The big introduction! Interesting how the daleks are so calm and calculating here (also, I think I heard the word “exterminate” only 2 times). The Thaals are pretty boring to me, but the characters sell it again! Which really surprises me from this era. I expected generic monster stories, like a cartoon for kids, but there’s really some good moments and characterization in the background. The doctor being mischievous leads into this entire adventure. Susan wanders the jungle, possibly alone for the first time ever. Barbara forms a believable relationship with one of the thaals and Ian proves his worth in many scenario’s. The doctor himself is mostly relegated to sitting around this episode. But at the end he gets his moment:

“I’ll never give you advice, never! But if I did: Always search for truth. My truth is in the stars, yours might be here.” That could be a modern day speech and no-one would bat an eye. It shows that twinkle of a man who wants to travel more than anything else, yet also keeps that stubbornness which he still has. Amazing.