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It’s time to embark on #ThePilgrimage.
#DoctorWho. From the beginning. Every episode. All the reconstructions, animations, spin-offs and minisodes. The whole shabang from the start.
Day 1 - “The Pilot Episode” - the full 35 minute studio session.
#DoctorWho. From the beginning. Every episode. All the reconstructions, animations, spin-offs and minisodes. The whole shabang from the start.
Day 1 - “The Pilot Episode” - the full 35 minute studio session.
The Pilot Episode: William Hartnell has such *incredible* screen presence. Jacqueline Hill makes the most of every line, she’s sublime. But it’s not quite right yet...
#DoctorWho
#ThePilgrimage
#DoctorWho
#ThePilgrimage
Day 2.
Episode 1 - “An Unearthly Child”
Episode 2 - “The Cave of Skulls”
Hartnell fine-tunes the Doctor to perfection, nicely eccentric without the earlier harshness. Carole Ann has the perfect hint of “alien” about her. Some nice dialogue from the Pilot edited out though.
Episode 1 - “An Unearthly Child”
Episode 2 - “The Cave of Skulls”
Hartnell fine-tunes the Doctor to perfection, nicely eccentric without the earlier harshness. Carole Ann has the perfect hint of “alien” about her. Some nice dialogue from the Pilot edited out though.
Day 3.
Episode 3 - “The Forest of Fear”
Episode 4 - “The Firemaker”
Occasional hints of very blunt violence. Even this early, you can see Barbara’s influence on the Doctor, turning him into a softer & more endearing personality. There’s nothing to say this is set on Earth, btw.
Episode 3 - “The Forest of Fear”
Episode 4 - “The Firemaker”
Occasional hints of very blunt violence. Even this early, you can see Barbara’s influence on the Doctor, turning him into a softer & more endearing personality. There’s nothing to say this is set on Earth, btw.
Having a couple of nights off for #ChristmasEve and #ChristmasDay, but I’ll return to #ThePilgrimage on Boxing Day.
#DoctorWho
#DoctorWho
Day 4.
Episode 5 - “The Dead Planet”
Episode 6 - “The Survivors”
Still possibly one of the greatest cliffhangers in the history of television. The Doctor showing his scientific curiosity (and stubbornness) for the first time. The interplay between the ensemble is just wonderful.
Episode 5 - “The Dead Planet”
Episode 6 - “The Survivors”
Still possibly one of the greatest cliffhangers in the history of television. The Doctor showing his scientific curiosity (and stubbornness) for the first time. The interplay between the ensemble is just wonderful.
Day 5.
Episode 7 - “The Escape”
Episode 8 - “The Ambush”
Nicely paced, the cast really come into their own now, albeit Susan’s characterisation is inconsistent. Hartnell really delivers when given the right material. Great insights into Thal society. The escape plan is bonkers!
Episode 7 - “The Escape”
Episode 8 - “The Ambush”
Nicely paced, the cast really come into their own now, albeit Susan’s characterisation is inconsistent. Hartnell really delivers when given the right material. Great insights into Thal society. The escape plan is bonkers!
Day 6.
Episode 9 - “The Expedition”
Episode 10 - “The Ordeal”
Episode 11 - “The Rescue”
The moral argument of pacifism vs direct action in Episode 9 is wonderfully scripted. Ian and the Doctor at odds sets the tone for the next story. And yes, the whole denouement is gripping!
Episode 9 - “The Expedition”
Episode 10 - “The Ordeal”
Episode 11 - “The Rescue”
The moral argument of pacifism vs direct action in Episode 9 is wonderfully scripted. Ian and the Doctor at odds sets the tone for the next story. And yes, the whole denouement is gripping!
Day 7.
Episode 12 - “The Edge of Destruction”
Episode 13 - “The Brink of Disaster”
Plus - “Marco Polo” (BBC DVD Reconstruction) - 30 minutes
Unnerving in the extreme, but “Edge” works much better as an expanded novel. The scissors scene is top-drawer disturbing though!
(1/2)
Episode 12 - “The Edge of Destruction”
Episode 13 - “The Brink of Disaster”
Plus - “Marco Polo” (BBC DVD Reconstruction) - 30 minutes
Unnerving in the extreme, but “Edge” works much better as an expanded novel. The scissors scene is top-drawer disturbing though!
