The Smugglers is often seen as one of the "most Story that ever exist", I don't think I ever see somebody say they actively dislike it or anything, just that they find it dull, which I get to some extent.

Personally speaking, while I rate it perhaps a bit too high, I genuinely think this one deserves much more Credit to its Name, even if the lack of Visuals do hurt this one. I mean, Julia Smith's Directing (which can be seen via behind the Scenes reel in color no less!) seem to make the Story much more dynamic. That said, I think all of our three leads actually bring their A-Game to the Story and continue the rather fresh feeling that the previous Story brought with it.

I think the Writing is quite a clever one, even if some of its Humor would improve with seeing the Reaction of the Character at times. I still think it has a lot of charm and while some of our Supporting Cast aren't as good as in other Hayles Stories, they do still bring quite a few Things to this little Pirate Tale. I do also argue that despite only really writing one Pure Historical, Hayles does a great Job with this one outing, even if he obviously doesn't hit the same Highs as the King of Pure Historicals.

In Short: I actually love the Smugglers. Is it perfect? Oh no, the lack of Visuals can be felt here sadly, some Characters have not much to do here and the Telesnaps are certainly on the weaker Side. It still does its Job well and continues the great new-found Energy we have with this new Trio. A fun story certainly and definitely one of my personal Highlights of the Hartnell Era, I find it super underrated!