Ranking The First Doctor's TV Stories | Doctor Who Marathon From The Beginning
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- čas přidán 22. 09. 2023
- Having bid farewell to the First Doctor on the marathon, before we move into the Second Doctor's era it's time to rank all of William Hartnell's televised stories - from An Unearthly Child to The Tenth Planet...
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Having just spent the day at a lovely DW convention in Swansea, Wales, this is the best way that day could end
Long time listener, first time commenter. I've been marathon-ing along, with a delayed star and less consistent pace. Thanks for doing these. My ranking is as follows, for today.
1. The Daleks
2. The Dalek Invasion of Earth
3. The Reign of Terror
4. The Keys of Marinus
5. The Daleks' Master Plan
6. The Tenth Planet
7. The War Machines
8. The Time Meddler
9. The Ark
10. The Myth Makers
11. The Space Museum
12. Planet of Giants
13. The Rescue
14. The Romans
15. The Chase
16. The Crusade
17. Mission to the Unknown
18. The Savages
19. The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve
20. The Edge of Destruction
21. The Aztecs
22. Galaxy 4
23. The Smugglers
24. An Unearthly Child
25. The Celestial Toymaker
26. The Sensorites
27. The Gunfighters
28. Marco Polo
29. The Web Planet
I'm doing the same marathon as you (but at a slightly slower pace, I've been at it for over a year), my order for hartnell eps looks like this:
28: the ark
27: Marco polo
26: the web planet
25: 100,000 bc
24: the aztecs
23: the smugglers
22: the celestial toymaker
21: galaxy 4
20: the myth makers
19: the daleks
18: the reign of terror
17: the dalek invasion of earth
16: the keys of marinus
15: the gunfighters
14: the crusade
13: the chase
12: mission to the unknown & daleks master plan
11: the savages
10: the sensorites
9: the war machines
8: the tenth planet
7: planet of giants
6: the rescue
5: the Romans
4: the time meddler
3: inside the spaceship
2: the space museum
1: the massacre
Glad to see someone else appreciating the massacre as much as I do !!! I'm midway through pertwee currently and the only story to sit above it so far is Inferno
I am currently undergoing the same marathon as I go through the entirety of Classic Who for the first time as a lifelong Modern Who Fan. It has taken me a while to adjust to the slower pace and somewhat clunky effects and costumes but I am now fullly enjoying myself as I wrap up the 1st Doctor's era. My rankings consist of:
1. The Massacre
2. The Aztecs
3. Marco Polo
4. Dalek's Masterplan
5. The Time Meddler
6. The Reign of Terror
7. Dalek's Invasion of Earth
8. The Daleks
9. The Crusade
10. The War Machines
11. Mission to the Unknown
12. The Savages
13. The Gunfighters
14. The Romans
15. The Mythmakers
16. The Chase
17. The Edge of Destruction
18. The Rescue
19. The Tenth Planet
20. Galaxy 4
21. The Smugglers
22. The Sensorites
23. The Ark
24. The Keys of Marinus
25. An Unearthly Child (Controversial I know)
26. Planet of Giants
27. The Space Museum
28. The Web Planet
29. The Celestial Toymaker
The Tenth Planet is in my top three. Enjoyed this video Just subscribed.
Keys of Marinus and Planet of Giants are actually two of my favorite stories from the first Doctor. But my two favourite stories are probably "Edge of Destruction" and "Daleks Invation of earth"
Excellent choices, and a very enjoyable review. As a fan of the Hartnell historicals myself, I really can't quibble!
totally correct about Toymaker, it even fails to make clowns scary which is an open goal really, maybe the animation will improve it ?
The Chase is my favourite story of all who. Seeing the bashing it's been taking is heart breaking 😢. But bar that great list and looking forward to Troughton
Its funny, I love the pure historicals, but out of my top 4 Hartnell stories, 3 of them are futuristic ones!
