This story blends a classic Doctor Who plot - the colonisation metaphor and subsequent revolution - with something new that will become a staple of the show - sideways time travel. I think both parts work quite well here, though they have been done better elsewhere.

The sideways time travel left me a bit confused. I don't think the explanation really works, but it was easy enough to look past and just enjoy the story. I do think it's a bit odd that this story is firmly on the side of time travel bein able to change the future, to the point where the Doctor doesn't even mention paradoxes.

The revolution story was fine. It wasn't really the focus of this serial, and it works well for what it is. I really like how Vicki gets to shine helping the revolution happen. I also really like the little detail of the Moroks wearing white while the Xerons wear black, I think it adds to the metaphor.

All in all, this story is nothing special but I never felt like it dragged and I had a pretty good time watching it, and that's all I can really ask for in this era.