The War Games is an excellent serial. The plot never stops, and when it does slow down, it still has enough moment to propel the overall story forward. There is enough variety is locations to make it feel like an Epic. Just as I was getting a bit bored with the WW1 setting, they moved on to another location. This continued throughout the entire story. The War Games more than makes up for some of the VERY weak serials that exist in the Second Doctor era.

The cast is excellent, with some superb guest performances. Special note to David Savile as Carstairs, and Philip Madoc as The War Lord.

This is an excellent send-off for Patrick Troughton, and the rest of the regular TARDIS team.

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

“The War Games: A Monumental and Influential Classic”

The War Games is an epic tale that epitomises everything remarkable about Patrick Troughton’s tenure as the Doctor while also serving as a grand send-off to his era. Despite its ten-episode length and occasional padding, the story remains a masterpiece of tension, innovation, and characterisation, setting the stage for much of the lore that defines Doctor Who today.

The genius of The War Games lies in its ability to transform a seemingly simple narrative into a rich, multi-layered epic. Beginning as a war drama set in the trenches of World War I, the story gradually evolves into a high-stakes science fiction thriller. The introduction of armies from different historical periods, manipulated to fight endless wars on a single alien planet, is a brilliantly original concept.

This juxtaposition of historical and futuristic elements creates an engaging dynamic that keeps the story fresh throughout its runtime. The plot twists and revelations—from the true nature of the War Chief to the Time Lords’ role—ensure that the stakes grow continuously until the explosive finale.

Patrick Troughton delivers one of his finest performances as the Second Doctor. His blend of cunning, humour, and moral conviction shines through, particularly in the final episodes. The courtroom scenes, where he passionately defends his actions, are a standout, showcasing the depth and range of his Doctor.

Frazer Hines (Jamie) and Wendy Padbury (Zoe) are equally exceptional, proving why this TARDIS team is a fan favourite. Their camaraderie and determination come to the forefront as they lead the resistance, offering many memorable moments. Their emotional departure, forced by the Time Lords, is one of the most poignant farewells in the series’ history.

The supporting cast is stellar. Philip Madoc’s War Lord is a cold, calculating villain, and Edward Brayshaw’s War Chief is an enigmatic and charismatic presence. Their scenes together crackle with tension, particularly as their motives and loyalties come into conflict. Jane Sherwin as Lady Jennifer adds a welcome layer of strength and independence, while Noel Coleman’s General Smythe exudes menace.

The introduction of the Time Lords is one of the story’s most significant contributions to Doctor Who lore. Their portrayal as an omnipotent yet morally ambiguous race adds depth to the Doctor’s character, especially as he struggles with his decision to call on them for help. The War Chief’s connection to the Doctor hints at the rich backstory of Gallifrey, further explored in later years.

The story’s exploration of war, control, and resistance gives it an enduring relevance. Its depiction of moral dilemmas, particularly the Doctor’s inability to save the day alone, elevates it beyond a typical adventure.

David Maloney’s direction is exemplary, managing to keep this lengthy serial visually engaging. The World War I sequences feel authentic, and the alien command centre is suitably eerie. The use of location filming adds a cinematic quality, and the haunting music score enhances the atmosphere of tension and unease.

While the ten-episode structure does lead to some repetitive moments—such as the Doctor and companions being captured and escaping multiple times—the variety of settings and characters ensures the story remains engaging.

The War Games is one of the most influential stories in Doctor Who history. It introduced concepts and characters that continue to shape the series, from the Time Lords to the Doctor’s moral dilemmas. The epic scale and layered storytelling make it a fitting finale for the Second Doctor’s era.

📝Verdict: 9/10

Though its length may be daunting, The War Games is a richly rewarding experience. It’s a perfect blend of drama, action, and characterisation, featuring one of the most emotionally charged finales in Doctor Who. A cornerstone of the show’s legacy, it remains a must-watch for fans of the classic series.

Random Observations:

• The German soldier in episode 3 is so amazingly over-the-top I can't help but love him. His reaction to the sonic screwdriver is priceless.
• Is it just me, or does the German general look like Blofeld from You Only Live Twice?
• So many things with this story remind me of Westworld.
• I love the War Scientist, who is so devoted to his work that it takes a better part of two episodes for him to realise The Doctor isn't who he claims he is.
• There it is, the first time the Time Lords are mentioned by name, at the start of Episode 6. Interestingly, not by the Doctor or the War Chief, but by the Scientist.
• The scene in Episode 7 where Carstairs struggles to speak French with the rescued soldier is intentionally hilarious. The TARDIS should, of course, translate everything for everyone, but this serial seems to use that logic pretty loosely whenever the script requires that.
• There have never been enough great Mexican characters on the show, so we're lucky that the Troughton era gave us two: Salamander in The Enemy of the World and the loveably trigger-happy Pancho Villa here.
• The Episode 9 cliffhanger is arguably the most intense and dramatic since the ending to The Daleks' Master Plan.

