I'm going to start by admitting that my review might be slightly heightened just by how much this serial exceeded my expectations. All I heard for years about The Web Planet was that it was overambitious, with sets and costumes too elaborate to be realized. And that is more or less true! However, the actors really sold this one, especially the main TARDIS crew. The side characters do also deserve recognition for how well they managed to play their role through the rather ridiculous costumes (which, truth be told, I didn't think were that bad. It's obviously people in suits, but it was incredible how intricate they were.)

I can understand the critique that it really could've been tightened down to four episodes, but I was impressed by how much each of the TARDIS crew had to do in this one; I don't think anyone's part got shorted, which is quite impressive for a four-person team. I also didn't think it was especially padded out -- everything seemed to advance the plot.

I will, however, criticize the sound design on this one. The Zarbi noises were... excessive, to say the least.