Probably one of the most watchable black-and-white Who historicals, with some good tension and a shocking finale. It does feel like there's some missing potential here, though. The plot element of the Abbott looking like the Doctor is a great gimmick in theory but doesn't really come into play much, and in the end you're kinda led to wonder why they did it at all.

The drama in this serial's final episode is particularly compelling, with Steven's outrage at the Doctor's inaction during the massacre. You get a rare peek at Hartnell's Doctor as a distant alien determined not to interfere with history, as a resigned traveler who's seen too much and lost too much – and the way it clashes with Steven's good-hearted and very human instincts to stop the massacre and save Anne. It's great, dramatic character work... for all of five minutes before Steven comes rushing back into the TARDIS having seemingly stopped caring, and then you're led once again to wonder why they even bothered.

Still, though, three stars for the good bits.