Review for all 4 episodes:
It is incredible and joyous to see the huge improvement and change for the better in this story compared to the disappointing previous season. The same team that presided over the low point in the show's history which I feel Season 24 was, here brings a magnificent revival in credibility, quality and entertainment. This production is not perfect as constraints of budget etc obviously do not allow for everything to be executed to the absolute maximum but really there is absolutely nothing in this story that detracts from the overall excellence created by all the best aspects of it. All 4 episodes are 10/10 for me.
Sylvester McCoy raises his game to match the high quality material he is given as he puts in by far his best performance up to this point and finally shows he can be a powerful, impressive Doctor as well as a likable and fun one. The Doctor's role in this adventure is layered, ranging from amusing and lighthearted through to dark and edgy. The characterisation is such a step up from the previous few seasons.
The story has The Doctor acting quite mysteriously as he revisits Totters Lane and Coal Hill School from the very first episode An Unearthly Child in 1963. It is revealed he had hidden the Hand of Omega, a device with huge power used to establish Timelord supremacy over time, when he was in London at that time. It suggests this is at least part of the reason for him fleeing Gallifrey. This is a suitable and wonderful idea for the show's 25th Anniversary which, along with numerous little touches, give nods to the show's history and add to its lore.
Two opposing groups of Daleks are battling to gain possession of the Hand of Omega and the Doctor hatches a plan to thwart them both. The Daleks are exciting, menacing and interesting in this story and when Davros appears he adds to the excitement. The Doctor's confrontations with the daleks are thrilling and fun, especially his infamous and wonderful speech in response to Davros.
Ace is given great opportunity to show what a great companion she is. Sophie Aldred's endearing performance and her moral strength along with the feisty, action packed heroics lift Ace to companion greatness.
The rest of the cast are good, particularly Pamela Salem as Rachel and Michael Sheard as the Headmaster. George Sewell as Ratcliffe and Dursley McLinton as Mike also deserve mention and the subtle raising of the issue of race and xenophobia through their story is very welcome.
This story is highly enjoyable, admirable and clever. All 4 episodes 10/10.
It is incredible and joyous to see the huge improvement and change for the better in this story compared to the disappointing previous season. The same team that presided over the low point in the show's history which I feel Season 24 was, here brings a magnificent revival in credibility, quality and entertainment. This production is not perfect as constraints of budget etc obviously do not allow for everything to be executed to the absolute maximum but really there is absolutely nothing in this story that detracts from the overall excellence created by all the best aspects of it. All 4 episodes are 10/10 for me.
Sylvester McCoy raises his game to match the high quality material he is given as he puts in by far his best performance up to this point and finally shows he can be a powerful, impressive Doctor as well as a likable and fun one. The Doctor's role in this adventure is layered, ranging from amusing and lighthearted through to dark and edgy. The characterisation is such a step up from the previous few seasons.
The story has The Doctor acting quite mysteriously as he revisits Totters Lane and Coal Hill School from the very first episode An Unearthly Child in 1963. It is revealed he had hidden the Hand of Omega, a device with huge power used to establish Timelord supremacy over time, when he was in London at that time. It suggests this is at least part of the reason for him fleeing Gallifrey. This is a suitable and wonderful idea for the show's 25th Anniversary which, along with numerous little touches, give nods to the show's history and add to its lore.
Two opposing groups of Daleks are battling to gain possession of the Hand of Omega and the Doctor hatches a plan to thwart them both. The Daleks are exciting, menacing and interesting in this story and when Davros appears he adds to the excitement. The Doctor's confrontations with the daleks are thrilling and fun, especially his infamous and wonderful speech in response to Davros.
Ace is given great opportunity to show what a great companion she is. Sophie Aldred's endearing performance and her moral strength along with the feisty, action packed heroics lift Ace to companion greatness.
The rest of the cast are good, particularly Pamela Salem as Rachel and Michael Sheard as the Headmaster. George Sewell as Ratcliffe and Dursley McLinton as Mike also deserve mention and the subtle raising of the issue of race and xenophobia through their story is very welcome.
This story is highly enjoyable, admirable and clever. All 4 episodes 10/10.