This one is Hartnell’s worst Story, easily in my eyes.
Where do I begin? I love the Idea, Michael Gough (also famous for playing Alfred from 1989-1997!) does give a great Performance as the Toymaker, he is definitely a Highlight! And the whole Idea is great. That said, while it’s ambitious, and I do like the Idea, I think at the end this is such a loud, annoying and at times boring Serial.
I like most Ideas on Paper, but this one just feels loud in the worst Way possible for me, at least. There are certainly some Bits to love, but every time I think “Maybe I should watch it again!”, I just end up going with the Mind Robber, which is a better Story that knows its limitations and uses them in the best way possible. This Story does not.