For as much as this story is not my favourite First Doctor tale, I must admit to really liking the first episode. It does everything right, which brings up an interesting observation that occurred to me this time around while watching 'The Reign of Terror,' which is that the first episode of each story in Season One is simply excellent. Also, I absolutely love the introduction of telepathy in this story, and the first time I watched the first two episodes, I was convinced they were returning to an exploration of the Unearthly Child concept for Susan. Then you have The Doctor just casually tossing out the fact that he possesses some measure of telepathic ability, as well. It's fascinating that they inserted this into the show's lore so early, and that they've kept it all these years (Susan's return in 'The Interstellar Song Contest' even featured it!).

Now, I'd forgotten they don't actually reach the surface until halfway through the third episode, my hazy memories having somehow convinced me we would be bored on the surface much earlier than this. The commentary, tension, plotting, and performances are all still marvelous throughout at least the first four episodes of this one. As mentioned, I did seem to recall feeling that this story dragged for me during past watches, but for whatever reason, this time I found myself fully engaged throughout all six parts.

I do have a couple of slight criticisms, both having to do with the fifth episode. One is that the flubbed lines were far more noticeable, with seemingly half the supporting cast struggling to utter the simplest lines of dialogue (and we always thought it was just Bill!). The other is that I really do miss Barbara's presence in this story. I was okay with her being away for the fourth episode and the latter half of the third, but once she'd been absent for fully half the story, the proceedings began to drag.

The story has a decent ending, but seeing as the City Administrator, architect of the entire plot, isn't even present at the end to receive his comeuppance, I have to dock points. On the other hand, Susan's description of their home is an iconic moment, and the proto-Second Doctor/Jamie moment shared by The Doctor and Ian in the tunnels is quite amusing. I don’t know if it’s the giddiness brought on by the atropine in the water, but 'The Sensorites' is a far better story than I remember; and it is by far the biggest riser for me thus far in my rewatch, attaining a heretofore unthinkable score of 9.25/10.