(1/2)
Day 7 (continued).
Watching Barbara’s influence helping to shape the Doctor into the character we know and love today is wonderful. Hartnell’s monologue at the end is electric. The BBC DVD reconstruction of “Marco” is sadly too short a representation of a masterpiece!
(2/2)
Watching Barbara’s influence helping to shape the Doctor into the character we know and love today is wonderful. Hartnell’s monologue at the end is electric. The BBC DVD reconstruction of “Marco” is sadly too short a representation of a masterpiece!
(2/2)
Day 8.
Prologue - Venice (1324)
Episode 14 - “The Roof of the World”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
The colour recon is a grand, glorious attempt, but the B&W version feels much more authentic.
Prologue - Venice (1324)
Episode 14 - “The Roof of the World”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
The colour recon is a grand, glorious attempt, but the B&W version feels much more authentic.
Day 9.
Episode 15 - “The Singing Sands”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
A quiet, introspective episode that erupts half way through. Ian playing chess. Susan’s reflections ‘neath the stars... (1/2)
Episode 15 - “The Singing Sands”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
A quiet, introspective episode that erupts half way through. Ian playing chess. Susan’s reflections ‘neath the stars... (1/2)
Day 9 (continued).
The dialogue is really rich, especially during the earlier, quieter scenes. Susan feels like an alien for the first time since Episode 1, far from home on a moonlit night.
“One day we’ll know all the mysteries of the stars and stop our wanderings...”
(2/2)
The dialogue is really rich, especially during the earlier, quieter scenes. Susan feels like an alien for the first time since Episode 1, far from home on a moonlit night.
“One day we’ll know all the mysteries of the stars and stop our wanderings...”
(2/2)
Day 10.
Episode 16 - “Five Hundred Eyes”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
An unexpected detour. Ping-Cho’s monologue is nicely done. The Mongols rolling dice to decide who kills Barbara is chilling.
Episode 16 - “Five Hundred Eyes”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
An unexpected detour. Ping-Cho’s monologue is nicely done. The Mongols rolling dice to decide who kills Barbara is chilling.
Day 10 (continued).
Episode 17 - “The Wall of Lies”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
This one suffers from a lack of telesnaps. We spend a lot of time faffing about and don’t really advance the plot.
Episode 17 - “The Wall of Lies”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
This one suffers from a lack of telesnaps. We spend a lot of time faffing about and don’t really advance the plot.
Day 11.
Episode 18 - “Rider from Shang-Tu”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
The infamous monkey episode. The Chang-Ting sets are stunning. The scenes between Susan & Ping-Cho are lovely interludes.
Episode 18 - “Rider from Shang-Tu”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
The infamous monkey episode. The Chang-Ting sets are stunning. The scenes between Susan & Ping-Cho are lovely interludes.
Day 12.
Episode 19 - “Mighty Kublai Khan”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
The set design at the Khan’s palace is simply stunning. Derren Nesbitt does a wonderful turn as the villain of the piece.
Episode 19 - “Mighty Kublai Khan”
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
The set design at the Khan’s palace is simply stunning. Derren Nesbitt does a wonderful turn as the villain of the piece.
Day 12 (continued).
Episode 20 - “Assassin at Peking”
Epilogue - Venice (1324)
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
A near-perfect conclusion. Not too rushed, richly resolved. Whole story is a classic.
Episode 20 - “Assassin at Peking”
Epilogue - Venice (1324)
(2 versions. Loose Cannon’s original colour reconstruction, followed by their revised black and white version.)
A near-perfect conclusion. Not too rushed, richly resolved. Whole story is a classic.
Day 13.
Episode 21 - “The Sea of Death”
Episode 22 - “The Velvet Web”
I’ve had a soft spot for this one, ever since first watch. The intrigue builds nicely and the setup is perfect. The different communities on Marinus are inspired. The Voord have huge potential as villains.
Episode 21 - “The Sea of Death”
Episode 22 - “The Velvet Web”
I’ve had a soft spot for this one, ever since first watch. The intrigue builds nicely and the setup is perfect. The different communities on Marinus are inspired. The Voord have huge potential as villains.