1. The Keys of Marinus.
2. The Dalek's Invasion of Earth.
3. The Aztecs.
4. The Daleks.
In defense of the Keys of Marinus... I think the main criticism I have heard from people is that it is disjointed, that each episodic setting doesn't contribute to the whole. However, I would argue to the contrary. This might not have even been intentional on part of the creators, but I think the serial explores a world that had become dependent on a machine to dictate morality to every being. Since that machine has been deactivated, we see a world of people that are incapable of making moral decisions for themselves because they were always passive and reliant on a machine to think for them. We see this everywhere whether its the mind manipulators, the overgrown jungle, the abusive man in the snow caps or the corrupt city. That is why I think the Doctor's line at the end is poignant and summarises the whole episode. 'Man shouldn't rely on machines for morality.' Basically, the Doctor is arguing that humans need free agency to make moral decisions and in a sense the whole pursuit for the keys was futile, for if they had succeeded they wouldn't have truly saved Marinus from itself, they would've only masked the deeper problems which stem from the heart. I would also argue that that is the significance of the destruction of the machine at the end, and that it isn't just a lazy finish. I would argue that the episode holds together as a meal, in a subtle, understated way. I love this episode's ambition! Even the screaming jungle has overgrown on me!
The reason I love it so much is for it bringing so many different settings, scenarios and even genres into one episode! It has similarities to Greek myths, with heroes on a quest going from island to island (the velvet web especially vibes this). And I really enjoy each installment! It also gives us an early taste of what a more episodic version of Doctor Who would look like, which modern fans are more used too. Personally, for me the gaffs in this episode I just find endearing and adorable! My favourite probably being when the Doctor cuts off Altos! Its like Hartnell is saying, 'less is more! C'mon, I want to go to the pub!'
I also really love The Crusaders (which I read), The Gunfighters, The Edge of Destruction, An Unearthly Child, The Time Meddler and The Romans. I definitely agree with your criticisms of the Tenth Planet. I've not watched any of the reconstructions of missing episodes, but if I can I would like to read the novelisations of the missing episodes. The Crusaders was great! (I read Shada, but that was way over-padded by the novelist)
Decent list you got there, even if I disagree with a few of them, whilst I've not seen all of 1's stories I will rank the ones that I have seen:
1. The War Machines - My number one, there is scant wrong with this story in my opinion, maybe it's slightly skewed by the fact that I rewatched it merely a few days ago but I think it's a fantastic story. Whilst this comes too early for there to be any UNIT intervention, it does seem very much like an early 3rd Doctor story. A sentient machine that plans to use BTEC Daleks to conquer Earth because us humans have reached peak evolution is actually quite a scary notion, with the hypnosis akin to Roger Delgado's Master it's almost like a the two big Who villains have been rolled into one. Sadly Dodo doesn't get much to do here but it's a great introduction to Ben and Polly who I think are an underrated pair (but maybe that's my 2nd Doctor era fan bias coming through), a gripping watch throughout.
2. The Chase - A fantastical romp through time and space, it's just about got that level of threat and suspense to make a great Dalek story but also doesn't take itself too seriously and is a bit threatrical at times, thoroughly enjoyable.
3/ The Dalek Invasion of Earth - An absolute classic, the Daleks are at their most threatening and you can really see why Dalekmania was such a thing during this time, some iconic scenes and lots of great action, only downside is that this kickstarts t he trend of companions leaving the TARDIS because of falling in love with a man they've just met.
4. The Space Musem - At one point my favourite of 1's ear it is similar to An Unearthly Child where the 1st part is a cut above the other 3 although An Unearthly Child the whole story is enjoyable, Vicki starting a revolution is so cool and the Doctor hiding in a Dalek is so cool, plus part 1's cliffhanger might be one of the best in the show's history.
5. The Rescue - A bit of a comfort story for me, a perfect introduction to Vicki with just the right amount of content for a 2 parter that it doesn't feel rushed nor like filler.
