoyable climax. There is also humor as well but what I liked the most is the discussion of timelines and the frustration of Barbara to try to do good but ultimately have to go with what has already happened. Although I do not see this idea being constant (since the Doctor will stop things happening "in the future" which also, in theory, have already played out without his intervention), the idea is well presented. It is perhaps a bit simple now as even basic action movies play with this idea now, but it is a nice crisp piece of sci-fi writing in this adventure serial.
The performances are better here thanks to this material. Hartnell has humor but also a tougher edge when confronting Barbara. This also brings the best out of Hill and I really enjoyed her character and performance here. Likewise Ford goes from spending the previous 6 episodes screaming to return to her much more confident character. Russell plays the manly role well and I very much enjoyed his standoffs with Cullen's Ixta. In support the cookie is very much taken by Ringham with his villain. It seemed like he would be hammy and OTT but in reality it is an enjoyably devious character and he brings a lot to the material by virtue of how well he delivers it.
Overall this is a very enjoyable story; it brings action, real tension, good performances and thoughtful material together really well. It should also be said that for all their age and sound-stage limitations, the sets and costumes are also very good.
The plot is very well done because it offers a lot within this simple structure. Primarily we have actual tension thanks to a very enjoyable manipulative villain (Tlotoxl) who tries to guide and twist things to his own ends. This character produces many good moments and is the central device for the plot to go the way it does. We also get action and, although the fights are rather dated in their style, there is an edge between Ian and his opposition and it does lead to a surprisingly stylish and enjoyable climax. There is also humor as well but what I liked the most is the discussion of timelines and the frustration of Barbara to try to do good but ultimately have to go with what has already happened. Although I do not see this idea being constant (since the Doctor will stop things happening "in the future" which also, in theory, have already played out without his intervention), the idea is well presented. It is perhaps a bit simple now as even basic action movies play with this idea now, but it is a nice crisp piece of sci-fi writing in this adventure serial.
The performances are better here thanks to this material. Hartnell has humor but also a tougher edge when confronting Barbara. This also brings the best out of Hill and I really enjoyed her character and performance here. Likewise Ford goes from spending the previous 6 episodes screaming to return to her much more confident character. Russell plays the manly role well and I very much enjoyed his standoffs with Cullen's Ixta. In support the cookie is very much taken by Ringham with his villain. It seemed like he would be hammy and OTT but in reality it is an enjoyably devious character and he brings a lot to the material by virtue of how well he delivers it.
Overall this is a very enjoyable story; it brings action, real tension, good performances and thoughtful material together really well. It should also be said that for all their age and sound-stage limitations, the sets and costumes are also very good.