The Enemy of the World was great, but that ending really could have done with Patrick Troughton fighting his alter ego for longer, in what was ultimately a rushed ending. The Claws of Axos (four years later) makes up for this with a prolonged and visually successful scene where American agent Bill Filer fights an evil copy of himself. Bill is a wonderful character (it's a shame that we'll never get to see him again) and this scene is one of many visually brilliant psychedelic moments in this story.

The direction and of visual flair of this story is superb. Due to its uniqueness in look and feel, it is still impressive by today's standards, it's not often that you see trippy effects and it most certainly suits Doctor Who. The wonderful overlay of the melding, turning axon heads is especially good. Jo Grant's aging is also really effective. It is presented as well as Spearhead from Space, which had advantage of being shot on film.

From the moment that we see those excellent spaceship doors (which they get their money's worth out of) we know there is something a little different about this story: Aliens! Real, proper aliens! The Axons are the most alien-y aliens we've had in the Third Doctor's time so far, and it feels good. After a season and a half of mostly 'believable' creatures, we are treated to something a little bit more comic book-y. I love the both their tendril/ spaghetti and their Ancient Greek/ Apollonian forms.

Once again we have pompous officials (this time from the MoD) demanding that aliens be blown up with a casual disregard for life. Pertwee's Doctor surprised me by being shown to be left wing, criticizing the man's isolationist "England for the English&" approach to his work. We tend to see this Doctor as being more of a establishment figure, but it is not true! Its satisfying that The Claws of Axos is used to explore some interesting different real world issues, whilst simultaneously scaring children out of their wits!

Of course, The Master is back involving himself in events once again. I am delighted to say that I am still not bored of him. He can come back next week - this series continues to surprise and delight me.