Friday 31 October 2014

THE CARETAKER

The Doctor, in his bid to join the Ghostbusters!
Series: 8
Episode: 6
Executive Producers: Steven Moffat, Brian Minchin
Producer: Nikki Wilson
Script Editors: David P. Davis, Derek Ritchie
Writer: Gareth Roberts, Steven Moffat
Director: Paul Murphy
Regulars: The Doctor (Peter Capaldi), Clara Oswald (Jenna Louise Coleman)

The Plot: Do you remember School Reunion from series 2? It's a lot like that except for the bits with Sarah Jane Smith and K9. It's basically a romcom where Clara is hiding her hobby from her boyfriend, while the hobby in question crashes in on her work space.
We Like: Not much, suffice to say.
We Dislike: When Moffat and Capaldi said there would be no romance this time, I actually believed them but obviously this was only a play with words (i.e. no romance between The Doctor and his companion.)
There's some good stuff but its obviously derivative and not very interesting.
Rating: 1

Thursday 16 October 2014

TIME HEIST

After Ocean's Eleven, here's Who's Four. 
Series: 8
Episode: 5
Executive Producers: Steven Moffat, Brian Minchin
Producer: Peter Bennett
Script Editors: David P. Davis, Richard Cookson
Writer: Stephen ThompsonSteven Moffat
Director: Douglas Mackinnon
Regulars: The Doctor (Peter Capaldi), Clara Oswald (Jenna Louise Coleman)

The Plot: The Doctor, Clara and two other people have been hired to rob the universe's most secure financial institution. And to steal what exactly? Well, they'll have to get back to you on that, 'cos their memories have been altered by the very person who's hiring them for the job.
We Like: Doctor Who's first ever caper movie. What's there not to like. The Teller is also a welcomed addition in the long list of Doctor Who aliens. Smashing!
We Dislike: OK, some may have found it obvious who the Architect is (spoilers!!!), but I don't give a damn.
Rating: 4

Tuesday 14 October 2014

LISTEN

Wait 'till you find out whose feet this hand is trying to grasp!
Series: 8
Episode: 4
Executive Producers: Steven Moffat, Brian Minchin
Producer: Peter Bennett
Script Editors: David P. Davis
Writer: Steven Moffat
Director: Douglas Mackinnon
Regulars: The Doctor (Peter Capaldi), Clara Oswald (Jenna Louise Coleman)

The Plot: The Doctor chases monsters whose schtick is to remain hidden from view. That's it! They won't do anything unless you try to look at them. How is that threatening, you ask? It's not, yet the whole thing is absolutely terrifying.
We Like: Almost everything! The nature of the plot lend itself to a fantastic re-reading of Blink. Nothing much happens, and yet a lot of things are revealed.
We Dislike: Moffat saif there would be no romance with the Doctor, this time. However he didn't say anything about companion romance with another guy. Come on, enough with the mushy stuff.
Rating: 5

Tuesday 9 September 2014

ROBOT OF SHERWOOD

Clara and her two imaginary friends are taken prisoners by equally imaginary
robots disguised as medieval knights. Feeling the onset of schizophrenia, eh,
Clara?
Series: 8
Episode: 3
Executive Producers: Steven Moffat, Brian Minchin
Producer: Nikki Wilson
Script Editors: David P. Davis, Richard Cookson
Writer: Mark Gatiss
Director: Paul Murphy
Regulars: The Doctor (Peter Capaldi), Clara Oswald (Jenna Louise Coleman)

The Plot: Clara wants to meet Robin Hood, but the Doctor dismiss him as a mythological character. Of course, if he was an imaginary character we wouldn't have this episode, would we?
We Like: The first half is really good, with solid comedy, especially funny is the bit where the Doctor is trying to ascertain wether or not Robin and his merry men are real.
We Dislike: Unfortunately, things become extremely derivative once they meet the Sheriff of Nottingham and his plans for world domination. It's basically The Time Warrior all over again.
Rating: 2

Wednesday 3 September 2014

FANTASTIC FOUR #2

Cover Date: January 1962
Writer: Stan Lee
Art: Jack Kirby

The Fantastic Four becomes public enemies #1 when a series of crimes are pinned on them and they eventually end up on the lam.

Determined to exonerate themselves, the FF have come to the conclusion that unknown foes have been impersonating them.

Turns out that these foes are a quartet of shapeshifting alien invaders known as the Skrulls. They have turned their attentions on Earth, and seek to take out the Fantastic Four, by turning the world against them.

The FF manage to corner the would-be invaders. Reed scare the Skrulls away by showing him monsters and robots of all kinds who can rise to defend the Earth against invaders (using Marvel comics to make his point, no less).

The Skrulls are convinced and call off the invasion. However, due to the nature of their powers they can't be contained in any ordinary cells.

Therefore, Reed convinces them to change their appearance one last time, and take the shape of creatures that can't possibly hurt mankind: cows!

Notable Firsts: First appearance of the Skrulls.

Tuesday 2 September 2014

FANTASTIC FOUR #1


Cover Date: November 1961
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby

Four amateur astronauts steal an experimental spaceship to "beat the commies into space". Once in orbit, the untested and unshielded ship is bombarded by cosmic rays and it soon crashes in the wilderness.

The four would-be spacemen survives, however the cosmic rays have altered their molecular structure and thus granting them special abilities.

Reed Richards, leader of the expedition, is able to stretch and shape his body like  putty. His fiancée Susan Storm, can turn invisible. Her brother, Johnny, bursts into flame and can fly. While Ben Grimm, the ship's pilot, turns into a pile of orange stone with tremendous strength. They hereby decide to use their powers to help mankind.

And help mankind they will, for a number of unexplained earthquakes occur all around the world. Reed is able to pinpoint the epicenter of all these quakes: a mysterious island, once thought to be mythical, called Monster Island.

The foursome fly to Monster Island, encountering dangerous beasts. Johnny and Reed finds the underground kingdom of their first foe: the Mole Man. Shunned by a society that despises him, the Mole Man sought solitude in the mountains of the Himmalayas, however a dramatic fall managed to severely damage his eyesight. Nevertheless, the Mole Man was able to adapt and over the years have built himself a subterranean empire. It is he who is creating all the earthquakes to avenge himself on mankind. A fight ensues and the Mole Man's plot is put to rest.

