37. The Reign of Terror, Part I: A Land of Fear

Amazingly, my local library system had this DVD available. I was able to reserve it online, and within a few days it was at my local library. Score one point for the USA public library system. Since starting my rewatch, this story constitutes the first existing (non-tele-snap) footage I haven’t seen before. (I guess this story qualifies as a “watch” then, rather than a “rewatch.”) So I was a little excited to start it, and made it the first time since starting this adventure that I’ve watched two episodes in one day.

I don’t have a ton to say about the episode, so here are a few odds and ends:

  • The ability of everyone to speak English seems particularly befuddling in this episode since they’re, like, in a French-speaking country. I’m surprised it took the writers another 12 years to think to explain this.
  • Good costumes for once. The BBC must have had some French Revolution uniforms handy.
  • A couple of dudes got shot very dead in this episode. Obviously, there’s no blood or gore, but it does seem worth acknowledging in a children’s show.
  • The fire and music seem to go on for a little too long.

Telly Tech: Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror – DVD review


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