📝7/10

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"The Reign of Terror: History, Intrigue, and Filler"

The Reign of Terror opens with a powerful sense of closure as the Doctor mistakenly believes he’s returned Ian and Barbara to 1960s London. However, the landing on the right planet but wrong time sets the stage for a tale filled with mystery, historical intrigue, and a touch of comedy. The slow reveal of Revolutionary France is handled beautifully, with strong focus on the warm camaraderie of the TARDIS team and their gradual entanglement in the political upheavals of the era.

The atmosphere of the opening episodes is rich, with detailed costumes, sets, and music immersing viewers in the time period. The cliffhanger to Part 1, with the Doctor trapped in a burning house, is thrilling and sets the stakes high. Hartnell’s performance shines throughout, and his comedic escape from forced labor with the road workers is one of the serial's highlights. His impersonation of a French general to save his friends is particularly delightful, showcasing his flair for charm and authority.

The supporting cast brings a mix of menace and levity. Jack Cunningham's bumbling jailer provides comic relief, while James Cairncross’s Lemaitre exudes a commanding presence that keeps the audience guessing. The introduction of Jean and Jules adds depth to the story, though their characters can feel indistinct. Keith Anderson's portrayal of Robespierre as a determined but vile leader is memorable, though he doesn't quite rise to true villain status.

The serial makes excellent use of historical themes, such as Barbara and Ian's debate over the Revolution’s violence and its role in shaping the future. These moments ground the story in meaningful reflection, adding layers beyond its adventurous surface.

That said, The Reign of Terror is not without its flaws. Episodes 4 and 5, presented here via 2013’s crude animated reconstructions, drag the pace with repetitive exposition and filler scenes. The narrative progression feels stagnant at times, with some subplots, like Susan’s illness and the Doctor's continued ruse, struggling to hold interest. The City Administrator’s “big twist” identity reveal as James Sterling is a nice touch but lacks impact due to the slow buildup.

Despite some clunky cliffhangers and occasional lapses in logic, the serial wraps up on a satisfying note, tying up loose ends and marking the fall of Robespierre. The cameo from Napoleon is a fun touch that hints at the larger historical forces at play.

Ultimately, The Reign of Terror is an uneven but enjoyable mix of high-stakes drama, historical exploration, and lighthearted charm, elevated by Hartnell’s performance and its rich production design. While it struggles with pacing in the middle, the story’s atmosphere and character moments make it a solid entry in Doctor Who's first season.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• It’s fascinating that the Doctor considers the French Revolution his favorite period of Earth’s history, given its violence and chaos.
• The brief country road scene marks the first location shooting in Doctor Who, with Brian Proudfoot doubling for Hartnell.
• Edward Brayshaw, who plays Léon here, later appears as the War Chief in The War Games.
• Director Henric Hirsch collapsed from stress during Part 3, leading John Gorrie (The Keys of Marinus) to step in temporarily.