Review for both episodes:
This two parter is otherwise known as Inside the Spaceship.
It is an interesting story with a departure from the normal adventures. The whole story is entirely based within the 'spaceship' (TARDIS) and involves strange goings on which lead to all 4 lead characters acting very peculiarly and becoming suspicious and antagonistic towards each other.
There are problems in that while Hartnell as the Doctor acts as well as usual and the part of Barbara as ever is portrayed well by Jacqueline Hill, both the other members of the crew with their very strange behaviour seem a little jarring at times. Their performances are a bit strained by the unusual material. Carole Ann Ford struggles and even the usually brilliant William Russell puts in possibly his least convincing performance. To be fair, when being called upon to act in such odd ways and so out of character it makes things very difficult for the actors, especially so early after the series creation.
Another problem is the story is not entirely well executed with the mystery and claustrophobic suspicion and suspense working really well at times but being rather illogically and too easily resolved at other times. The first episode is intriguing and holds your attention but can be a bit over the top. The second is more even and well acted but has some strange resolutions to the mysteries.
Overall this is a bravely different foray into claustrophobic mystery, not perfectly executed. It is good stuff in many ways but disappointing in others.
My Ratings: Episodes 1 & 2 - 6.5/10
This two parter is otherwise known as Inside the Spaceship.
It is an interesting story with a departure from the normal adventures. The whole story is entirely based within the 'spaceship' (TARDIS) and involves strange goings on which lead to all 4 lead characters acting very peculiarly and becoming suspicious and antagonistic towards each other.
There are problems in that while Hartnell as the Doctor acts as well as usual and the part of Barbara as ever is portrayed well by Jacqueline Hill, both the other members of the crew with their very strange behaviour seem a little jarring at times. Their performances are a bit strained by the unusual material. Carole Ann Ford struggles and even the usually brilliant William Russell puts in possibly his least convincing performance. To be fair, when being called upon to act in such odd ways and so out of character it makes things very difficult for the actors, especially so early after the series creation.
Another problem is the story is not entirely well executed with the mystery and claustrophobic suspicion and suspense working really well at times but being rather illogically and too easily resolved at other times. The first episode is intriguing and holds your attention but can be a bit over the top. The second is more even and well acted but has some strange resolutions to the mysteries.
Overall this is a bravely different foray into claustrophobic mystery, not perfectly executed. It is good stuff in many ways but disappointing in others.
My Ratings: Episodes 1 & 2 - 6.5/10