Day 14.
Episode 23 - “The Screaming Jungle”
Episode 24 - “The Snows of Terror”
Ian and Barbara go solo for these two, and it really works. They’re not trying to be anything other than a bit of fun. The scene where Vasor tries to rape Barbara is pretty shocking for 60s Who!
Episode 23 - “The Screaming Jungle”
Episode 24 - “The Snows of Terror”
Ian and Barbara go solo for these two, and it really works. They’re not trying to be anything other than a bit of fun. The scene where Vasor tries to rape Barbara is pretty shocking for 60s Who!
Day 15.
Episode 25 - “Sentence of Death”
This was always my favourite section of “The Keys of Marinus”. A decent setup, and the Doctor turning Kavanagh QC make for a very entertaining 25 minutes. Marinus seems to have 1960s Earth-style telephones!
Episode 25 - “Sentence of Death”
This was always my favourite section of “The Keys of Marinus”. A decent setup, and the Doctor turning Kavanagh QC make for a very entertaining 25 minutes. Marinus seems to have 1960s Earth-style telephones!
Day 16.
Episode 26 - “The Keys of Marinus”
Millennius is a deliciously realised setting. An interesting format for the finale, with the first half concluding “Sentence of Death” and the second wrapping the whole arc. William Hartnell gives a fine, majestic performance!
Episode 26 - “The Keys of Marinus”
Millennius is a deliciously realised setting. An interesting format for the finale, with the first half concluding “Sentence of Death” and the second wrapping the whole arc. William Hartnell gives a fine, majestic performance!
Day 17.
Episode 27 - “The Temple of Evil”
Really tight plotting, lovely rich dialogue from John Lucarotti. This is one of the finest “pure historicals” ever made and placing Barbara at the centre of it was the perfect starting point. Jacqueline Hill is masterful!
Episode 27 - “The Temple of Evil”
Really tight plotting, lovely rich dialogue from John Lucarotti. This is one of the finest “pure historicals” ever made and placing Barbara at the centre of it was the perfect starting point. Jacqueline Hill is masterful!
The eagle-eyed will have noticed that I had an evening off #ThePilgrimage yesterday whilst real life and personal commitments took precedence. Back tonight though, with Episode 2 of “The Aztecs”...
Day 18.
Episode 28 - “The Warriors of Death”
Hartnell is just extraordinary in the opening scene, showcasing the Doctor’s genuine anger at the prospect of time being altered. But there is a genuine love between them on display too. Ian is relishing his time in the TARDIS now.
Episode 28 - “The Warriors of Death”
Hartnell is just extraordinary in the opening scene, showcasing the Doctor’s genuine anger at the prospect of time being altered. But there is a genuine love between them on display too. Ian is relishing his time in the TARDIS now.
Day 19.
Episode 29 - “The Bride of Sacrifice”
Episode 30 - “The Day of Darkness”
The Doctor’s genuine sadness at having to leave Cameca gives rise to a heartfelt performance by Hartnell. Susan is still more like a child than an alien. Autloc’s fate is the most tragic of all.
Episode 29 - “The Bride of Sacrifice”
Episode 30 - “The Day of Darkness”
The Doctor’s genuine sadness at having to leave Cameca gives rise to a heartfelt performance by Hartnell. Susan is still more like a child than an alien. Autloc’s fate is the most tragic of all.
Day 20.
Episode 31 - “Strangers in Space”
Lovely opening scene in the TARDIS as the genuine bonds between the main four are cemented. Even Ian and the Doctor have abandoned their rivalry and become friends. The mystery is neatly built up and the tension mounts gradually.
Episode 31 - “Strangers in Space”
Lovely opening scene in the TARDIS as the genuine bonds between the main four are cemented. Even Ian and the Doctor have abandoned their rivalry and become friends. The mystery is neatly built up and the tension mounts gradually.
Day 21.
Episode 32 - “The Unwilling Warriors”
I think Jacqueline Hill is the strongest in this one. Everyone’s a bit off, and Hartnell’s acting is a bit... odd. Susan’s character is woefully inconsistent. The spaceship set is unconvincingly small. Not sure we advance much here.
