This one is easily one of my favorites of the Hartnell era. Kinda a paradox, since this was the slow beginning of the end of the pure historical (in some ways).
Watching this after The Chase probably also helped it at my first viewing, since while I do find some aspect of that Story appealing, I feel like this one balances the Comedy and the stakes a lot more.

Butterworth is the great standout here really, his Monk is just amazing, and it’s a great shame we only got him here (and later in the DMP). The Monk while in many ways similar to the Master, feels to me like a unique version of an antagonist, since he really all does it to mess with it.
Another Thing I highly can praise is the Pacing, dare I say while I love the slower pace of the Hartnell era a lot, this one feels perfectly paced with its 4 Parts.
There is a lot I can praise. For example the whole subplot where Vicki tries to convince Steven that the Tardis is a time machine, it doesn’t play for too long to become annoying, no the right amount of time.
As always, Hartnell is a blast, especially his banter with Steven in the beginning is lovely “and there is a chair with a panda sitting on”

The Time Meddler is just a really strong story. The side characters (well, one of them, Edith), are well done, the sets are really good, and the main cast is stellar. It's also a fascinating story in terms of establishing Doctor Who lore - we learn for the first time that the Doctor is, in fact, alien, and from the same place as the Monk, and we even learn that the Doctor's fancy TARDIS isn't all that.

Speaking of the Monk - absolute highlight of the story. He plays off the Doctor really well, offering an opposing but nevertheless similar character. What a guy

“I’m, I’m marooned. Marooned!  In 1066! Oh, Doctor.”

The Time Meddler est fantastique.

Hartnell et Butterworth se trollent, rient de leur propre rivalité, et livrent chacun une performance mémorable! Mais en plus c’est un script hyper important.

Chaque scène clé de l’épisode  repousse en effet un peu plus les limites de la série. Mais c’est tellement bien millimétré, et les acteurs sont tellement à fond, que c’est aussi surprenant que pourtant vraiment naturel dans l’exécution.

De plus là où l’histoire est peut être assez négligée, c’est dans son trio. C’est tout un chapitre qui s’ouvre, mais les interactions de Vicki et Steven sont tellement bien qu’on oublie carrément Ian et Barbara.

Si ça c’est pas du bon taff. 

📝8/10

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

“The Time Meddler: A Meddling Delight”

The Time Meddler ushers in a new TARDIS dynamic while breaking fresh ground as Doctor Who’s first pseudo-historical, blending historical intrigue with science fiction in a tale that’s equal parts whimsical and groundbreaking. Though it stumbles occasionally in pacing and tension, its charm and historical significance make it a standout adventure.

Reminiscing and Rebuilding

The opening moments of The Time Meddler offer a rare gem in Classic Who: quiet character introspection. Reflecting on Ian and Barbara’s departure, the episode tenderly marks their absence while setting the stage for a new TARDIS team. The delightful introductory sequence inside the TARDIS seamlessly integrates Steven into the crew, offering both a primer for new viewers and a warm, comedic nod to returning fans.

History with a Twist

Marking the debut of the pseudo-historical genre, The Time Meddler cleverly juxtaposes the Viking era with futuristic anachronisms, such as 20th-century technology. While the narrative doesn’t fully explore the potential of this blend, it sets a fascinating tone, particularly in the early episodes. The story shifts focus from historical events to a compelling battle of wits between two opposing Time Lords, a bold departure for the series.

A Showdown of Icons

The heart of the serial lies in the clash between the Doctor and the Meddling Monk, played with mischievous brilliance by Peter Butterworth. As the first Time Lord adversary in the series, the Monk’s playful yet selfish motives make him a refreshing change from traditional villains. Butterworth’s chemistry with William Hartnell is a joy to watch, particularly in the second half when their rivalry takes center stage.

A New Team Takes Shape

Without Ian and Barbara, Maureen O’Brien’s Vicki comes into her own as a confident and capable companion, proving she can hold her own. Meanwhile, Steven’s debut is energetic, if still a little rough around the edges. His skeptical defiance contrasts nicely with Vicki’s seasoned pragmatism, and their dynamic shines in their shared escapades throughout the story.

Missed Opportunities and Clumsy Moments

Despite its innovation, The Time Meddler suffers from some uneven plotting. Steven and Vicki spend much of the story aimlessly wandering, while the Doctor takes a backseat in the first half due to Hartnell’s absence. The Saxons and Vikings are underdeveloped and largely forgettable, serving more as window dressing than integral parts of the plot.

The action sequences, usually a strength in historicals, feel clumsy and unconvincing here, especially when compared to earlier serials. Additionally, while the ending is cleverly satisfying, it lacks the sense of grandeur or climax that would have elevated the story.

Visuals and Wit

The production’s simple sets and costumes effectively evoke the historical setting, supported by solid direction that lends the story a sense of scale. The script sparkles with memorable lines, from Hartnell’s poetic description of the TARDIS (“Sheer poetry, dear boy”) to his sardonic quip about a Viking helmet being “a space helmet for a cow.” These moments of wit are quintessential Hartnell and inject much-needed levity into the slower stretches of the serial.

The Time Meddler strikes a unique balance of humor, innovation, and character-driven storytelling. While its pacing falters and some elements feel undercooked, the introduction of the Monk and the evolving TARDIS team dynamics make it a pivotal and entertaining chapter in Doctor Who history.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• The Monk’s meddling, while mischievous, almost makes you root for his victory—a testament to Butterworth’s charming performance.
• The Saxons’ resemblance to the tribe members from An Unearthly Child is amusing, especially given Aletha Charlton’s return in a similar role.

"Never interfere with the course of history!"

An enjoyable historical romp. Certainly elevated by the science fiction elements, a first for the show in a history based story. Certainly a very interesting concept, having another time traveller parallel the Doctor but wanting to meddle with time.

Peter Butterworth as the Monk is a great addition to the plot, a really fun villain. The best moments involve him, with some great dialogue and back and forth between him and Hartnell.

A fun ending to the second season of the show, altering the pure historicals from previous season to strong effect.