Marco Polo

Directed by

UK Viewers

9.4 million

Appreciation Index

63

Synopsis

The TARDIS experiences a total power failure and is stranded in the Himalayas in the 13th century. The travellers are forced to join the caravan of the famous explorer, Marco Polo, in order to survive -- but Polo, fascinated by their claims that the TARDIS can fly through the air, seizes it on behalf of Kublai Khan in the hope that presenting the Khan with such a fabulous gift will convince him to let Polo return home to Venice. The travellers are forced to accompany Polo on his long trek across Asia to the Khan's court, but their many attempts to reclaim their property are foiled -- not just by Polo, but by the war lord Tegana, who is apparently on a mission of peace but has entirely different plans for dealing with Kublai Khan...

The Singing Sands Missing

First aired

Saturday, February 29, 1964

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

9.4 million

Appreciation Index

62

Synopsis

Tegana sabotages the party's water bags, leaving them in dire need of fresh supplies.

Five Hundred Eyes Missing

First aired

Saturday, March 7, 1964

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

9.4 million

Appreciation Index

62

Synopsis

The Doctor and Susan are able to supply Marco with condensation that has formed inside the TARDIS, saving the group from dying of thirst. When the group are reunited with Tegana, the travellers begin to suspect he is up to something.

The Wall of Lies Missing

First aired

Saturday, March 14, 1964

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

John Crockett

UK Viewers

9.9 million

Appreciation Index

60

Synopsis

The Doctor's group manage to rescue Barbara from the Mongols but once more Marco remains unaware of Tegana's involvement.

Rider from Shang-Tu Missing

First aired

Saturday, March 21, 1964

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

9.4 million

Appreciation Index

59

Synopsis

The Doctor and his friends elect to warn Marco of Acomat's attack even though it means losing their chance to gain access to the TARDIS.

Mighty Kublai Khan Missing

First aired

Saturday, March 28, 1964

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

8.4 million

Appreciation Index

59

Synopsis

The Doctor, Ian and Barbara are forced to surrender to Tegana and Marco, leaving both of them the opportunity to gain possession of the TARDIS.

Assassin at Peking Missing

First aired

Saturday, April 4, 1964

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

10.4 million

Appreciation Index

59

Synopsis

Tegana finally makes his move to assassinate the Khan, giving the Doctor and his friends an opportunity to thwart his plans and regain the TARDIS.

Characters

First Doctor

William Hartnell

Susan

Carole Ann Ford

How to watch Marco Polo:

DVD

The Beginning – An Unearthly Child / The Daleks / The Edge of Destruction

Reviews
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19 reviews

This story, more than any other, I would love to see returned to the BBC. In the past, I've watched the Loose Cannon reconstruction and the 30-minute edited version, but this time I decided to listen to the audio version with linking narration since I purchased the five-volume 'The Lost TV Episodes' CDs a couple of years ago. This story is narrated by William Russell, and it's brilliant. Listening to the audio with my eyes closed and no distractions really enhanced the experience this time - the sound effects used for the sandstorm were particularly chilling. Ping-Cho is an excellent supporting character, and I found myself captivated listening to her storytelling. Once again, closing my eyes during the audio really improves the experience, as William Russell describing Barbara's exploration of the cave was akin to a good Dungeon Master setting the scene. We even get a proper skirmish in this one! Also, one aspect of this story that strikes me this time around is just how long the road trip really is. After spending a few days in 100,000 BCE, perhaps a week on Skaro, and maybe a day or so stuck in the TARDIS, they've been traveling across Asia for several weeks, possibly even a couple of months, before ever reaching Kublai Khan. For some reason, though, I feel there's less filler, or at least what's there isn't quite as noticeable as in The Daleks. Perhaps it's the travelogue-style journey, but here it feels more organic. So overall, I quite enjoyed this story, and would place it ahead of An Unearthly Child, on par with The Daleks, and slightly behind The Edge of Destruction. Into the Sea of Death we go...

Dragonwitch

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Review last edited on 27-04-25

the first missing episode of my watchthrough! i admit, it took me a long time to get through this one. these telesnap recons are going to be quite rough. but, a decent story, where hartnell's doctor and ian shine, and poor susan isn't given enough to do at all.

epcot

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Review last edited on 16-04-25

This review contains spoilers!

I genuinely thought it'd be tedious and tiring to watch this, since it's lost, but that wasn't at all the case! It's such an interesting historical. Tbh, my favorite thing about it must be Barbara. She shines in this one, and I'm so glad she does and shows her bravery and the way she can and will act on her own if she desires to prove her beliefs and protect others. On the other hand, Susan and Ping-cho's storyline was so sweet and I have a weak spot for dynamics like that. Plot-wise overall is also great but I preferred the girls in this one!

rainbownixie

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Review last edited on 30-03-25

I'm sure this would be great if it was found or animated. Being lost does hamper my enjoyment. I did get to see an AI version of episode 1 which I thought was good, which made me give this an extra half star.

Scottybguud

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Review last edited on 25-03-25

se essa historia tivesse o vídeo e fosse mais curta seria obra prima, só pelas imagens da pra ver que eles se empenharam nas roupas e cenários uma pena isso ter sido perdido no tempo.

If this story had a video and was shorter, it would be a masterpiece; just from the pictures you can see that they put effort into the clothes and settings, it’s a pity this was lost over time.

(Translation generated by AI, so mistakes are possible).

GGVICTOR

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Review last edited on 21-03-25