Episode 32 - “The Unwilling Warriors”
I think Jacqueline Hill is the strongest in this one. Everyone’s a bit off, and Hartnell’s acting is a bit... odd. Susan’s character is woefully inconsistent. The spaceship set is unconvincingly small. Not sure we advance much here.
Day 22.
Episode 33 - “Hidden Danger”
Finally we get off the spaceship and down to the Sense Sphere! The new plot thread sends the story in a different direction. The Doctor/Susan dynamic is nicely explored, but Susan is still treated inconsistently by the writers.
Episode 33 - “Hidden Danger”
Finally we get off the spaceship and down to the Sense Sphere! The new plot thread sends the story in a different direction. The Doctor/Susan dynamic is nicely explored, but Susan is still treated inconsistently by the writers.
Day 23.
Episode 34 - “A Race Against Death”
This is Hartnell’s moment to shine - Ian is unconscious, Barbara is absent and Susan is secondary. And shine he does! He’s back on top form, clearly revelling in it. And his “You fool!” exclamation is deliciously delivered. Our Doctor.
Episode 34 - “A Race Against Death”
This is Hartnell’s moment to shine - Ian is unconscious, Barbara is absent and Susan is secondary. And shine he does! He’s back on top form, clearly revelling in it. And his “You fool!” exclamation is deliciously delivered. Our Doctor.
Day 24.
Episode 35 - “Kidnap”
Episode 36 - “A Desperate Venture”
I don’t hate this story, but rewatching and re-evaluating it, I don’t enjoy it as much as I used to. The City Administrator is the most unconvincing villain in this season. Lots of actors tripping over lines.
Episode 35 - “Kidnap”
Episode 36 - “A Desperate Venture”
I don’t hate this story, but rewatching and re-evaluating it, I don’t enjoy it as much as I used to. The City Administrator is the most unconvincing villain in this season. Lots of actors tripping over lines.
Day 25.
Episode 37 - “A Land of Fear”
Episode 38 - “Guests of Madame Guillotine”
Episode 39 - “A Change of Identity”
No one does period drama like the BBC. The costumes in this are outstanding. Hill and Russell on top form. Dennis Spooner’s script is top notch. Deliciously good.
Episode 37 - “A Land of Fear”
Episode 38 - “Guests of Madame Guillotine”
Episode 39 - “A Change of Identity”
No one does period drama like the BBC. The costumes in this are outstanding. Hill and Russell on top form. Dennis Spooner’s script is top notch. Deliciously good.
Day 26.
Episode 40 - “The Tyrant of France”
3 versions: the Original Loose Cannon Reconstruction, the New Loose Cannon Reconstruction, and the BBC DVD animation.
Solid advancement of the plot. Hartnell’s role is enhanced. Not sure Susan needs to be the damsel in distress.
Episode 40 - “The Tyrant of France”
3 versions: the Original Loose Cannon Reconstruction, the New Loose Cannon Reconstruction, and the BBC DVD animation.
Solid advancement of the plot. Hartnell’s role is enhanced. Not sure Susan needs to be the damsel in distress.
Day 26 (continued).
Episode 41 - “A Bargain of Necessity”
3 versions: the Original Loose Cannon Reconstruction, the New Loose Cannon Reconstruction, and the BBC DVD animation.
The animation style is odd at times; too many quick cuts and close ups.
(1/2)
Episode 41 - “A Bargain of Necessity”
3 versions: the Original Loose Cannon Reconstruction, the New Loose Cannon Reconstruction, and the BBC DVD animation.
The animation style is odd at times; too many quick cuts and close ups.
(1/2)
But the scene where Ian and Barbara debate the moral rightitude of Leon’s death is blisteringly good. It’s a sharp contrast to the to-ing and fro-ing at the Conciergerie Prison. The Revolution is the perfect setting for historical Doctor Who.
(2/2)
(2/2)
Day 26 (continued again).
“The Reign of Terror” (VHS Linking Sequence presented by Carole Ann Ford) (3 minutes)
and
“The Reign of Terror” (8mm off screen footage) (1 minute)
Watching for completeness sake.... There’s something rather magical about these little 8mm snippets!