Notable Firsts: First appearance of the Fantastic Four: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), Invisible Girl (Susan Storm), The Human Torch (Johnny Storm), The Thing (Ben Grimm). First appearance of The Mole Man. First appearance of Monster Island.

Monday 1 September 2014

INTO THE DALEK

"Dalek makeover not finished! Dalek makeover not finished! Exfoliate!
Exfoliate!"
Series: 8
Episode: 2
Broadcast Date: 30 August 2014
Executive Procuders: Steven Moffat, Brian Minchin
Producer: Nikki Wilson
Script Editor: Derek Ritchie
Writers: Phil Ford, Steven Moffat
Director: Ben Wheatley
Regulars: Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who), Jenna Louise Coleman (Clara)


The Plot: The Doctor, Clara and some soldiers go Fantastic Voyage on a Dalek in an attempt to repair it.
We Like: Rusty, the good Dalek. It's a shame that he had to meet the angriest Doctor yet, 'cause he's the reason why the whole plan falls through.
We Dislike: It's basically Dalek meets Fantastic Voyage meets The Invisibile Enemy so its just as original as you can guess. The whole thing seems pointless somehow.
Rating: 2.5

Sunday 31 August 2014

DEEP BREATH

"You may have a sonic screwdriver, Doctor, but I have a blowtorch for
a hand. Who's cooler now?"
Series: 8
Episode: 1
Broadcast Date: 23 August 2014
Executive Producers: Steven Moffat, Brian Minchin
Producer: Nikki Wilson
Script Editor: Derek Ritchie
Writer: Steven Moffat
Director: Ben Wheatley
Regulars: Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who), Jenna Louise Coleman (Clara)

The Plot: The newly-regenerated Doctor ends up in Victorian times with a T. Rex and soon investigates cases of spontaneous combustion. Also, Clara doesn't like the new Doctor very much. Old friends turn up but he can't remember them (Oh come on! It was only 6 years ago!).
We Like: Peter Capaldi makes a grand entrance as the post-regeneration confusion seems to get the better of him. When he calms down, however, he turns a masterful performance as the Twelfth Doctor.
We Dislike: Clara, Clara, Clara...how superficial and disappointing! So you don't like the new Doctor because he's gotten a bit on the gray side. This is suprising considering that she's met every single incarnations of our favourite Time Lord, so she knows he didn't always go for the youngish look. How superficial.
Rating: 3





Wednesday 13 August 2014

THE TENTH PLANET

The Cyberman was about to convert General Cutler into one of their own,
until he realised Cutler already had no heart, and very little brains. 
Season: 4
Episodes: 4*
Broadcast Dates: 8-29 October 1966
Producer: Innes Lloyd
Script Editor: Gerry Davis
Writer: Kit Pedler, Gerry Davis
Director: Derek Martinus
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Michael Craze (Ben), Anneke Wills (Polly)

The Plot: The year is 1986 and the Solar System has a new planet, Mondas whose inhabitants pay a visit. They'll be popping up quite a few times for now on.
We Like: I don't know, but I have always found these early Cybermen to be the most effective. Their eerie appearance is certainly arresting. Oh, and the Doctor dies at the end.
We Dislike: General Cutler, one wonders exactly how he got his job as he is dangerously incompetent.
Rating: 3.5

Tuesday 12 August 2014

THE SMUGGLERS

"Last chance Old Man: Where. Are. The. Missing. Episodes!"
Season: 4
Episodes: 4*
Broadcast Dates: 10 September-1 October 1966
Producer: Innes Lloyd
Script Editor: Gerry Davis
Writer: Brian Hayles (x2)
Director: Julia Smith
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Michael Craze (Ben), Anneke Wills (Polly)


The Plot: Ahoy, ship mateys! The Doctor goes treasure-hunting in 17th century Cornwarll while Ben and Polly are accused of murder by a man who happens to be the inside man for a smuggler's ring.
We Like: The fact that the nursery rhyme which points to the treasure's location changes every time somebody says it. That'll certainly help.
We Dislike: Pirates! Why did it have to be pirates! Sorry, mate, I don't do pirates...and Jack Sparrow's not in it, too.
Rating: 1

* All episodes missing as of August 7, 2014

Monday 11 August 2014

COMPANION FOLLOW-UP: STEVEN TAYLOR

Steven's sweater is defnitie proof that black & white
Doctor Who has qualities of its own. 
A space pilot from the future, Steven found himself marooned on planet Mechanus. He was taken prisoner by the robotic Mechanoids until they brought in other prisoners, namely the Doctor and his companions. For the first time in two years, Steven finally had a ticket out.

Origin: The future, most likely the 22nd to 24th century.
Seasons: 2-3
Tenure: 26 June 1965-18 June 1966
Reason for Leaving: For some reason, the Doctor selected Steven to become the leader of the former Elders and Savages, to help rebuild their civilisation.
Assessment: Take Ian Chesterton, strike about 20 years, and add an even more belligerent and argumentative nature yet take out all the humour and you have Steven. I quite liked Steven but couldn't they have made him less a pain in the ass? Guess not. Steven gets to shine in The Massacre when he is left alone in the middle of chaos and murder, and rightly calls the Doctor on it. He's also very amusing in The Gunfighters (and quite the singer as well).

COMPANION FOLLOW-UP: DODO CHAPLET

Teenage hearthrob Dodo was much interfered with. Here, she is refusing
the advances of a Monoid. 
When the TARDIS materialises at Wimbledon Commons, young teenager Dod Chaplet went in, mistaking it for a real Police Box. Steven, however, is sure she is a descendent of someone he knew in 1572.

Origin: Contemporary England.
Season: 3
Tenure: 26 February-2 July 1966
Reason for Leaving: Mind-controlled by the malevolent computer WOTAN, Dodo got a bit of a headache and decided to stay with her aunt.
Assessment: Obviously, Dodo was a step back from Vicki, Sara Kingdom and, yes, even Katarina. She was supposed to talk with a Cockney accent, but the BBC doesn't do Cockney. The production team didn't have a single idea what to do with her, and never even bothered to give her a parting scene.

