“Oh something else I forgot to tell you. I think I’ve poisoned Nero.”

The Romans des problèmes. On peut carrément lui reprocher son cynisme et un sens de l’humour problématique. On peut aussi lui reprocher sa négligence et sa légèreté. 

Et pourtant il a aussi un charme fou.

Le Docteur et Vicki se baladent en effet dans la Rome antique et ils affrontent carrément Néron. Mais surtout, ils rient de son pouvoir aussi atroce et dangereux que foncièrement ridicule ! 

C’est donc l’histoire de deux filous face au pire régime possible, pendant que Ian et Barbara survivent désespérément dans un Empire qui anéantit les faibles. 

Et du coup c’est presque une autre histoire sur les joies de la résistance et de la solidarité alors que le monde est fou.

One thing The Romans does really well is character work. The main cast are fantastic, and even the side characters get their moments. It's also just really good fun to watch

"You know, I am so constantly outwitting the opposition, I tend to forget the delights and satisfaction of the arts, the gentle art of fisticuffs!"

Enjoyed this more this time around. A really fun and silly pure historical, focussed more on the comedic aspect than anything else. Its tone does shift a little too much during the runtime but it's a well paced, and at times genuinely funny little romp.

I think Derek Francis is probably the best guest star the show has had up to this point, a really fun, over the top and campy performance as Nero. He plays off well against Hartnell perfectly. It's a shame the story neglects the new companion Vicki in her first adventure, but she still has great chemistry with the Doctor throughout.

A fun, charming and silly camp romp through Ancient Rome. It works well!

I love getting to see the TARDIS team relaxing on a holiday. A holiday which very quickly (from our perspective) goes wrong.

Ian and Barbara's domesticity is fun to watch, especially the joke about the fridge.

The Doctor's lyre-playing is a highlight of the episode. Truly cannot believe that William Hartnell was such a skilled musician

I actually think this is one of Hartnell's better stories, with the Doctor getting involved in the action. You can tell by this point that he's starting to transition into a more action-hero character, whereas in An Unearthly Child, Ian takes on this role, whilst the Doctor is portrayed as being a less active character.

Historical accuracy is fair for the time it was written, and the pacing holds up well today.

📝10/10

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

"The Romans: A Witty Romp Through Nero’s Court"

The Romans is a delightful blend of comedy and historical adventure set during the reign of Emperor Nero. Dennis Spooner delivers one of his best scripts, combining humor, drama, and clever storytelling into a serial that's as entertaining as it is unique.

The story opens on an unexpected note, with the TARDIS crew enjoying a rare moment of peace, relaxing just outside Rome as though on holiday. This lighthearted beginning sets the tone for a production filled with lively sets, stunning costumes, and evocative period music that enrich the experience.

The chemistry among the leads is a highlight, with Ian and Barbara's undeniable romantic spark shining through, and Barbara and Vicki’s camaraderie adding warmth. The three intertwined storylines—a mistaken identity leading the Doctor to Nero’s court, Barbara and Ian’s misadventures as slaves, and their eventual near-reunion—are masterfully woven together. The characters’ independent escapades, often narrowly missing each other, create a charming narrative device that enhances the comedic undertones.

William Hartnell gives one of his best performances as the Doctor, showcasing his comedic timing and quick wit. His portrayal balances the Doctor’s grandfatherly warmth with his mischievous delight in witnessing (and occasionally influencing) history. His encounters with Nero, especially the lyre ruse and his accidental role in the Great Fire of Rome, are standout moments.

The serial also excels in balancing dramatic tension with humor. Ian’s stint as a gladiator and the galley slave sequence are gritty and realistic, while the absurdity of Nero’s antics and Barbara’s attempts to evade him provide plenty of laughs. Derek Francis steals the show as the hilariously self-absorbed Nero, offering one of the series’ most memorable depictions of a historical figure. Anne Tirard’s eerie Locusta and Michael Peake’s morally ambiguous Tavius further enrich the guest cast.

The script avoids repetitive tropes, maintaining a brisk pace. The gladiator fight and the thrilling climax, where the Doctor inadvertently sets the Great Fire of Rome in motion, are among the serial’s most memorable moments. It’s a clever nod to the show’s evolving approach to history, subtly moving beyond the strict "history is immutable" stance of The Aztecs.

With its sharp wit, strong performances, and engaging narrative, The Romans is a shining example of Doctor Who at its finest—a delightful fusion of history, comedy, and adventure.