“The Reign of Terror” (VHS Linking Sequence presented by Carole Ann Ford) (3 minutes)
and
“The Reign of Terror” (8mm off screen footage) (1 minute)
Watching for completeness sake.... There’s something rather magical about these little 8mm snippets!
Day 26 (still continued).
Episode 42 - “Prisoners of Conciergerie”
An uncompromising end. Everything comes together. Robespierre’s death is brutal. Historical inaccuracies and some less-than-polished characterisation for Susan aside, I’ve enjoyed this one ever since first watch.
Episode 42 - “Prisoners of Conciergerie”
An uncompromising end. Everything comes together. Robespierre’s death is brutal. Historical inaccuracies and some less-than-polished characterisation for Susan aside, I’ve enjoyed this one ever since first watch.
“Our destiny is in the stars. So let’s go and search for it...”
And so ends Season 1. Full of energy, ideas and ambition. Rich, thoughtful dialogue. An unstoppable ensemble. Russell and Hill are outstanding - it’s very much Ian and Barbara’s journey.
#DoctorWho #ThePilgrimage
And so ends Season 1. Full of energy, ideas and ambition. Rich, thoughtful dialogue. An unstoppable ensemble. Russell and Hill are outstanding - it’s very much Ian and Barbara’s journey.
#DoctorWho #ThePilgrimage
Day 27.
Episode 43 - “Planet of Giants”
One of 1960s Doctor Who’s famous “side step” stories. It lacks the visual effects of the present day, but it is marvellously ambitious. The ideas are there, the flexibility of the format self-evident. And it’s oodles of fun!
Episode 43 - “Planet of Giants”
One of 1960s Doctor Who’s famous “side step” stories. It lacks the visual effects of the present day, but it is marvellously ambitious. The ideas are there, the flexibility of the format self-evident. And it’s oodles of fun!
Day 28.
Episode 44 - “Dangerous Journey”
Seeing the travellers pitted against ordinary, everyday objects while miniturised is surprisingly entertaining. Ian and Barbara’s solidified relationship and unspoken love is becoming more pronounced. The pesticide is a clever threat.
Episode 44 - “Dangerous Journey”
Seeing the travellers pitted against ordinary, everyday objects while miniturised is surprisingly entertaining. Ian and Barbara’s solidified relationship and unspoken love is becoming more pronounced. The pesticide is a clever threat.
Day 29.
Episode 45 (a) - “Crisis”
Bit unusual - this is the specially reconstructed version, extending the transmitted three episodes to the originally-planned four. It’s cleverly done, given the resources available. And this part clocks in at a whopping 28 minutes!
Episode 45 (a) - “Crisis”
Bit unusual - this is the specially reconstructed version, extending the transmitted three episodes to the originally-planned four. It’s cleverly done, given the resources available. And this part clocks in at a whopping 28 minutes!
Day 30.
Episode 45 (b) - “The Urge to Live”
Again, this is the specially reconstructed version, extending the transmitted three episodes to the originally-planned four. The recon format does grow a little wearying after a while, I can see why they cut the episodes down!
Episode 45 (b) - “The Urge to Live”
Again, this is the specially reconstructed version, extending the transmitted three episodes to the originally-planned four. The recon format does grow a little wearying after a while, I can see why they cut the episodes down!
Day 31
Episode 45 - “Crisis” (Transmitted Version)
Obviously it moves along much smoothly without the reconstruction elements, the action is much more fluid and the pacing is tighter. There are obvious reasons why they cut the serial down to three episodes.
Episode 45 - “Crisis” (Transmitted Version)
Obviously it moves along much smoothly without the reconstruction elements, the action is much more fluid and the pacing is tighter. There are obvious reasons why they cut the serial down to three episodes.
Day 32
Episode 46 - “World’s End”
This was #DoctorWho on another level at the time. It doesn’t pause for breath. Hartnell on top form, brilliant location work, and one of the show’s most iconic cliffhangers. It’s the first part of a stone cold classic. Just brilliant.
Episode 46 - “World’s End”
This was #DoctorWho on another level at the time. It doesn’t pause for breath. Hartnell on top form, brilliant location work, and one of the show’s most iconic cliffhangers. It’s the first part of a stone cold classic. Just brilliant.
