60. The Web Planet, Part III: Escape to Danger

This episode is confusing. Some of the “action” in this episode is not well directed and I can’t tell what’s supposed to be happening. At one point, it looked like Ian was trapped and the beetle-thing for some reason shot a hole in the wall to let him escape. But according to TARDIS Wiki, the Zarbi “try to kill him but the laser beam from the smaller species allows Ian to break free.” Totally missed that.

Ian’s Menopteran friend Vrestin also has an affected way of speaking that is confusing. She suddenly started using an unfamiliar word that sounded like either “garden gnome” or “cardamom.” An online version of the script says the word is in fact “Carsinome.” This is apparently the base of the Zarbi, but I confirmed with the script that there is no explanation for the word previously. And it sounded like Vrestin was calling Ian “Heron” for some reason, which the online script confirms.

This is just not a well directed or written story. I think I’ve heard on podcasts that Richard Martin is not viewed as one of the better Classic Who directors, and I can see why. And I don’t think I’ve heard of Bill Strutton – the writer – at all, which is also telling.

Still, this episode was somewhat more interesting than the previous one, although that’s not a high standard. There was at least some plot exposition and action. And I still like the beetle thing.

Grade: C-plus

Geekbat Review: Doctor Who: The Web Planet

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

54. The Romans, Part I: The Slave Traders

I remember liking this story, but this episode did seem rather slow to get going. I’m not sure the previous cliffhanger turning out to be totally irrelevant to the story helped it. I mean, the TARDIS falls off a cliff, and then it’s barely mentioned again? Seems like they could have landed in the Roman Empire and been attacked by slave traders or something for the cliffhanger. At least then it would have had some relevance to the story. The lecherous way the slave buyer asks about “The British woman” does not fill me with confidence that issues related to sexual violence will be handled appropriately for a children’s show in this story.
Read more

100. The Daleks’ Master Plan, Part X: Escape Switch

I realize I shouldn’t expect total plot consistency, but it seems like the Daleks let Mavic Chen off the hook an awful lot, even when he messes up, which seems rather un-Dalek-like. As long as I’m pointing out flaws, there is unfortunate makeup on the lead Egyptian. That being said, the plot seems to be finally moving along. GRADE: B 
Read more

64. The Crusade, Part I: The Lion

Image
My public library system hasn’t yet been defunded by the Trump II Administration and actually had a copy of the DVD “ Lost in Time .” So I didn’t need to spend any money to watch this episode, which was refreshing. Not sure I buy Hartnell as being able to hold his own in a swordfight, but it was nice seeing an actual person of color cast in this episode – even if he played a guard with no speaking lines. I got something of a Master Thespian vibe from Richard, although I realized after the fact that he is, like, a legit actor . Anyway, this is a definite improvement over the Web Planet. Looks like I’ll be turning to the Loose Cannon reconstruction for Part II . Disappointingly, the DVD contains only the audio for Part II. They could have at least thrown in some Tele-snaps! Grade: B
Read more