Doctor Who: The Smugglers

The First Doctor, alongside his companions Polly and Ben, crash-lands their TARDIS on the Caribbean island of Santan where they become embroiled in a dangerous plot involving piracy and smuggling. They encounter the nefarious Captain Salt and his crew, who are attempting to locate hidden treasure and dispose of any witnesses. The Doctor and his friends must navigate treacherous waters, both literally and figuratively, to escape the clutches of the pirates and return to their own time.

As a story from the early days of Doctor Who, 'The Smugglers' is often viewed as a somewhat standard historical adventure. While praised for its atmosphere and the performance of William Hartnell, it is sometimes criticized for a lack of urgency and for being less innovative compared to other serials of the era. However, it remains an important piece of Doctor Who's history, showcasing the show's early attempts at historical settings and character-driven drama.

• Praised for its historical setting and atmosphere.

• William Hartnell's performance as the Doctor is a highlight.

• Some viewers find the pacing to be slow and the plot predictable.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the serial's enjoyable historical setting and the charismatic performance of William Hartnell. Some viewers express that the plot could have been more dynamic, but it's generally appreciated as a solid adventure from the show's early era.

Although 'The Smugglers' is a historical setting, its original broadcast coincided with the introduction of the Second Doctor, as William Hartnell's regeneration was depicted at the end of the following serial, 'The Tenth Planet'.