Sunday 10 August 2014

THE WAR MACHINES

The Doctor inspects the latest innovation: a fully-automated, radio controlled
MP3 player with bonus machine guns. 
Season: 3
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 25 June-16 July 1966
Producer: Innes Lloyd
Script Editor: Gerry Davis
Writer: Ian Stuart Black
Director: Michael Ferguson
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Jackie Lane (Dodo)
Joining In: Ben (Michael Craze), Polly (Anneke Wills)
Jumping Ship: Dodo, who has a bit of a headache.

The Plot: Doctor Who goes Mod Squad as the Doctor and Dodo teams up with a pair of kids from the Now! Generation to stop a maniachal computer.
We Like: The Doctor lands in contemporary England, teams up with government officials and the army to stop the baddies. 3 and a half years later down the line, you'll be seeing this kind of stuff every week. Groundbreaking!
We Dislike: WOTAN manages to be ahead-of-is-time and hopelessly dated at the same time.
Rating: 4

Saturday 9 August 2014

THE SAVAGES

When he was about to leave his home planet, the Doctor seriously consi-
dered going with The Tourist as his username.
Season: 3
Episodes: 4*
Broadcast Dates: 28 May-18 June 1966
Producer: Innes Lloyd
Script Editor: Gerry Davis
Writer: Ian Stuart Black
Director: Christopher Barry
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Peter Purves (Steven), Jackie Lane (Dodo)
Jumping Ship: Steven, 'elected' king of the Elders and the Savages by the Doctor.

The Plot: A parable on how the rich and powerful exploits the poor and downthrodden for their own benefit.
We Like: Frederick Jaeger steals the Doctor's life force and gets to imitate William Hartnell. What fun!
We Dislike: In those days, when they wanted to get rid of a companion they didn't mess about, did they? Still, Steven's departure is wayyy better than Dodo's (see next story).
Rating: 2.5

*All episodes missing as of August 6, 2014

Friday 8 August 2014

THE GUNFIGHTERS

The Doctor assures Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp that he is indeed a
doctor, and he's also on holiday, sort of. So why all the fuss?
Season: 3
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 30 April-21 May 1966
Producer: Innes Lloyd
Script Editor: Gerry Davis
Writer: Donald Cotton (x2)
Director: Rex Tucker
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Peter Purves (Steven), Jackie Lane (Dodo)

The Plot: Hee-haw! The TARDIS crew arrrive in Tombstone, Arizona, and the Doctor is mistaken for Doc Holliday. You can see where this is going.
We Like: Often cited as the worst Doctor Who serials ever, but don't believe a word of it. Like all humourous episodes, it starts out full of laughs but ends in grim tragedy when we get to that infamous gunfight. The accents are a bit dodgy, but no one said Brits could do 'American' well, so there.
We Like: The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon. Did we have to hear that song every single episodes? Even Steven has to sing it as well (albeit at gunpoint).
Rating: 4



Thursday 7 August 2014

THE CELESTIAL TOYMAKER

"Last question, Doctor: what is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?"
"What do you mean, hmm? African or European swallow?"
Season: 3
Episodes: 4*
Broadcast Dates: 2-23 April 1966
Producer: Innes Lloyd
Script Editor: Gerry Davis
Writer: Brian Hayles, Donald Tosh
Director: Bill Sellars
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Peter Purves (Steven), Jackie Lane (Dodo)

The Plot: Come on down, Doctor! You're the next contestant on The Celestial Toyroom.
We Like: The sheer concept of the Doctor and friends trapped into a seemingly innocuous realm of fear.
We Dislike: Judging from episode 4, they shouldn't have bothered. It's not uninteresting, but this attempt at surrealism falls flat, or at least not as weird as it should have been.
Rating: 2

* Only episode 4 still exists as of August 4, 2014.

Wednesday 6 August 2014

THE ARK

The Monoid Olympics, where you can step up to gold by eliminating
the opposition. 
Season: 3
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 5-26 March 1966
Producer: John Wiles
Script Editor: Gerry Davis
Writer: Paul Erickson, Leslie Scott
Director: Michael Imison
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Peter Purves (Steven), Jackie Lane (Dodo)

The Plot: The TARDIS arrive on the Ark, a generational spaceship taking the remnants of the human race to planet Refusis II ('cause our Earth is about to blow up). Trouble abounds when Dodo's cold infects the crew.
We Like: The goofy Monoids and the fact that the serial is essentially two stories using the same sets and costumes.
We Dislike: Speaking of costumes, check out what humans will be wearing in a couple of millenias. The notion of Fashion Faux Pas seems to have vanished in the haze.
Rating: 3

Tuesday 5 August 2014

THE MASSACRE

The Doctor and Steven enjoy a drink before the upcoming murder and
mayhem. 
Season: 3
Episodes: 4*
Broadcast Dates: 5-26 February 1966
Producer: John Wiles
Script Editor: Donald Tosh
Writer: John Lucarotti (x3), Donald Tosh
Director: Paddy Russell
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Peter Purves (Steven)
Joining In: Jackie Lane (Dodo)

The Plot: And what a plot! The evil Queen Mother Catherine de Medici is plotting not only to assassinate a too-popular protestant admiral. but use the murder to cook up one hell of a shit storm.
We Like: Quite possibly the grimmest Dr. Who story ever, written by the king of historicals. The kids at home must have been gobsmacked! And then there's Hartnell playing the evil Abbott of Amboise.
We Dislike: This marks the arrival of Dodo Chaplet. 'Nuff said.
Rating: 3.5

* All episodes missing as of July 30, 2014.

Monday 4 August 2014

COMPANION FOLLOW-UP: KATARINA

Katarina ponders on why the realm of the dead
needs all these doohickeys and thingamabobs. 
Katarina was the handmaiden of Trojan prophetess Cassandra. When the Doctor became involved in the last days of the Trojan War, Katarina befriended Vicki, then known as Cressida. At the end of the war, believing the Doctor to be a god, she willingly decided to join him on his journey.

Origin: Earth, ca. 1190 BC.
Season: 3
Tenure: 6 November-4 December 1965
Reason for Leaving: Taken hostage by a Dalek agent who wanted to use her as leverage, she committed suicide to kill the agent and prevent the Doctor from going back to Kembel.
Assessment: Katarina, we hardly knew ye! Not much to say, as there's only a single episode featuring her and she doesn't do much except taking care of the wounded Steven. Katarina believed the Doctor was taking her to the afterlife. In retrospect, she was quite right about that.

