The Savages - Episode 1

This is the first time that a Doctor Who story hasn’t had its own episode title, we just get episode 1. It’s also the final story to feature Peter Purves who leaves at the end of the story and this is another story which doesn’t exist on video at all so its back to the audios for the next four episodes. The story is the first to be written by Ian Stuart Black and sees the Doctor, Steven and Dodo arrive on a planet which is supposed to be idyllic but even if you ignore the title, its clear that its anything but. The thing that I’ve noticed from the telesnaps is that it is filmed on location and it would have been the most significant location filming since ‘The Dalek Invasion of Earth’.

It’s something that I never thought I would be sad to see but its nice when the episode has a name as it gives the episode an identity in the story. Whereas just calling it ‘Episode 1’ or ‘Episode 2’ removes any identity about it which is a shame really but a title doesn’t make an episode. What does make the story is the actual idea of a peaceful planet that doesn’t quite turn out like that. It’s strange that the residents seem to have anticipated the Doctor’s arrival. The story starts off quite interesting and despite losing a bit of a mystery there is something about this story which I have never really noticed before. It’s a shame that this story doesn’t exist on video because judging by the telesnaps this story visually is quite stunning.

I think that this story has the potential to be a good story but its one of those that in the past I haven’t thought of highly but theres a good chance that things will change and if its done right then Steven will get the departure that he deserves. Even stood out in this episode from the very beginning and even Dodo managed to not be as annoying and there is something quite good about her being in a situation which isn’t as warming and cheery as The Gunfighters or The Ark and so it seems like she has finally found the tone of story which enables her character to be less annoying.

I am looking forward to the rest of the episode and as the third season draws to a close its seems that after the lacklustre start, the series has finally found its feet.