The Smugglers

Directed by

UK Viewers

4.3 million

Appreciation Index

47

Synopsis

The Doctor discovers Polly and Ben aboard the TARDIS shortly before the ship arrives in 17th century Cornwall, where the local churchwarden gives the Doctor a cryptic message shortly before being murdered.

Episode 2 Missing

First aired

Saturday, September 17, 1966

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

4.9 million

Appreciation Index

45

Synopsis

Pike is convinced that the Doctor knows the location of Avery's treasure while Polly and Ben try to convince the locals they were not responsible for Longfoot's murder.

Episode 3 Missing

First aired

Saturday, September 24, 1966

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

4.2 million

Appreciation Index

43

Synopsis

Polly and Ben are placed in the custody of Blake, who reveals he also has his suspicions about the Squire, while the Doctor and Kewper are forced to team up to escape from Pike's ship.

Episode 4 Missing

First aired

Saturday, October 1, 1966

Runtime

25 minutes

Written by

Directed by

UK Viewers

4.5 million

Appreciation Index

43

Synopsis

The Doctor and his friends are at the mercy of Cherub, who is now seeking Avery's treasure for himself, while Pike prepares to attack the village.

Characters

First Doctor

Polly Wright

Reviews
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8 reviews

A meandering, pointless story that only breaks from its dullness to be racist

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Review last edited on 20-01-25

“Well, it better be 1966”

C’est sévèrement négligé, et injustement vu les ravages du temps (et de la BBC) sur l’histoire, par contre, ce qu’on devine de ses restes est toujours au moins assez charmant et porté par une super dynamique dans le Tardis

Et certes c’est toujours une histoire assez difficile.

Mais aussi est-ce que c’est vraiment de sa faute ?

Toute une partie du patrimoine de la série a été massacrée, et face à ça nous ne sommes donc plus que des archéologues.

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Review last edited on 13-11-24

This review contains spoilers!

Ben and Polly continue to impress, their dialogue is sparky and livens up the show. Again, its hard to judge a story which is completely non-existent, but from the gist I got, it was good fun - the brief clips of action (those censored from Aussie broadcasts) were really cool, even if I felt more like I was being teased with a story rather than being shown one! The character of Jamaica was is unfortunate from a 21st century perspective, a reminder of how different Doctor Who is nowadays. The tease for The Tenth Planet at the end of this story is ominous - leaves you waiting for the next one...!

Like Liked 1

Review last edited on 15-08-24

This review contains spoilers!

The Smugglers: 6.8//10 - The Smugglers is a story with a fascinating premise but not the best of executions. I really like the Doctor and his heroicness in the story is really cool. Ben is a very skeptical companion which I like and reminds me of Steven in the Time Meddler. Polly also is good in this story and I think she’ll end up being one of my favorite companions. The villains and side characters are both decent with Kewper being my favorite. I also like the slight connection between this serial and the Curse of the Black Spot.

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Review last edited on 27-06-24

Damn I really tried to enjoy this story I just I can’t get into the recon unfortunately

Like Liked 1

Review last edited on 25-05-24