Sunday 3 August 2014

COMPANION FOLLOW-UP: VICKI

"The Doctor wanted to take us to 18th century Paris again, but that's sooo
last year!"
Vicki was a passenger on board the spaceship UK 201 en route to planet Astra. However, the ship crashed on planet Dido and this is where things went wrong. The only other survivor was a man named Bennett who pretended to be paralysed. While not paraplegic, it appeared that Bennett was certifiably insane.

Origin: Vicki is from the late 25th century, though it is never specified if she's from Earth, exactly.
Tenure: 2 January-6 November 1965
Reason for Living: Just like her predecessor, Susan, Vicki unexplicably fell in love with someone she barely knew, and belonged to a different time than her own. However, she will serve as inpiration for a Shakespeare play.
Assessment: To be honest, Vicki was always intended as a copy-paste replacement for Susan Foreman. But that,s where all similarities end. Vicki was certainly a superior companion: smart, witty, resourceful and mature beyond her years. Vicki is certainly not one to be afraid of her own shadow. Her best sierials are The Romans (nice double act with the Doctor, there), The Web Planet (for the well-written interplay with Barbara) and The Space Museum due to her nderstanding of space and time and the fact that she's the one who organises the Xeron Rebellion

THE DALEKS' MASTER PLAN

The simmering anger and resentment felt by companions from time
to time get a voice in Sara Kingdom, whose first job was to kill the
Doctor. 
Season: 3
Episodes: 12*
Broadcast Dates: 13 November 1965-29 January 1966
Producer: John Wiles
Script Editor: Donald Tosh
Writer: Terry Nation (x6), Dennis Spooner (x4)
Director: Douglas Camfield
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Peter Purves (Steven), Adrienne Hill (Katarina), Jean Marsh (Sara Kingdom), Nicholas Courtney (Bret Vyon)
Jumping Ship: Katarina, the first companion ever to get killed off.

The Plot: The Daleks have allied themselves with the Guardian of the Solar System to betray the entire galaxy. And you thought President Obama was bad!
We Like: Episode 2 is the only extant episode featuring Katarina, so it's good to know she hasn't been erased from history. The rest, well, we only got about a fourth of what was shown so...nevertheless, pretty exciting.
We Dislike: Some of the middle episodes don't have anything to do with the plot, so just sit back, relax and watch Dr. Who have a toast on ye!
Rating: 3

*Only episodes 2,5 and 10 exists as of July 29, 2014.

Saturday 2 August 2014

THE MYTH MAKERS

The wise Doctor is apparently agreeable to a fool's bargain with a con
artist and a rake.
Season: 3
Episodes: 4*
Broadcast Dates: 16 October-6 November 1965
Procuder: John Wiles
Script Editor: Donald Tosh
Writer: Donald Cotton
Director: Michael Leeston-Smith
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Peter Purves (Steven)
Jumping Ship: Vicki, another victim of Sudden Companion Romance Syndrome (or SCRS).
Joining In: Adrienne Hill (Katarina)

The Plot: In his definite version of the Iliad, Homer seems to have completely forgotten the Doctor's involvment with that Trojan Horse bit.
We Like: Another comedy episode, this time replacing farce with satire. Cotton should have written more.
We Dislike: And yet another comedy episode that ends in tragedy. Doctor Who has very strange ideas about what constitutes funny, apparently.
Rating: 3.5

*All episodes missing as of July 28, 2014.

Friday 1 August 2014

MISSION TO THE UNKNOWN

For their latest dastardly plan, the Daleks have kidnapped the cast of a
popular children's show to do their evil biddings. 
Season: 3
Episodes: 1
Broadcast Date: 9 October 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Donald Tosh
Writer: Terry Nation (x5)
Director: Derek Martinus
Regular Cast: Barry Jackson (Jeff Garvey), Edward de Souza (Marc Cory), Jeremy Young (Gordon Lowery)

The Plot: Two special agents land of planet Kembel and realise the Daleks have made some interesting friends.
We Like: It's the first, ever Doctor-less episode, as none of the regular cast appear. Kembel itself, just a shade less dangerous than Skaro.
We Dislike: It's actually the prologue for The Daleks' Master Plan. Since it was followed by a completely different serial, fans had to wait a month before the rest of the story.
Rating: 3

Thursday 31 July 2014

GALAXY FOUR

Meet The Drahvins, Britain's latest pop sensation, seen here on their first
Top of the Pops appearance. 
Season: 3
Episodes: 4*
Broadcast Dates: 11 September-2 October 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Donald Tosh
Writer: William Emms
Director: Derek Martinus
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Peter Purves (Steven)

The Plot: On a planet about to explode, the Doctor and friends meet with the beautiful Drahvins and the ugly Rills. Guess who's the villain, then?
We Like: The Drahvins, all female killer clones.
We Dislike: Not much to say since it's another missing one. There's gonna be a lot of that for now on.
Rating: 2

*Only episode 3 still exists in the archives as of 26 July 2014


Wednesday 30 July 2014

THE TIME MEDDLER

The 11th century could not have gone on without the comedy stylings of
The Doctor and Monk.
Season: 2
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 3-24 July 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Donald Tosh
Writer: Dennis Spooner (x3)
Director: Douglas Camfield
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki), Peter Purves (Steven).

The Plot: It's 1066 and, somehow, a Monk knows that King Harold will be defeated at Hastings. He also has a phonographs playing the latest hit records of the day.
We Like: Peter Butterworth as the Meddling Monk, he shoulda been a regular.
We Dislike: The Vikings and the Saxons. You can see where the research budget was cut.
Rating; 3.5

Tuesday 29 July 2014

COMPANION FOLLOW-UP: BARBARA WRIGHT

"This history book's got it all wrong, I know, I was there."
Troubled by a strange teen, Barbara and her friend followed her home on day and met with her grandfather. This led the paranoid old man kidnapping her for an amazing journey in time and space.

