Movie spotlight
Doctor Who: The Myth Makers
When the TARDIS arrives on the plains of Asia Minor not far from the besieged city of Troy, the Doctor is hailed by Achilles as the mighty god Zeus and taken to the Greek camp. He meets Agamemnon and Odysseus. Forced to admit he is a mere mortal — albeit a traveller in space and time — he is given two days to devise a scheme to capture Troy. Steven and Vicki, meanwhile, have been taken prisoner by the Trojans. Vicki, believed to possess supernatural powers, is given two days to banish the Greeks to prove she is not a spy.
Insights
Plot Summary
The First Doctor, his granddaughter Susan, and their companions Ian and Barbara, accidentally travel back in time to Ancient Troy during the Trojan War. They become embroiled in the conflict, interacting with figures like Odysseus and Cassandra, and must navigate the treacherous political landscape while trying to find a way back to the TARDIS. The TARDIS itself is damaged, adding to their predicament.
Critical Reception
As the earliest surviving historical serial of Doctor Who, 'The Myth Makers' is significant for its ambitious attempt to blend historical settings with science fiction elements. While its production values are typical of the era, it is often praised for its historical research and the performances, particularly William Hartnell's portrayal of the Doctor caught in a foreign land. It's considered a foundational piece for the show's historical adventures.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its historical setting and early exploration of the Doctor's character.
Noted for its ambitious scope in recreating Ancient Troy.
Valued for its place as one of the earliest complete Doctor Who serials.
Google audience: Audience reception is primarily from dedicated Doctor Who fans who appreciate its historical significance and early portrayal of the Doctor's character. It's seen as a valuable artifact of the show's formative years.
Fun Fact
This serial is notable for being the first Doctor Who adventure to feature the Doctor and his companions in a purely historical setting, predating the official 'historical' label later applied to such stories.
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