Classic Who Catch-Up

The Sensorites!

Companions: Susan Foreman, Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright
Doctor: 1 (William Hartnell)

Okay, so there are the Sensorites and they are keeping this human crew from leaving and when the Doctor and co. arrive they are also kept from leaving. There is a big hullabaloo and misunderstandings and Susan is all telepathic or something. The Sensorites don’t really want people around any more because they fucked up so much shit. Basically humans are giant buttholes in this episode. Eventually everyone is allowed to leave, even the crazy-ass humans. I mostly remember this episode as: the one where Susan screams about her damn headache/too many Sensorites in her brain. Someone out there probably likes this episode, but it sure isn’t me.

Available on DVD from Netflix

The Aztecs!

Companions: Susan Foreman, Barbara Wright, Ian Chesterton
Doctor: 1 (William Hartnell)

I love this serial so much, oh my goodness! Lots of great moments with Barbara and Ian - including Ian taking down an Aztec warrior with just his thumb and Barbara as a reincarnated priest. Lots of people being sneaky and all around magnificent costumes. Also in this episode: The Doctor gets engaged via cocoa and Susan is barely in this episode! Barbara is pretty much my favorite companion in the whoniverse because she is super classy and smart and doesn’t take any of the Doctor’s shit. If you don’t like Barbara, this episode maybe won’t be your favorite because it is a pretty Barbara-centric episode, but still watch it because it is just fucking great all around.

Available instantly (and on DVD) from Netflix.

The Keys of Marinus!

Companions: Susan Foreman, Barbara Wright, Ian Chesterton
Doctor: 1 (William Hartnell)

Quick-time explanation: The travelers have to find five keys that have been scattered all over Marinus which will activate this thing which will save them from being taken over by the Voord. Now that I think about it, it is a lot like playing Super Mario Bros. In each location they have to overcome some obstacle to get each key, etc. One of my favorites from Doctor No. 1.

Available on DVD from Netflix (BBC)

Marco Polo!

Companions: Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright, Susan Foreman”
Doctor: 1 (William Hartnell)

The Doctor and friends meet Marco Polo. The first episode of many that exists only in still photos and soundtrack. I have tried to watch this so many times, but absorb none of it. I will update this when I yet again attempt to “watch” this serial.

**Also, isn’t this serial just wasted in b/w? Look at those fucking great costumes!

mcshanee:

The Edge of Destruction!

Companions: Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright, Susan Foreman
Doctor: 1 (William Hartnell)

I think this is a really great couple of episodes. It feels like the turning point where the four travelers really start to get it together and start to trust each other (that is, after they almost kill each other). The Doctor’s suspicions hit a boiling point when he suspects Barbara and Ian of sabotaging the TARDIS. Eventually they figure out that all the craziness is due to the TARDIS attempting to warn the crew before a faulty “Fast Return Switch” sends them back to the beginning of time. The Doctor apologizes to Barbara and Ian. Also, there is a scene where Susan tries to stab Ian with some scissors and it is TERIFYING.

Available on DVD from Netflix (BBC)

amythegloriouspond:

Doctor Who Serial 2: The Daleks

The Daleks!

Companions: Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright, Susan Foreman
Doctor: 1 (William Hartness)

First ever appearance of the Daleks and it’s only the second serial! I find it curious that these villians have come back time and time again at least once a season ever since the very beginning. This serial is probably the most vulnerable the Daleks have ever been (as evidenced by the way they are being manhandled above). Also in this serial: Radiation poisoning, the pacifist Thals, and the first attempted genocide of the Daleks.

Available on DVD from Netflix (BBC)

unwillingadventurer:

An Unearthly Child!

Companions: Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright, and Susan Foreman
Doctor: 1 (William Hartnell)

Schoolteachers Ian and Barbara are kidnapped by The Doctor and his grandaughter Susan and taken on adventures through time and space. A strange beginning for an even stranger show. First stop is The Stone Age. To be honest, some of these very early episodes can be a bit too long and subsequently rather boring as nothing much really happens in this episode. They get captured by primative people and eventually escape, the end. The Doctor spends most of this episode being grouchy and suspicious.

Available on DVD from Netflix (BBC)