Origin: 20th century Earth.
Seasons: 1-2
Tenure: 23 November 1963-26 June 1965
Reason for Leaving: The TARDIS failed to bring Barbara home for two years, so she had to let the Daleks have a shot at it.
Assessment: Barbara was easily the best of the early companions and certainly one of the best overall. She started out as a scary mouse but eventually became level headed, self-assured and independent. Her best serials are The Aztecs (it's all about her, you know), The Dalek Invasion of Earth (Barbara keeps it together for the sake of the revolution) and The Web Planet (for killing the Animus. Companions could kill monsters back in the day).

Monday 28 July 2014

COMPANION FOLLOW-UP: IAN CHESTERTON

Ian's last bid for normalcy. 
Ian Chesterton was a science teacher at Coal Hill School. One night, he and colleague Barbara Wright followed a mysterious student home. A dispute with the girl's grandfather led to a trip 'round time and space.

Origin: 20th century Earth.
Seasons: 1-2
Tenure: 23 November 1963-26 June 1965
Reasons for Leaving: Ian found that a Dalek time machine was more reliable than the TARDIS, so he used it to go back home.
Assessment: Despite working at a liberal profession, Ian was the Action Hero of Doctor Who always ready to defend the TARDIS when need be. Ian was pretty consistent throughout. His best serials are The Romans (where is sold as a galley slave), The Web Planet (because giant ants are always cool) and The Aztecs because Ian almost becomes the general of the whole Aztec army.

Sunday 27 July 2014

THE CHASE

Scene from the merchandising war between the Daleks and the ill-fated
Mechanoids for the hearts of Britain's youth.
Season: 2
Episodes: 6
Broadcast Dates: 22 May-26 June 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Dennis Spooner
Writer: Terry Nation (x4)
Director: Richard Martin
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki)
Jumping Ship: Ian and Barbara get to return home using a Dalek time machine.
Joining In: Peter Purves (Steven)

The Plot: What plot? The Daleks chase the Doctor and chums through time and space. How much plot do you actually need?
We Like: The model shots of planet Mechanus, and the overall goofiness of the thing.
We Dislike: Pretty much everything else: long, boring and meandering.
Rating: 2

Saturday 26 July 2014

THE SPACE MUSEUM

The ultimate in Dr. Who collectibles. 
Season: 2
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 24 April-15 May 1965
Producer: Verity .Lambert
Script Editor: Dennis Spooner
Writer: Glyn Jones
Director: Mervyn Pinfield

The Plot: The TARDIS crew must help pathetic rebel fighters against pathetic opressors in order to avoid becoming pathetic museum exhibits.
We Like: Episode one, which ranks as one of the best in Dr. Who weirdness. Oh, and there's Boba Fett in it, too.
We Dislike: The Moroks, the most useless bunch of would-be conquerors this side of the Trade Federation.
Rating: 2

Friday 25 July 2014

THE CRUSADE

The Doctor ponders the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. 
Season: 2
Episodes`4*
Broadcast Dates: 27 March-17 April 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Dennis Spooner
Writer: David Whitaker (x3)
Director: Douglas Camfield
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who). William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki)

The Plot: King Richard the Lionheart wants to take the Holy City, by force if necessary but he has a better plan: marry his sister to his worst enemy. That'll work.
We Like: The fact that Whitaker remembered that Saladdin was far more mercyful to his enemies than the crusaders. Other Arabs not being portrayed as monsters and other knights not be portrayed like Sir Lancelot. Ian knighted by King Richard himself (too bad he can't tell everyone).
We Dislike: It's one of those historicals where the main characters are just completely sidelined by the events surrounding them.
Rating: 3

*Episodes 2 and 4 a missing as of 21 July, 2014.



Thursday 24 July 2014

THE WEB PLANET

Barbara, having taken LSD for the first time, is seen here talking to a
butterfly.
Season: 2
Episodes: 6
Broadcast Dates: 13 February-20 March 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Dennis Spooner
Writer: Bill Strutton
Director: Richard Martin
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki)

The Plot: On planet Vortis, an eldricht abomination called the Animus had laid the planet waste. The TARDIS crew must help the Menoptra invasion force to reclaim their planet
We Like: The Menoptras, pretty useless but great costumes and choregraphy. The Zarbi, the Opteras and the fact that its Barbara who kills the monster, not the Doctor. The sets. Oh hell, everything!
We Dislike: The Menoptras' habit of screaming "zaaaaarrrrbi" instead of, you know, attacking them.
Rating: 5

Wednesday 23 July 2014

THE ROMANS

"See, Poppaea, we won't have to deal with Lime Grove Studio D after this."
Season: 2
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 16 January-6 February 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Dennis Spooner
Writer: Dennis Spooner (x2)
Director: Christopher Barry
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara), Maureen O'Brien (Vicki)

The Plot: Rome, AD 64. The Doctor and Vicki becomes unwitting assassins, Ian and Barbara are enslaved. Hilarity ensues.
We Like: The first stab at out and out humor on the show. Though, for the life of me, Ian sold as a galley slave and Barbara sexually harassed by the emperor make for strange laughing matters. It's a Roman thing I suppose.
We Dislike: Maximus Petullion, the lyre player from Corinth whom the Doctor impersonates. I honestly cannot believe for a second that this guy was seriously considered as an Imperial assassin. And by a Christian to boot!
Rating: 3.5

Tuesday 22 July 2014

THE RESCUE

Dr. Who meets Koquillion, the show's first ever super villain, whose
powers include fooling a 15 years-old girl. 
Season: 2
Episodes: 2
Broadcast Dates: 2-9 January 1965
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: Dennis Spooner
Writer: David Whitaker (x2)
Director: Christopher Barrie
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)
Joigning In: Maureen O'Brien (Vicki)

The Plot: The TARDIS lands on planet Dido and the travellers come to the help of a young girl and a genocidal maniac.
We Like: For once,the man-in-a-monster-costume is actually a man in a monster costume. Barbara killing a monster who turns out to be no monster at all. The ghostly Didonians exacting off-screen revenge on Bennett.
We Dislike: Was Bennett's subterfuge really that clever, considering its the rather smart Vicki he's dealing with here?
Rating: 3

Monday 21 July 2014

COMPANION FOLLOW UP: SUSAN FOREMAN

Susan was always looking for an exit.
Susan was the Doctor's grandaughter. She was attending Coal Hill School in Shoredich, London, until two of her teachers followed her home and discovered she was an alien "from another time, another world".

