Review of all 4 parts:
The Keeper of Traken
I have strong memories of seeing this on its original broadcast. I found the Master and the Melkur creepy and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Many years later this was the first classic story that successfully thrilled my young son. So I have very positive experiences of this story.
Some fans understandably are less keen on season 18 as it is a bit less 'fun' than preceding seasons but I like dark and gritty Doctor Who and I really like most of this season. Stories occasionally show JNT's tendencies to have too many arguments between characters and aggressive scenes but Chris Bidmead (and perhaps Terrance Dicks overseeing/advising) seem to help JNT to create a serious science fiction series and this story is one of the best of the season. I also think it is actually really fun.
The story involves the elderly Keeper of Traken asking the Doctor for help as he senses his imminent successor is going to be threatened by evil. Sure enough a calcified statue - Melkur - is secretly hiding the Master who manages to take control of the incoming Keeper's body.
This new leader, Tremas, is played by Anthony Ainley as a pleasant character and father of new companion Nyssa. He then becomes the new Master and is deliciously evil. Ainley plays his differing dual roles superbly and the Master was returned in style after a long absence.
Tom Baker is great as ever and Nyssa is introduced pretty well as an intelligent companion although why JNT thought 2 highly intelligent young companions were required at the same time, with Adric having joined not long before, is a bit of a headscratcher. An early sign of JNT's poor decision making I think.
Anyway, there is sinister drama, enjoyable characterisation and nicely written dialogue. An excellent serial.
My ratings: All 4 episodes 9.5/10.
The Keeper of Traken
I have strong memories of seeing this on its original broadcast. I found the Master and the Melkur creepy and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Many years later this was the first classic story that successfully thrilled my young son. So I have very positive experiences of this story.
Some fans understandably are less keen on season 18 as it is a bit less 'fun' than preceding seasons but I like dark and gritty Doctor Who and I really like most of this season. Stories occasionally show JNT's tendencies to have too many arguments between characters and aggressive scenes but Chris Bidmead (and perhaps Terrance Dicks overseeing/advising) seem to help JNT to create a serious science fiction series and this story is one of the best of the season. I also think it is actually really fun.
The story involves the elderly Keeper of Traken asking the Doctor for help as he senses his imminent successor is going to be threatened by evil. Sure enough a calcified statue - Melkur - is secretly hiding the Master who manages to take control of the incoming Keeper's body.
This new leader, Tremas, is played by Anthony Ainley as a pleasant character and father of new companion Nyssa. He then becomes the new Master and is deliciously evil. Ainley plays his differing dual roles superbly and the Master was returned in style after a long absence.
Tom Baker is great as ever and Nyssa is introduced pretty well as an intelligent companion although why JNT thought 2 highly intelligent young companions were required at the same time, with Adric having joined not long before, is a bit of a headscratcher. An early sign of JNT's poor decision making I think.
Anyway, there is sinister drama, enjoyable characterisation and nicely written dialogue. An excellent serial.
My ratings: All 4 episodes 9.5/10.