Doctor Who: The Time Monster

The Doctor, UNIT, and Jo Grant are drawn into a temporal battle against the Master, who is attempting to steal the Time Lord's knowledge of Atlantis and the mythical Sun-King Kronos. Their confrontation spans vast distances and times, involving parallel universes and the ultimate fate of Atlantis. The Doctor must find a way to stop the Master and preserve the timeline.

This serial is often viewed as a mixed bag by fans and critics. While it features the climactic confrontation between the Doctor and the Master, and offers some intriguing concepts like parallel universes and Atlantean lore, its pacing and plotting are frequently criticized. The story is considered by many to be overlong and somewhat convoluted, with some visual effects and acting choices drawing particular attention. However, the performances of Jon Pertwee and Roger Delgado remain a highlight.

• Praised for the escalating conflict between the Doctor and the Master, offering a significant character arc for both.
• Criticized for its extended length and meandering plot, which some find detracts from the core narrative.
• Admired for its ambitious scope and visual attempts, despite some dated special effects.

Google audience: Audience reception for this serial is divided, with many appreciating the dramatic confrontations and the exploration of different realities. However, some viewers find the story to be less engaging due to its length and pacing issues.

This serial was originally intended to be a ten-part epic, but was shortened to six parts due to BBC budget constraints, leading to significant rewrites and a more condensed storyline.