6. The Time Meddler - Great story, I like the character of The Meddling Monk and it's a shame he didn't get more than the 2 appearances on TV, plus has the great line of "what do you think it is? A space helmet for a cow!" (even if in context Vikings didn't wear horns on their helmets haha).
7. The Romans - One of my favourite historical episodes, love the comedic aspect some of the early historicals took and this is no exception, fun story.
8. The Aztecs - A story which admittedly I've not seen for a few years now but have always enjoyed when watching, a good tale on why you should not mess with time and some funny moments here and there.
9. The Crusade - A solid historical, a story I've always advocated for an animation r,elease as it could really do with some more love, doesn't put a foot wrong although not as much of a standout as the ones above.
10. The Daleks - A decent introduction to Doctor Who's most iconic enemy although I feel it could've been better as a 4 parter as it's a bit long here and there, still an enjoyable watch.
11. The Tenth Planet - Does it's job well, introduces the Cybermen and gives the Doctor a reason to regenerate (even if it's essentially just old age getting the best of him). However The Moonbase does everything this story does 10x better, they're not as threatening as in later stories and their voice acting is pretty goofy so you can't take them 100% seriously, although their design is pretty creepy and shows that they used to be human rather than the metal machines John Lumic made them in New Who.
12. An Unearthly Child - First part is one of the best in the show's history but the final 3 with the Cavemen is so boring and a proper slog to get through, a shame really given how well they introduced the show.
13. The Smugglers - It's aight, one of those stories that could do with an animation or a few parts being found, there's some great performances here and from the looks of it the Cornwall location shots look fab but it's a decent enough kinda story, very middle of the road.
14. Mission to the Unknown - I like that i's a prequel to the DMP and the reenactment version I watched was pretty enjoyable despite there being none of the regular TARDIS team.
15. The Web Planet - Very much a mixed bag story for me, I like the premise of the story but in practise it doesn't really translate to the screen, the visuals seem both well done and ugly at the same time and whilst I think it gets an undeserved bad wrap it has a lot of wasted potential.
16. The Gunfighters - You really have to be in a certain mood to enjoy this one, objectively speaking it's probably the worst 1st Doctor story but is a fun watch if you don't take it too seriously, same can't be said for the 'Last chance salloon' song which is played almost constantly through the story, so annoying!
17. The Edge of Destruction - I like what they were trying to do with this story but I don't find it that engaging despite being a 2 parter, the sets being limited to the TARDIS does make it seem a bit repetitive.
18. Galaxy 4 - It's okay, although it's hard to watch given all the behind the scenes issues with creating this story, although the idea of the villains being the pretty Drahvins and the good guys being these ugly Rills is a good twist, and who doesn't love the chumleys?
19. The Key of Marinus - Another one where there's a good premise there but doesn't really work for me, the first 'adventure' is really good but the quality declines as it goes through, and Yartek doesn't really show up all that often for him to be a threatening villain, which is a shame because I really like the Voord's design.
20. The Sensorites - Pretty forgettable and the sensorites look ugly, average.
21. Planet of Giants - Nice concept and they pull it off quite well but it's a nothing story and I find it hard to sit through.
22. The Ark - Fairly unremarkable, like the twist but that's about it, another boring one.
23. The Reign of Terror - The story is decent enough but is a little boring at times and has the worst animation style imo so gets points off for that.
I am having my own marathon, watching classic Doctor Who for the first time, and am enjoying doing it alongside you. William Hartnell is brilliant and it is hard to say goodbye, but I am excited for Patrick Troughton.
My ranking for the first doctor stories (for now at least):
1. The Dalek Invasion of Earth
2. The Romans
3. The Daleks' Master Plan
4. Marco Polo
5. The Time Meddler
6. The Myth Makers
7. Planet of Giants
8. The Aztecs
9. The Keys of Marinus
10. The Massacre
11. The Chase
12. The Daleks
13. An Unearthly Child
14. The War Machines
15. The Space Museum
16. The Rescue
17. The Celestial Toymaker
18. Mission to The Unknown
19. The Reign of Terror
20. The Tenth Planet
21. The Sensorites
22. The Crusade
23. The Savages
24. The Ark
25. The Gunfighters
26. Galaxy 4
27. The Edge of Destruction
28. The Smugglers
29. The Web Planet
I'd probably say my list would be also quite filled with the Historicals in the Top 10 Spots.
