I've finally got round to sampling the old Doctor Who episodes, starting with The Ark in Space. Okay, let's get some things straight first. Most of my experience with Doctor Who is watching the new series i.e. Christopher Eccleston, David Tenant, Matt Smith. Yet what really strikes me is how similar classic Who is to the new Who.
The Ark in Space for example has all the hallmarks of an exciting story, with ideas and motifs that occur again in the Who of the new millennium.
Sure, the special effects, props and costuming can look awful in these older episodes but if you look past that for a moment and focus on the story then it's a lot of fun to watch.
The Ark in Space for example has all the hallmarks of an exciting story, with ideas and motifs that occur again in the Who of the new millennium.
In this episode, the Doctor and his companion search frantically for the keys to the TARDIS
Sure, the special effects, props and costuming can look awful in these older episodes but if you look past that for a moment and focus on the story then it's a lot of fun to watch.
Being a time travel show spanning a history of over 40 years, Doctor Who has always had a problem working to a consistent universe of sorts. However the quality of the story writing has endured. Watching old Who and comparing it with new Who, I can identify the mix of cerebral and action that makes Doctor Who so engaging and see why even today it's just as popular.
Jeffreys tubes are far more tortuous to navigate in the world of Doctor Who
I've chosen to watch the Tom Baker era, simply because it seems to be the most popular and well liked. If the Ark in Space is anything to go by, Baker's witty charm should be a laugh and a joy. He's also a bit of a maniac, so that's good too.
Russian roulette is not the same without a gun...
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