The Krotons - Episode 2

The second episode of this story was the first of 1969 and it’s the final year for Troughton as the Doctor. That's not got much to do with the story or even this episode but I like these little fact and its fun.   

Despite the rather limp cliffhanger, the episode started quite well and it feels that this is the Doctor and Zoe's episode as they seemingly take up most of the episode. It's weird really because whenever I think of the Troughton era my immediate thought is of Jamie but this is one of those rare moments where this isnt the case because the whole thing about what they go through wouldn’t have worked if Jamie were involved. Zoe has a moment of stupidity when she has a go on the computer and draws the greatness of her intelligence to the Krotons. There is an unusual sense that the Doctor is annoyed with Zoe and its not amusing annoyance but genuine annoyance. I think that there is a glimmer of self sacrifice as the Doctor has a go at the test and ends up joining Zoe. It might have been part of his plan or just a spur of the moment thing but it shows a nice sense of loyalty.  

 

The scene where Zoe and the Doctor are being 'worked on' in the Krotons spaceship is quite a typical 1960's Doctor Who scene. It's bonkers and its fun to look at. It was difficult to actually understand what was going on but it was still fun to watch.  

 

We get to see the Krotons for the first time and again they are an idea that look good on paper but sadly don’t work so well. They are about as silly looking as the Quarks from 'The Dominators'. The fact that they seem to have a hold over the Godons is a bit of a mystery but Siras is still the best of the Godons. The Godons don’t stand out as much as they did in the first episode but that minor quibble aside, I think that the whole setting works. The cliffhanger is slightly better as Jamie is the one put in danger, there is no clear way of him being saved and he looks in genuine pain 

 

The episode moved quite quickly and my dislike for it is starting to fate. It's not the best story of the season by a long shot but its working quite well. I think the fact that this story has a significantly shorter running time than other stories is why it seems to be romping along at a good pace. Also that along with the fact the story is quite interesting and the characters arent as wet as they could have been.