The Aztecs
"The Aztecs" is - hands down - one of the best Doctor Who stories ever! After his triumphant "Marco Polo", John Lucarotti has written another masterpiece that is brilliantly acted, directed, designed and produced. It may be a lot smaller in its scale than Lucarotti's previous effort, but the reason it works so incredibly well is by focusing strongly on all the main characters and exploring the beauty and savagery of the Aztec civilization.
The story centers itself on the conflict between the traditions of the Aztecs (such as human sacrifices, duels to select army leaders, arranged marriages) and the modern outlook of the four time travelers. This conflict occurs in several different ways, thus allowing each of the regulars their own part of the story. The romance between the Doctor and Cameca, the conflict between Ian and Ixta, Susan's blasphemy of speaking out against the Aztec teachings, and Barbara's attempts to persuade the Aztecs to abandon sacrifice and so survive the invasion by Cortez that she knows will come all shine and keep the viewer entranced throughout.
Barbara is of course the star of this story. The situation plays so nicely to both her background and her beliefs, and Jacqueline Hill is magnificent. John Ringham's Tlotoxl dominates virtually every scene he is in, aided by a wonderful costume and make up, and he comes across as far more alien than any monster could aspire to. The conflict between Barbara and Tlotoxl is intense, with each determined to win through despite the warnings of those around them. This gives the story its tragic conclusion, as Barbara realizes she is unable to succeed and the danger of trying to change history hits home. The insight given into the Doctor's outlook on life and time as he attempts to dissuade Barbara is strong and says much about the horrible side of time travel.
One of the more tender aspects of the story is the Doctor's romance with Cameca mentioned above. More than forty years before Rose, here is the Doctor finding love in an Earth woman. The scenes between the two characters are wonderful and convincing, and the ending speaks volumes where the Doctor finds he cannot bear to leave behind the brooch she gave him.
Adding it all up, you come out with what may be one of the most perfect of the William Hartnell stories and one that deserves its reputation as a definitive classic of that era.
5 / 5 stars