Count me as another Historical Fan, though I do have a preference for Factual over Comedic.
Comedy is a personal taste, and I think that's why if I were ranking The Romans would be further down my list.
I'm not going to argue with your preferences - I love some much about the Hartnell era.
The Web Planet is certainly in my TOP TEN purely for it's ambition and the fact that its essentially a retelling of The Dalek Invasion of Earth on an alien planet only adds to its charm.
My top three:
1 - The Massacre
2 - The Myth Makers
3 - The Time Meddler
Very interesting. I don’t share your love of the historical stories but strangely agree on two of their placing. The Myth Makers at 5 and The Romans at 8. The only other story position we agree on is Mission To The Unknown at 18. I am a Dalek fan of the early years barring The Chase so for me Dalek Invasion is number 1, Masterplan is 2 and The Daleks is 3. Most of the historicals hit the lower teens early 20s spots. I can’t get worked up about Marco Polo, Reign of Terror or The Massacre. We have more in common at the bottom end of the chart and barring 10th Planet (I can’t divorce the Cybermen and regeneration from the plot) we agree on the bottom 8 just not in the same order. The Sensorites is bottom. Episodes 4 and 5 are the ones I find dull as ditchwater. 28th is Planet of Giants - the sets don’t make up for a really turgid story and 27th is The Chase with The Celestial Toymaker at 26. So it will be interesting where we sit with the Troughton era.
I enjoyed your thought process on these. My rankings would be somewhat different but what I definitely agree with you about is how repeated viewings can shift those rankings around. Bottom line, always lots to ponder when it comes to the Doctor.
That was fun! I find it too hard to rank them all as they all have good stuff going for them... but i can definitely say the Celestial Toymaker is my least favourite and my top 3 faves in no particular order are The Time Meddler, Daleks' Masterplan, and The Myth Makers 😊
My top 7
7. The Chase
6. Marco Polo
5. The Dalek's Masterplan
4. The Aztecs
3. The War Machines
2. The Romans
1. The Dalek Invasion of Earth
Honorable mention to The Tenth Planet
My Bottom 7
23. The Mythmakers
24. The Savages
25. The Sensorites
26. The Celestial Toymaker
27. The Smugglers
28. Galaxy 4
29. The Web Planet
"Dishonorable" mention to The Crusade
I find it impressive though that the Hartnell era to me doesn't have any offensively atrocious stories. Still bad ones, but not any truly awful ones. The closest is The Web Planet but even still I've noticed the ones I dislike are mostly from boredom, heck by the time we reach Mythmakers on my list we've already escaped the realm of Mediocrity and into Good territory. I do need to rewatch these, a lot of these opinions were based on initial viewing. Still though, I think Hartnell's era was a strong start for a show.
This is a pretty great ranking. Massive disagree on Tenth planet, but I definitely understand your dislike. I just have a fondness for these base under siege stories! (That's part of why I like season 5 so much)😁
Great review as always. Personally, The Massacre wouldn’t make it into my top ten and Marco Polo would claim top spot being the story I return to most often (and therefore, logically, my favourite?) I’m interested to see whether Highlanders rates highly in your historicals. On with the Cosmic Hobo!
Yes I love the historicals. Top of my list would be The romans as i like the interaction between the four main leads in this one. Bottom of my list would be Galaxy 4. I just find this story a drag and dull.
Ah! Twenty-eight stories for Hartnell, as he doesn't appear in one episode 🤫
Yes, answered with good reasoning.
I stopped keeping favorite lists, years ago -yet your list is excellent.
I wish u would speak the titles for those of us only listening.😢
Thanks for the suggestion, will definitely do so going forward