Origin: Gallifreyan (presumably, as Gallifrey is not named until 1973)
Seasons: 1-2
Tenure: 23 November 1963-26 December 1964
Reason for Leaving: Unceremoniously shipped with rebel fighter David Campbell in The Dalek Invasion of Earth.
Assessment: Susan is the companion who kicks off the entire Doctor Who series, unfortunately she'll never be that interesting again and Carole Ann Ford got tired of screaming all the time so she left. Her best serials are Marco Polo for her touching relationship with Ping Cho, and The Sensorites where her nascent telepathic abilities greatly helped with communicating with the aforementioned Sensorites.

Sunday 20 July 2014

THE DALEK INVASION OF EARTH

The Daleks herald a new era in British tourism. 
Season: 2
Episodes: 6
Broadcast Dates: 21 November-26 December 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: Terry Nation (x3)
Director: Richard Martin
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)
Jumping Ship: Susan, marooned on 22nd century post-apocalyptic Earth.

The Plot: The title should be a dead giveaway, shouldn't it.
We Like: The Daleks as Space Nazis, the hard and gritty realism of resistance fighting, the Slyther (yes, even the Slyther).
We Dislike: It takes about five resistance fighters to destroy the entire Dalek invasion force in Britain. Yes, sure but what about the rest of the world?
Rating: 4

Saturday 19 July 2014

PLANET OF GIANTS

The myrmecophobic Ian should brace himself, for this is nothing compared
to what's waiting for him later on. 
Season: 2
Episodes: 3
Broadcast Dates: 31 October-14 November 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: Louis Marks
Director: Mervyn Pinfield (eps. 1-2), Douglas Camfield (ep. 3)*
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: The TARDIS crew must solve a murder mystery while playing at The Incredible Shrinking Man. It's all about the environment, really.
We Like: They really did a fine job with the special effects, and the oversized props look very effective. Kudos.
We Dislike: The murder mystery gets in the way of a fantastic adventure in someone's back yard.
Rating: 2.5

* Y'see, this was to be a typical four-parter but somehow the production team decided to make it a three by combining episodes 3 and 4 into one. Pinfield directed 1, 2 and half of part 3. Camfield directed some bits for what is now part three. Nevertheless, he is the only credited director for the final installment.


Friday 18 July 2014

THE REIGN OF TERROR

"You can't arrest me! I'm the absolute tyrant of France, hated and feared
throughout the land, everyone despises me and wished I was....oh, right."
Season: 1
Episodes: 6*
Broadcast Dates: 8 August-12 September 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: Dennis Spooner
Director: Henric Hirsch
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: The year is 1794: the Doctor almost dies in a fire, Barbara is romanced and betrayed by a French nobleman, Susan goes in and out of prison and Ian plays James Bond to save another British spy. Oh, and there's a cameo by Napoleon.
We Like: The Doctor posing as a state official for the first time, there's going to be quite a lot of that over the years.
We Dislike: If they had put Napoleon the whole thing through this could have made this much more interesting.
Rating: 2.5

*Episodes 4 and 5 are missing as of July 15, 2014

Thursday 17 July 2014

THE SENSORITES

The Sensorites add a new meaning to the words "platform boots".
Season: 1
Episodes: 6
Broadcast Dates: 20 June-1 August 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: Peter R. Newman
Director: Mervyn Pinfield (eps. 1-4), Frank Cox (eps. 5-6)
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: The mysterious Sensorites have been terrorising a human spaceship, but all is not what it seems and the real villains have yet to be revealed.
We Like: Although a bit snail-paced, the suspense build up nicely and the Sensorites are the first real alien culture presented on the programme.
We Dislike: The Sensorites really cannot tell each other apart, so they have only to switch clothes to impersonate anyone of their species.
Rating: 4

Wednesday 16 July 2014

THE AZTECS

A rare photograph of Richard III during his exile in Mexico. 
Season: 1
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 23 May-13 June 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: John Lucarotti (x2)
Director: John Crockett
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill
(Barbara)

The Plot: Posing as a goddess, Barbara decides to change history because the Aztecs are not nice enough people.
We Like: The fact that, all things considered, the villain is absolutely right and it's the heroes who act innapropriately. And the Doctor's first hint at romance (eat yer heart out, David T.).
We Dislike: Ixta, the incompetent Aztec warrior who acts as Tlotoxl's second-hand man. I mean, Ian defeats him by twisting his goddamn thumb, for crying out loud.
Rating: 5

Tuesday 15 July 2014

THE KEYS OF MARINUS

"You see, Doctor, if you carry on with this task you'll earn XPs you can use
to make your next adventure much more exciting."
Season: 1
Episodes: 6
Broadcast Dates: 11 April-16 May 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: Terry Nation (x2)
Director: John Gorrie
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: Doctor Who goes Dungeons and Dragons as the Dungeon Master sends the four travellers to collect the six keys to the Conscience of Marinus. Against their will, I might add.
We Like: The telepathic brains with mind control powers, the jungle and its moving grapevine, the two frozen warriors.
We Dislike: The fact that Terry couldn't make this interesting idea more...interesting. A dud.
Rating: 2

Monday 14 July 2014

MARCO POLO

Marco Polo doesn't appreciate this old coot crashing in on his programme.
Season: 1
Episodes: 7*
Broadcast Dates: 22 February-4 April 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: John Lucarotti
Director: Waris Hussein, John Crockett (ep. 4 only)
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: The TARDIS land in 13th century China and the gang meet with Marco Polo, on his way to see Kublai Kahn. Polo wants to trade the TARDIS for his request to return to Italy. Hilarity ensues.
We Like: The first historical and probably the best. The sets, the costumes and the acting all come together in this gripping tale of one man's thievery of another's property.
We Dislike: It's missing, isn't it. So we can't watch it. You do the math.
Rating: 4.5 (based on the novelisation)

