Doctor Who Season 14 (1976)
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Doctor Who Season 14 Review
The fourteenth season of Doctor Who is a pretty solid one and a fine improvement over a couple of previous seasons.
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“Predictable as ever, Doctor“
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The Masque of Mandragora is a pretty good historical piece which is not as great as needed, but still quite solid with fine dialogue and some memorable characters and a couple of really excellent episodes. I loved the atmosphere in this one and the period is interesting.
The Hand of Fear doesn’t start off particularly good, but improves upon each subsequent episode despite the last one which is rushed and abrupt. I did like the story and Elrad in female form steals the show as such a fascinating character.
The Deadly Assassin is easily the highlight of this entire season, there is no doubt about it. It entirely happens on Gallifrey and it finally gives us the Doctor’s home planet and it examines the High Council and its members and intrigue all so well. It is the most political, most unique and ultimately best story here. It also holds the distinction for being the only Doctor Who story so far where he does not have a single companion which was refreshing to witness.
The Face of Evil does have an awesome twist where the God worshipped on this planet the Doctor arrives is he himself but other than that it is a basic storyline with two alien war tribes put against one another and the Doctor finding himself in all that turmoil.
The Robots of Death is influenced by the stories of Agatha Christie and Isaac Asimov, but unfortunately never quite amounts to much. It has some good moments and characters, but is mostly a missed opportunity for greatness.
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The Talons of Weng-Chiang starts off in an intriguing manner but it ended up being overlong at six episodes and way too racist for its own sake. It is too atmospheric in a way and way too dated. As for Leela, she is a pretty solid replacement for Sarah, not as great for now, but perfectly solid. She is too sexy in look, but still competent and brave enough.
In the end, this season is quite a good one with most of the serials working really well and a couple of them being excellent and even unique as they are different kind of stories. The Doctor himself is also growing on me finally.
Worst Serials: The Face of Evil and The Talons of Weng-Chiang.
Best Serials: The Masque of Mandragora and The Deadly Assassin.
Worst Episodes: The Hand of Fear Part One, The Hand of Fear Part Two, The Face of Evil Part One and The Face of Evil Part Two.
Best Episodes: The Deadly Assassin Part One, The Deadly Assassin Part Two, The Deadly Assassin Part Three and The Deadly Assassin Part Four.
Wow… I actually think the opposite. Robots of death not only is the best of this season but one of the best all time. Likewise with Talons. I didn’t care for Assassin too much although on further watchings I’ve grown to almost like it.