The War Games marks the end of black and white 1960s Doctor Who and the end of Patrick Troughton's superb reign as The Second Doctor. These aren't the only seismic changes which can be found within these mammoth 10 episodes. It features the introduction of the term 'Time Lord', The Doctor's home planet (not yet named) and an explanation as to why he left. It was a brave and brilliant move to confirm that The Doctor does not necessarily see eye to eye with the rest of his race, disapproving with their 'hands off' approach to the universe. This story also features the first re-occurrence of the sonic screwdriver since its introduction in Fury from the Deep. Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke are working hard to consolidate and extrapolate on the show's lore - which we should be grateful for. Not only does this story establish so much of what becomes vital to Doctor Who in the future, but it also has one of the most ingenious plots at the centre of it that the show has ever seen.

The Doctor, Zoe and Jamie uncover a plot to conquer the universe. Brainwashed soldiers are being taken out of their time and tricked into believing that they are fighting their own wars in simulated environments. The aim is to create an unbeatable army which can be used for plotter's own purposes. Luckily, there are rebels who have managed to overcome these brainwashing efforts. They group together with The Doctor and his companions to overthrow this corrupt prison.

The War Lord, the malevolent Time Lord in this story acts as yet another 'proto-Master' villain. This character is just one of many enemies The Doctor faces in The War Games. It needs these extra elements due to its outrageous length. The quality of episodes 8-10 is difficult to rival, which is what makes it my third favourite Second Doctor story. However, I believe it would be fair to say that the first seven episodes could easily be cut down to four. Once you are introduced to the strong concept behind this story, it takes a little too long for the mystery to unfold.

As the adventure draws to a close, it is clear that it is the most epic tale The Doctor has ever had to face, so dangerous in fact that he has to bite the bullet and inform the authorities on his home planet. He knows that this move will consign him to a trial himself, as he regularly breaks the conventions of his people. The consequences of handing himself in were so much greater then he ever could have guessed.

The Doctor's defence of his actions is powerful, he demands that the Time Lords see snippets of the enemies he has defeated (including the Quarks!) He makes a spirited justification of regularly interfering with events to put a stop to evil. The Time Lords accept that this is a difficult moral quandary for them, but after careful consideration simply believe it is unforgivable for him to interfere to the extent that he does.

The War Lord and his assistants are dematerialised as punishment, which marks The Doctor's victory. However, he has to lose Zoe and Jamie, who's memories of almost all of their time with The Doctor are tragically removed as punishment. This, especially for the longest running companion Jamie is drastic, he finds himself back in The Highlands where he began. The Doctor's own punishment is a banishment to Earth and a loss of his Space and Time travel capabilities. Again, we can see the writers shaping the form of the show to come - it could barely be more exciting. The Doctor is defiant as he is forced into a regeneration, it is a wonderful closing chapter to a version of the character which has undoubtedly changed the essential nature of the show forever.

I cannot wait to begin the show's third leg and am delighted to see Doctor Who more fleshed out than ever. Patrick Troughton has out shined William Hartnell's excellent efforts and has finished his time on a definite high. This is a story I will always hold dear - top stuff!

I'm not surprised that War Games is so beloved, but a little surprised it is this beloved. It's a fun story and a great send-off to the second doctor. I like how it introduces the Time Lords and reveals, without really spelling it out, why the Doctor ran from them to begin with.

There are some really cool ideas and the story is a fun concept, but I do have some issues with the execution. The story can drag out for a bit before the big Time Lords appearance and in a lot of ways, we just sort of shuffle from war zone to the next with our characters. Jaime and Zoe are always a delight as companions, though, and it is quite the send-off to the TARDIS team of this era. The costuming is impressive but I don't love the effects around Troughton's regeneration, either.

On the whole I would recommend it, but I'm not going to pretend it's my favourite Doctor Who story. As a second doctor adventure, it is quite a bit of fun and you could do a lot worse with these 60s stories. I am grateful it has survived BBC junking and Patrick Troughton is, as always, a delight, right up to the end.

Wow. The War Games is quite long, but it never drags or becomes boring. In fact, I feel that it's one of the more exciting stories of its era. There's plenty of action, frequent location changes, plenty of mystery and suspense, and engaging characters. I felt that there were some great sets and costumes, and the score also particuarly stood out to me. The ending is nice and fitting. This serial completely deserves the praise it so often receives.