I have done a very small review of this story previously when I was reviewing The Key to Time season but it was only a few lines so today I will review the first four parts of the season 16 epic 'The Key to Time', in which The Doctor is summoned by the mysterious and powerful White Guardian, and sent on a quest to find the six segments of the Key to Time, which, once assembled, will restore balance to the Universe. Joining the Doctor and K9 is the smart and sassy Romana , a Time Lord fresh from the Academy. Landing on the wintry planet of Ribos to locate the first segment, the TARDIS crew quickly find themselves embroiled in a little local trouble with a pair of conmen and an unstable warlord... The story opens with the TARDIS going dark then bright orange and a mysterious voice calling from outside. This was a very captivating way to start the season. The White Guardian is outside in what can only be described as an odd location, I got the impression he was at a beach which I found engaging as he was dressed in white, quite relaxed asking the Doctor to go on a quest to find the 6 segments of the Key to Time with a locator before the Black Guardian. Before disappearing. With the departure of Leela in the previous story, The Doctor was given a new companion - a Time Lady. Romanadvoratrelundar, Romana for short, played by Mary Tamm seemed quite smug and superior at first for example when she's talking about her grades from the Academy. But I loved The Doctor and K9 here, they sort of make fun of her, there is also another funny scene where a hole is put in the TARDIS for the locator. This is where we are introduced to the planet Ribos which is quite like Earth hundreds of years ago (things like on that planet they think the planet is flat) in particularly it reminded me of Russia from the snow and the clothes they wear. The planet is quite obviously a set in a studio, the snow is obviously polystyrene or something and when they have to move something heavy, they're obviously moving something that weighs as much as cushion, despite this every character in this story is unique and brilliantly acted. There is also a diverse range of Characters and some brilliant dialogue. My favourite characters are probably Garron and his younger assistant, Unstoffe who were the con artists trying to sell the planet of Ribos, they were funny characters that became allies, there was also some development especially with Unstoffe. Other characters included the lovely Binro and the warlike Graff Vynda-K. The first Key to time was a piece of Jethrik which was a very valuable mineral that was in the chamber where the crown jewels of Ribos were stored (which was a slightly better set). The Monster in this story was a terrible creation called Shrivenzales who only played a small part and looked terrible and when watching the story should be ignored. Overall a good (not great) story to start the Key to Time season.
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About this areaThis area will be where I write reviews on Doctor Who DVD's classic and new. The area is split up into episodes of the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and new who to make it easier for me and you to see them. Enjoy! Archives
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