The Sensorites
Like "The Keys of Marinus", "The Sensorites" has always been regarded as a story that is less the sum of its parts. Again, this is a shame as it has a great deal to offer. Peter R. Newman takes great pains in giving us a society of real alien characters drawn out in shades of gray not black and white. It also explores how a man might be driven mad, the pros and cons of telepathy, the xenophobia and paranoia that can lead to a racist attack in an intelligent way without over-moralizing its subject matter. However, having said that, this story is one of the rare instances in Doctor Who where plot points are repeatedly discussed by characters (often in the same episode!), thus giving the impression of "talking down" to the viewer.
What really hurts the story is its six episode length; there's simply not enough plot to fully sustain it. "The Sensorites" would have been a cracking little four-parter. Also the idea that the identical Sensorites cannot tell one another apart without wearing their rank of office strains credulity to its limits. Disappointingly, the villainous City Administrator gets his comeuppance off screen. He's a really nasty piece of work and a scene depicting him disgraced and exiled from the city wouldn't have gone amiss.
The production is generally of a high standard throughout - the design work of the Sensorite city in particular is worthy of note. The performances are good, and the first episode has a wonderful, eerie atmosphere that builds up to a memorable cliffhanger. Susan, who has had little chance to shine up to this point, is given a good deal to do - her telepathic communication with the Sensorites, defying her grandfather, and longing for a place to call home - and Carole Ann Ford clearly enjoys having more to contribute other than dissolving into hysterics at the drop of a hat.
Overall, it's a good story and the parts that work in its favor shine brightly. And is it just me or is the dress Barbara wearing made from the same material Ganatus gave her back in "The Daleks"?
3 / 5 stars