THE HARTNELL YEARS

The Scores Because some of you requested it, here are Sue’s scores for all Hartnell’s stories in reverse order (and in transmission order if tied): The Celestial Toymaker: “complete shite” – 0/10 The Web Planet: “I would’ve given it 0/10 if it wasn’t for the Spanish episode” – 1/10 The Edge of Destruction: “it certainly…

THE TENTH PLANET

Episode 1 Sue: Yay! It’s The Tenth Planet! I know all about this one. It’s time to come clean. It would have been fantastic if Sue had been oblivious to this story’s significance, but she wasn’t. I could have pretended it shocked her to her core but, alas, that isn’t what happened. Truth be told,…

THE SMUGGLERS

Episode 1 The fourth season begins where the third season left off – with Polly and Ben barging they way into the TARDIS. Sue: Ben and Polly are very modern, compared to what we’ve seen so far. They’re almost too modern. They may as well shout, “Fab and groovy, man!” at the top of their…

THE WAR MACHINES

Episode 1 Sue: This one has the Daleks written all over it. Even the titles look like a Dalek has written them. It’s so obvious. When the Doctor complains about his irritable skin condition, which he only ever gets when Daleks are in the vicinity, Sue’s suspicions are confirmed. The Doctor then decides that something…

THE SAVAGES

Episode 1 Sue: I miss the individual episode titles. Me: Already? But at least you know what the story is called without having to ask. Sue: I can’t read it properly – the background is too white. What does it say? ‘The Sky Ages’? Me: This is proper Doctor Who. Look, we’re in a quarry.…

THE GUNFIGHTERS

A Holiday for the Doctor The Gunfighters begins with a song. Sue: This is an interesting way to start an episode. We’ve never seen anything like this before. Nicol: This isn’t Doctor Who. What is this? Sue’s daughter watched this episode with us – the first time we’ve allowed another human being to sit in…

THE CELESTIAL TOYMAKER

The Celestial Toyroom Sue: Is there anything I should know about this before we begin? Me: Well, a new producer has taken over the reins. He’s called Innes Lloyd and he’ll stick around a lot longer than the last one did. Another interesting fact is the Doctor Who Appreciation Society named their monthly magazine after…

THE ARK

The Steel Sky I’ve told Sue that The Ark is only two episodes long. I hope the risk to my personal safety is worth it. Sue: At last, moving images again. And only two episodes as well. This should be a walk in the park. The first thing we have to contend with is a…

THE MASSACRE

War of God Sue: Can we watch the new Matt Smith episode again instead? Me: No. Sue: But I need to discuss my River Song theory with you. Me: I’m not falling for that old chestnut, Sue. Come on, we have to crack on. Do you want to be stuck in the 1960s forever? Sue:…

THE DALEKS’ MASTER PLAN

The Abandoned Planet Sue: I don’t believe it… That’s right, the Monk’s directional thingamy whatsit has burnt itself out. Sue isn’t pleased; just when she thought the Doctor could finally ‘drive’ his TARDIS properly. However, as luck would have it, it worked long enough to get him back to Kembel. Sue: How big is Kembel?…