Reign of Terror / Season 2 Preview

After watching this six-parter, the last of William Hartnell's first season, I am not sure if "Reign of Terror" applied to the time period during which the serial was set, or the time period during which I watched it. I thought it was horrible. The storyline seemed like it wandered, there were far too many characters and sub-plot lines and honestly, I found it hard to follow. Now, it may have had something to do with me being sick with a cold while I watched it, but I didn't like it.

Susan and Barbara Awaiting Execution

One aspect of the serial that stuck out to me was how, during the time Susan and Barbara were in jail awaiting EXECUTION, there was a cut scene showing the Doctor strolling through the streets of Paris with some jovial music playing  in the background. Not right.

While I applaud the folks at BBC (or whoever is doing it) for animating the missing episodes, I think some tweaking is in order. I thought the animation was good, as it was in "The Invasion," but they really need to work on the eyes. Every time they showed Barbara, it looked like she was crying.

 

I thought it ended well, however. The storyline was shored up, we got to meet Napoleon, and we saw the end of Robespierre's reign of terror. There was also a hint of adventures to come. A nice wrap up to the first season and promise of things to come during the second season.

Speaking of which, here is my preview of the second season:

009- Planet of Giants (3 parts). I have never seen this before, although I do have the DVD now, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they kicked off the second season of Dr. Who.

010- The Dalek Invasion of Earth (6 Parts). I saw this one a few years back and really liked it, although I don't remember many of the details. I may have to watch it again, especially since it features the departure of Susan, the first of many companions to set off the TARDIS for good.

011 - The Rescue (2 Parts). I watched this not too long ago when I watched the next serial, "The Romans." It introduced Vicki and was set on an alien planet, Dido. I thought it was good.

012 - The Romans (4 Parts). I watched this after David Tennant mentioned it in a later episode. It wasn't bad.

013 - The Web Planet (6 Parts). I did watch this on DVD and really didn't care for it too much. However, I thought the Zarbi were an interesting creature and wouldn't mind seeing them return.

014 - The Crusade (4 Parts). I am not sure if this is out on DVD, but I think the CD is available through the library.

015 - The Space Museum (4 Parts). I think I may have seen this a while ago, but I'm not 100% sure so I will buy and watch it along with the next serial, "The Chase."

016 - Reign Chase (6 Parts). This sounds like an exciting episode, and features the departure of Ian and Barbara. I am looking forward to it.

017 - Time Meddles (4 Parts). I've seen this one before, and have the DVD, and really liked it. The Doctor's first encounter with one of his own kind. I'd like to see the Time Meddler make a return appearance, but it seems he has been forgotten.

So, I've got my work cut out for me. I am not as far along as I had hoped, but still, it's been a good experience.