The Time Warrior: Review
The Time Warrior is one of my favourite Jon Pertwee stories, and for good reason. It's a wonderful story on many levels; with barbarians, knights, kings and lots of 'bring me wine' everywhere. If the BBC can do one thing right, it's period pieces, and The Time Warrior is no exception to that. There's even the Brigadier in it! What more could one ask for?
Well, lots really, so let's get on with it...
THE GOOD:
Well, it goes without saying that Jon Pertwee is the star here. The consummate gentleman and action hero; more so than pretty much any other incarnation of the doctor. After all, was there any other doctor who practiced Venutian Karate or Queensbury rules boxing? I don't think so. Not only were the action scenes brilliant, Jon is also a formidable presence as the doctor as well. No wonder he made the show his own over the 5 years he was in the role...and why it would take a greater giant like Tom Baker to follow him. I still think, aside from the David Tennant years, that the show hasn't quite recovered from the hey day of Jon and Tom...but that's a discussion for another time.
This is the first story where we get to see Sarah Jane Smith (Elizabeth Sladen). She was the perfect choice, and a great companion to both Jon, and later Tom. It has been said in recent times that companions weren't written very well in the classic years. I disagree. After all, what other companion had their own spin-off show aside from K9? Sarah was the ultimate companion, a person in her own right, and again, the only way to follow her was to go completely different...hence Leela.
The Sontaran is brilliant!
Even after watching the modern take on the Sontarans I really do think that Lynx, the Sontaran in this story, was the best incarnation of this race of monsters. His voice, his acting, everything! He WAS a Sontaran, and according to the DVD extras, an Australian, too! :)
FUN FACTS:
In this story, Hal the archer, played by Jeremy Bulloch, later went on to star as Boba Fett in Star Wars. Also, this was the first story where we see the Sontarans and the season where Jon announced it would be his last.
THE BAD:
Even though Professor Rubeish was a lovely little character, what he did was quite unbelievable plot wise. How could he, a near blind man without his glasses, wander around Lynx's laboratory unnoticed and doing all he did? (eg: fashion himself a monocle using the machinery) Still, aside from that, there really isn't anything bad at all with this story...aside from the special effects.
Having said that, I watched the new improved special effects on my DVD. A lot better :)
I really do love this story. It has everything...and one can't help feeling for Bloodaxe in the end. And of course, Jon is in fine form. He really did give Doctor Who a lot...a hell of a lot.
5 out of 5
Next Review: Mawdryn Undead.
Well, lots really, so let's get on with it...
THE GOOD:
Well, it goes without saying that Jon Pertwee is the star here. The consummate gentleman and action hero; more so than pretty much any other incarnation of the doctor. After all, was there any other doctor who practiced Venutian Karate or Queensbury rules boxing? I don't think so. Not only were the action scenes brilliant, Jon is also a formidable presence as the doctor as well. No wonder he made the show his own over the 5 years he was in the role...and why it would take a greater giant like Tom Baker to follow him. I still think, aside from the David Tennant years, that the show hasn't quite recovered from the hey day of Jon and Tom...but that's a discussion for another time.
This is the first story where we get to see Sarah Jane Smith (Elizabeth Sladen). She was the perfect choice, and a great companion to both Jon, and later Tom. It has been said in recent times that companions weren't written very well in the classic years. I disagree. After all, what other companion had their own spin-off show aside from K9? Sarah was the ultimate companion, a person in her own right, and again, the only way to follow her was to go completely different...hence Leela.
The Sontaran is brilliant!
Even after watching the modern take on the Sontarans I really do think that Lynx, the Sontaran in this story, was the best incarnation of this race of monsters. His voice, his acting, everything! He WAS a Sontaran, and according to the DVD extras, an Australian, too! :)
FUN FACTS:
In this story, Hal the archer, played by Jeremy Bulloch, later went on to star as Boba Fett in Star Wars. Also, this was the first story where we see the Sontarans and the season where Jon announced it would be his last.
THE BAD:
Even though Professor Rubeish was a lovely little character, what he did was quite unbelievable plot wise. How could he, a near blind man without his glasses, wander around Lynx's laboratory unnoticed and doing all he did? (eg: fashion himself a monocle using the machinery) Still, aside from that, there really isn't anything bad at all with this story...aside from the special effects.
Having said that, I watched the new improved special effects on my DVD. A lot better :)
I really do love this story. It has everything...and one can't help feeling for Bloodaxe in the end. And of course, Jon is in fine form. He really did give Doctor Who a lot...a hell of a lot.
5 out of 5
Next Review: Mawdryn Undead.