📝9/10

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

"The Aztecs: A Tale of Gods, Guilt, and Greatness"

John Lucarotti’s The Aztecs brilliantly immerses viewers in the richness of Aztec culture, offering a story that feels both authentic and enthralling. Its mix of grounded historical detail and moments of humor and tension sets it apart as one of the strongest serials in Doctor Who’s inaugural season.

The narrative thrives on the central conflict between the Doctor’s principle of non-interference and Barbara’s determination to alter history, creating compelling tension between the two. This is a character-driven story at its finest, with the power struggles and moral dilemmas fueling the plot.

Barbara takes center stage in what is arguably Jacqueline Hill’s finest performance of the series. Her arc—from defying the Doctor and clashing with the scheming Tlotoxl to ultimately recognizing her limitations—is both powerful and poignant. The story also cleverly splits the TARDIS team, using each character to explore different facets of Aztec culture before reuniting them for a gripping conclusion.

The Doctor’s romantic subplot with Cameca provides a surprising but delightful opportunity for William Hartnell to showcase his warmer side, even if it’s a minor detour in the larger narrative. Meanwhile, Ian gets his own standout moment, defeating Ixta in a thrilling duel that feels both strategic and satisfying.

Carole Ann Ford’s reduced screen time as Susan—thanks to the actress’s holiday—proves a blessing in disguise, sparing viewers from her usual histrionics and letting the focus remain on Barbara and the Doctor.

Tlotoxl, played with deliciously sinister flair by John Ringham, is a standout villain. His menacing, almost theatrical presence makes him a joy to despise, and he dominates the story with his cunning and malice. Ixta serves as a strong secondary antagonist, while Autloc adds a layer of nuance as a priest torn between tradition and compassion (even if Keith Pyott’s delivery occasionally feels a bit too relaxed).

Visually, The Aztecs impresses with its attention to detail. Despite some obviously fake backdrops, the production conveys a convincing sense of scale, particularly in scenes atop the Aztec temple. However, a few moments—such as the unconvincing effort to move a fake stone slab—struggle to maintain the illusion.

The pacing falters slightly in Part 3, where the narrative meanders, but it regains momentum as the tension escalates. The climactic duel in Part 2 and the ominous cliffhangers are standout moments of excitement and drama.

While the final episodes take a few narrative shortcuts to wrap things up, The Aztecs remains a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, combining strong performances, thought-provoking themes, and impressive production values to deliver one of the most memorable adventures of Doctor Who’s early years.