Story: The Claws of Axos
Written By: Bob Baker & Dave Martin
Length: 4 Episodes
Year: 1971
Classic Who is often parodied for its cheap special effects. In fact early Doctor Who was quite revolutionary in taking their low budgets and using them to their advantages, making innovative special effects and costuming for monsters at very low production cost. The 60s made as much use of the technology available at the lowest price, and the 70s, especially Seasons 8 through 15 made very good effects on extremely low budgets. What is often parodied is the late 70s through the 80s. The problem was at some point the budgets stayed the same, and the price of everything went up. So eventually the effects became complete crap.
"The Claws of Axos", which I barely remembered and just rewatched is proof positive that this show once had fantastic effects, especially for the budget. They knew when and where to cut the corners, and how to shoot everything just right to make it look good. The visuals in this story do not disappoint. The Axon ship looks great for the time period this was made. All of the effects do.
The story is very well written, and the acting is all very good. I don't think I really paid much attention the first time I watched this, as it seemed to bore me. This time I really thought it was great. At only 4 episodes it doesn't drag much, very little padding.
The Master and the Doctor work together for the first time, and it is great. I always liked the idea that while on the surface they are enemies, there is respect between the two deep down. They don't become best friends, and the Doctor merely uses the Master to fix a problem he is incapable of because his mental block (caused by the Time Lords at the end of the War Games), but the rapport between Delgado and Pertwee is always top notch.
I was glad I rewatched this story, as I remembered it as a clunker, and I was wrong, its actually very enjoyable.
NEXT TIME: Third Doctor and Jo's First Trip
Written By: Bob Baker & Dave Martin
Length: 4 Episodes
Year: 1971
Classic Who is often parodied for its cheap special effects. In fact early Doctor Who was quite revolutionary in taking their low budgets and using them to their advantages, making innovative special effects and costuming for monsters at very low production cost. The 60s made as much use of the technology available at the lowest price, and the 70s, especially Seasons 8 through 15 made very good effects on extremely low budgets. What is often parodied is the late 70s through the 80s. The problem was at some point the budgets stayed the same, and the price of everything went up. So eventually the effects became complete crap.
The story is very well written, and the acting is all very good. I don't think I really paid much attention the first time I watched this, as it seemed to bore me. This time I really thought it was great. At only 4 episodes it doesn't drag much, very little padding.
The Master and the Doctor work together for the first time, and it is great. I always liked the idea that while on the surface they are enemies, there is respect between the two deep down. They don't become best friends, and the Doctor merely uses the Master to fix a problem he is incapable of because his mental block (caused by the Time Lords at the end of the War Games), but the rapport between Delgado and Pertwee is always top notch.
I was glad I rewatched this story, as I remembered it as a clunker, and I was wrong, its actually very enjoyable.
NEXT TIME: Third Doctor and Jo's First Trip
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