*All missing as of July 12, 2014

Sunday 13 July 2014

THE EDGE OF DESTRUCTION

Carole Ann Ford accuses William Russell of stealing some of her lines. 
Season: 1
Episodes: 2
Broadcast Dates: 8-15 February 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: David Whitaker
Director: Richard Martin
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: The TARDIS is experiencing some trouble, so instead of sounding off an alarm and warning the Doctor of what's actually going on, the ship plays mindfucks with the crew. See, in the early days, the TARDIS was a bit of a bitch.
We Like: Not much, really. I have to pick something, so Susan's going scissors-crazy on Ian is iconic enough.
We Dislike: Doctor Who goes absurdist theatre on a two-parter which feels like a ten.
Rating: 1.5

Saturday 12 July 2014

THE DALEKS

Don't worry, the Daleks may be threatening Dr. Who and his chums,
but in reality they saved him from early cancellation. 
Season: 1
Episodes: 7
Broadcast Dates: 21 December 1963-February 1 1964
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: Terry Nation
Directors: Christopher Barry (eps. 1,2,4,5) & Richard Martin (eps. 3,6,7)
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: It's off to planet Skaro, a war-torn, radiated hell-hole for fun and games with the Daleks. The Thals show up as well, but they're way less fun than the Daleks (and worst-dressed too).
We Like: It's the Doctor vs. the Daleks, isn't it? And it was the first time too. Who knew the BBC, and their run-down studios and cheesy special effects, had it in them to make this epic tale of radiation, oddly-dressed human aliens and threatening pepperpots.
We Dislike: Antodus, the cowardly Thal who nearly did Ian in with his shenanigans. Notice he only tagged along because his brother was going. Silly dog. In fact, the whole trek to the Dalek city could have been one episode less. Just saying...
Rating: 5

Friday 11 July 2014

100,000 BC

Doctor Who finds that nothing can get rid of Jehovah's Witnesses. 
Season: 1
Episodes: 4
Broadcast Dates: 23rd November-14th December 1963
Producer: Verity Lambert
Script Editor: David Whitaker
Writer: Anthony Coburn
Director: Waris Hussein
Regular Cast: William Hartnell (Dr. Who), Carole Ann Ford (Susan), William Russell (Ian), Jacqueline Hill (Barbara)

The Plot: Two schoolteachers follow a strange pupil home, only to find out she lives in a police box with her cranky grandfather.  After a few terse words, the old man kidnaps them and the whole gang is transported back in time to prehistoric Earth.
We Like: The first episode, of course, the one that gets the entire series going especially the moment where Barbara steps into the police box and finds that she's no longer in an ordinary show about schoolteachers and odd teenagers.
We Dislike: The Old Mother for her catastrophic failure to understand that fire was humanity's first major tool of survival. Poetic justice prevails and she does not survive.
Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

Tuesday 8 July 2014

CAPSULE REVIEWS: MY FAVOURITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME

QUADROPHENIA

This movie is the adaptation of the second rock opera by The Who, and its a very different animal than Ken Russell's Tommy. For one thing it has none of Russell's bombastic, over-the-top style he used in that film. In fact, this movie has a very documentary-like quality to it, which serves the story all the better, anchoring its real life aspects and setting.

Our hero is Jimmy Cooper, a young Mod living in 1960s London (the actual time frame is never quite specified, though some people say the inclusion of The Who's My Generation is actually anachronistic, since the movie apparently takes place before the release of that particular song). The early parts of the film depicts young Jimmy's day-to-day life consisting of his day job (a messenger boy for an ad agency), his nights of revelerie with his Mod friends and his attempted romance of Steph, the girl he fancies. It's the part where Jimmy is the happiest, thoroughly engaged in his Mod lifestyle of pop music, trendy clothes and amphetamine-fuelled parties. All of this leading to a Bank Holiday in Brighton where Jimmy gets the girls and participates in one of those notorious beach fights with Rockers.

After Brighton though, everything falls apart for Jimmy. He is thrown out of his house by his Mom, he unceremoniously resigns from his job, Steph leaves him for his friend Dave and he realises the moddest Mod of all is only a bell boy in some hotel. After so many disillusions and betrayals, Jimmy decides to...well, what happens next is definitely left to the audience. On the one hand, it's implied that Jimmy commits suicide out of sheer despair. However, director Franc Roddam and some of the cast (including Phil Daniels, i.e. « Jimmy ») seem to agree that Jimmy decides to become his own man and leave the Mod lifestyle because he realises that conformity is just as a valued there as in the « real » world of grown ups and day jobs. Essentially, they argue that Jimmy realises that being himself is far more rewarding than just being one Mod among many, and even the top dogs of the movement have to bow down to somebody else. Jimmy may have finally heeded the words of his Rocker friend Kevin, who told him than Mods and Rockers are basically the same underneath and trying to be « different » avails nothing in the end because there's always somebody on top telling you what to do. Well, for my part if this is true, it certainly makes the ending much more uplifting, doesn't it?

Needless to say the entire cast shines, and we never get the impression of seeing actors but people who actually have a history together and have known each other for some time. It helps that Roddam picked up unknowns then at the beginning of their careers and forced them to live together as friends before actully shooting the film. Phil Daniels strike all the right chords and we can really sympathise with him, even though he sometimes behave like a douche, which gives all the more credence for his performance.

Some Mod specialists say the movie actually overplays some elements. For instance the romance portion of the story. It's been said Amphetamine abuse has a tendency to lower one's libido and the Mods were, in the truest sense of the word, a Boy's Only club where females remained on the periphery, so the Jimmy/Steph relationship may not be entirely realistic.

Of course, people may balk at the utter Britishness of the whole thing. The London cokcney accents may be hard to take for first time viewers and Mod doesn't have clear a equivalent in America (although Saturday Night Fever was apparently so very inspired by Quadrophenia), so aspects of the subculture may be a bit difficult to understand. However, the film's message is quite universal and Jimmy, if we take the Mod trappings away, could easily become the everykid he truly is. Even if you haven't listened to the album, of know nothing about Mods, I nevertheless thoroughly recommend it.


It's available in DVD/Blue Ray from the Criterion Collection.


 O LUCKY MAN

There really isn't another film quite like O Lucky Man, its one of those movies that are in a class by themselves. It's ostensibly about this coffee salesman, Mick (played by long-time favourite Malcom McDowell) and his attempts to rise to the top of the food chain. But describing it like that does it a profound disservice. For O Lucky Man is actually a picaresque film, that is a movie depicting a character's series of misadventures where, at the end, they actually gain some sort of wisdom. Of course, nothing is that easy in this film, so viewers are left with their own opinion wether or not Mick has learned anything out of his journeys.

