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TARDIS Guide

Overview

First aired

Saturday, January 2, 1965

Production Code

L

Written by

David Whitaker

Directed by

Christopher Barry

Runtime

50 minutes

Time Travel

Future

Tropes (Potential Spoilers!)

Misunderstood Monster, Spaceship, Traps

Location (Potential Spoilers!)

Dido

Synopsis

The Doctor, Ian and Barbara arrive on the planet Dido. They find a crashed spaceship, the only two survivors of which are terrorised by the monster Koquillion. But who is Koquillion?

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2 Episodes

The Powerful Enemy

First aired

Saturday, January 2, 1965

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

David Whitaker

Directed by

Christopher Barry

UK Viewers

12 million

Appreciation Index

57

Synopsis

On the planet Dido, the monstrous Koquillion terrorizes Bennett and Vicki, the only survivors of a crashed spaceship. When the TARDIS lands, the Doctor, Ian, and Barbara team up with Vicki to discover what Koquillion is hiding. (Originally broadcast in two parts.)


Desperate Measures

First aired

Saturday, January 9, 1965

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

David Whitaker

Directed by

Christopher Barry

UK Viewers

13 million

Appreciation Index

59

Synopsis

The Doctor and Ian reach the crashed spaceship and meet up with Barbara and Vicki, where the Doctor uncovers the truth about Koquillion.



Characters

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Reviews

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17 reviews

This review contains spoilers!

There's not a lot to this plot, but what's there is done marvelously. It's a great companion introduction for Vicki, with some compelling character conflict over Barbara's well-intentioned but disastrous killing of Sandy. It was also nice to see the Doctor feeling morose after Susan's departure -- it gives even more emotional weight to the end of the previous story. The evil plot, though, was very Scooby-Doo, and I don't just mean the costume; Bennett was literally the only other person on the planet. It isn't exactly Agatha Christie. It's a fun one to watch, though!


6-and-7

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an overall decent introduction to a new companion but a pretty lacklustre story plot wise. bonus points for costume design and the doctor being a complete gremlin


kawaii2234

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A gem of a two parter. Being shorter than most stories makes this such a tight and strong and easy watch. It's also the debut of Victoria as a companion, who in my opinion is more enjoyable to watch than Susan.


Scottybguud

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  • I've always much enjoyed Vicki as a companion and her introduction solidifies that
  • It perfectly takes use of its time and doesn't prolong it any longer than it should
  • My literal only gripe is the small minor details that could help piece everything together, like hints that other crew members were still alive or there being signs of the planet's original inhabitants being killed. Something to level up the world-buildin
  • This is a story that feels a little predictable, but there's nothing wrong with the obvious incoming twist it works well, and it earns it
  • It's a story that captures why I like the 1, characterised beautifully

KieranCooper

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This review contains spoilers!

I like this serial. It benefits from being on the shorter side. The story is concise but interesting. The twist reveal is  set up nicely and done very well.

I immediately like Vicki, and not just because she looks like my favourite cousin. This is a great introductory episode for a new companion. I love how she immediately trusts the Doctor, how much she cares for the local wildlife, and her willingness to forgive Barbara despite killing her pet.

Unlike most classic stories yet to come, this serial doesn't immediately forget about Susan. The Doctor is clearly still feeling her loss. I appreciate that.


uss-genderprise

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Statistics

AVG. Rating608 members
3.64 / 5

Trakt.tv

AVG. Rating287 votes
3.65 / 5

Member Statistics

Watched

1051

Favourited

84

Reviewed

17

Saved

5

Skipped

3

Quotes

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BARBARA: Vicki, are you going to come with us?

VICKI: Oh I, I'd like to. Yes, if you'll have me.

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Transcript Needs checking

Episode One - The Powerful Enemy

(The TARDIS materialises in a darkened cave.)

(Spaceship 201 is down in the valley. It has a Union Flag on it's tail and is broken in half. It's radar dish is working)

[Spaceship living quarters]

(a young girl rushes in, delighted to hear the beep of a contact on the screen)


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