

Movie spotlight
Doctor Who: The Awakening
The Doctor, Tegan and Turlough arrive in Little Hodcombe, where the townspeople's re-enactments of English Civil War battles are causing a dormant entity, the Malus, to re-awaken.
Insights
Plot Summary
The Fifth Doctor, Nyssa, and Tegan travel to 17th century England, finding themselves in the midst of a village plagued by an ancient evil. A reclusive scholar, known as the "Warden," is manipulating the villagers using advanced technology disguised as primitive magic. The Doctor must unravel the mystery behind the Warden's influence and prevent him from altering history.
Critical Reception
As a mid-season story for Peter Davison's tenure, 'The Awakening' is generally well-regarded for its atmospheric setting, exploration of themes like free will versus control, and the dynamic between the Doctor and his companions. While not a major event, it's often cited as a solid, engaging adventure that effectively blends historical drama with science fiction elements.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its successful attempt at a more historical and less alien-focused Doctor Who story.
Appreciated for its atmospheric portrayal of 17th-century England and its underlying commentary on power and manipulation.
The performances, particularly from the regular cast and guest star Norman Bird as the Warden, are often highlighted as strengths.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews specifically for this 1984 Doctor Who serial is not readily available or aggregated.
Fun Fact
The story was written by Eric Saward, who also served as the script editor for Doctor Who at the time, and the serial was filmed on location in Shropshire, England, providing an authentic historical backdrop.
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