Journeys and experiences including : being caught right in the middle of a nuclear meltdown, being trapped in a medical clinic headed by a mad scientist, being framed for fraud and stolen gold currency by a corrupt businessman, being shat upon by the very poor people he was trying to help, and attending the casting call of the movie you're just watching, and that's only scratching the surface. All of this to the tune of Alan Price's priceless music (pun intended).

Very quickly things become very dreamlike as Anderson completely destroys the line between the movie world and the real world. Individual actors appear several times, playing different characters (as I recall, only Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren play single roles throughout the film). The director himself appears, mostly giving directions to Alan Price's band, who later make an appearance in movie by saving Mick from Pr. Millard's clinic. All of this culminating in the very last shot where we see cast and crew having a ball, drinking and dancing to...yes indeed...Alan Price's music again.

And since Anderson was a bit of an anti-establishment figure, he shoots from the hip to almost every conceivable targets he could think of : corrupt execs, corrupt policemen, corrupts judges, corrupt priests and corrupt science project. So you can see, Anderson had a huge chip on his shoulder regarding British society in the early seventies. One of the best British films ever…

Available on DVD from Warner.

Saturday 5 July 2014

ALIEN COMPENDIUM #2

MAZONE

Planet of origin: Prehistoric Earth
First Appearance: Space Pirate Captain Harlock  1978

The Mazone are a race of sentient plants who evolved on Earth and then reached a point where they emigrated in deep space, seemingly never to return.

"Seemingly" is the operating word here, for the Mazone do return and try to reclaim Earth by conquest. The Mazone are led by Queen Lafresia. The Mazone appear to be green-skinned humanoid females, however the similarities with humanity end there. When killed, a Mazone simply burst into green flames and die, releasing a final sigh of pain. The Mazone are utterly ruthless in their goals of reclaiming the Earth for their own.

Threat level: The Mazone have access to high technology and a seemingly endless wellspring of foot soldiers to carry on the fight. However, they have been repeatedly stopped in their invasion plan by just one ship. True, it's Captain Harlock's ship, so that's one bit of leverage there. What about Earth's defense force? Well, they are rather more concentrated on capturing Captain Harlock, because one pirate is apparently more dangerous to Earth than an army of well-trained and well-armed warrior plants. Go figure.




THARKS

Planet of Origin: Barsoom (aka Mars).
First appearance: A Princess of Mars  Edgar Rice Burroughs  (1911)

The Tharks are a race of ten-feet tall green skinned humanoids. They are slender yet muscular with six limbs, two legs and two pairs of arms. They are completely hairless with two tusks protruding from their lower jaw. The Tharks social organisation is the clan, led by the most powerful Thark of all, who keeps power through fear and force.

The Tharks are a warrior race following an harrowing code of conduct where mercy and compassion are outlawed. They live only to wage war on other Tharks and the other various humanoid races of Barsoom. Their reputation are wholly negative, and are seen as nothing more than senseless barbarians. However, thanks to the efforts of one Captain John Carter or Virginia, who was once adopted  by the Tharks, they eventually became staunch allies of the ruling city of Helium.

Threat level: High. It was higher than that when the Tharks were enemies of Helium, but since striking an alliance with Helium, the Tharks no longer participate in looting and pillaging for the sake of it. Nevertheless they remain a powerful adversary and facing a Thark army is a difficult proposition at best.




MORLOCKS

Planet of origin Earth of the year 802 701.
First Appearance: The Time Machine  H.G. Wells 1895

Not actually aliens, Morlocks are the remote descendants of  humanity, living in an era when our species have evolved into two distinct subgroups, the Morlocks themselves and the Eloi.

Morlocks are ape-like underground dwellers who toil what's left of human technology, while using the Eloi as their cattle since they are essentially cannibals. So the Morlocks are the dominant species on Earth in the distant year 802 701 AD.

Morlocks have cadaverous white skin with patches of stringy white hair on their heads and backs. They have enlarged eyes, enabling to see in almost total darkness. This makes the Morlocks very sensitive to light, so when they actually venture on the surface, they usually do so at night. Morlocks are very territorial and will attack anyone venturing into one of their caves. Just like the Eloi, the Morlocks are semi-sentient at best. While they have a rudimentary understanding of technology, they no longer have the level of intelligence to create new machines, or restart a civilisation.

Threat level: Very low. It is very easy for the Morlocks to dominate the child-like Eloi. They are no match for anyone capable of acting in self-defense, however. For starters, they are vulnerable to bright lights, so a box of matches, a flashlight or a trusty lighter should be enough to scare them away. Should things get physical, Morlocks are easily fended off with a solid punch in the face since they utterly lack any kind of combat training. Their only advantage is in numbers, but even so, a good torch is enough to drive them away from you.





GREAT RACE OF YITH

Planet of origin:  Yith, though Yithians have visited Earth many times in prehistoric past.
First Appearance: The Shadow Out of Time  H.P. Lovecraft  1936

When their homeworld of Yith was threatened with destruction, the Great Race fled to prehistoric Earth. They eventually found themselves in conflict with the Flying Polyps which almost drove the Great Race to extinction. So the Yithians fled to the distant future.

Apart from their superhuman level on intelligence, Yithian have mastered the ability to swap their minds with that of any intelligent species. This ability is used across time and space. They use this power to study past times. When a Yithian transfer its mind into someone's body, that person's mind is transferred back into the Yithian's own self. This can be a discomforting experience and some humans do not actually remember the events. Some, however, remember the transfer through lifelike dreams. A human inside a Yithian body would be subjected to a series of inquisitions by other Yithian, in order to study the victim's era. While the mindswapped Yithian is free to roam the Earth and interact with ordinary human beings. While not evil, Yithian behaves with humans in a manner not too dissimilar to human scientists dealing with lab rats.

Threat level:  The Yithian actually wishes no harm to humanity, only to study it. However they care not for the sheer terror felt by a human being being locked inside an alien body and all the sheer psychological terror felt by that unfortunate individual. Yithians, however, are neither cruel nor sadistic, when they are done with a particular subject, he is safely returned safe and sound inside his own body.