The Massacre (Doctor Who)

Rating:
Summary: A great story that could have been better
Review: I'm reviewing this work based on its technical merit rather than its content. As a fan of Doctor Who, having this piece of missing history is worth it, regardless of whether it is poor or not. The problem with this production is that the narrations, provided by Peter Perves (sp?) are short and rather nondescriptive. In listening, you are sometimes left a little confused as to who is who in the story. Some more detailed explainations are in order here.

Rating:
Summary: Massacred by Doctor Who's Latest Adventure
Review: The historical story "The Massacre" (or sometimes mistakenly referred to as "The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve") is a true classic in every sense of the word. Markedly different from the submitted version of John Lucarotti's story, this version sees Steven Taylor, the Doctor's sometimes impatient, but always heroic astronaut companion, as the star of the show. And Peter Purves shines through indeed. Proving he was a worthy companion.

From the moment he is left on his own in Paris, while the Doctor goes off to indulge his scientific curiosity, Steven gets caught up in the intrigue between the Huguenots (the French Protestants) and the Catholic Queen Mother. Fortunately for us (the viewer/listener), Steven hasn't a clue about the history of the world in 1572, which moves the story along very well as we learn through his eyes how the Hugeunots are treated by the then current regime.

In this version Steven catches a glimpse of the Abbot of Amboise, who looks amazingliy like the Doctor himself. The Abbot is played, of course, by William Hartnell as, I can only assume, to give the lead actor something to do in this adventure as the companion takes centre stage. The part of the Abbot is limited at best. And, Hartnell's performance suggests a boredom by the actor.

Despite this, we are treated to an incredibly in-depth depiction of the events of the time, where the guest cast, as well as our would-be star Steven Taylor, only serve, as was meant by these early historicals, to entice the viewer/listener to go back to the history books and study closer this period of French History. Wonderful stuff! And, Peter Purves shines through, keeping this adventure interesting from start to finish. Whether you are listening to these CDs or reading John Lucarotti's very different novelization, you'll still be entertained. Wonderful stuff, and definitely the (often overlooked) shining star of Doctor Who's Third Season.

Rating:
Summary: One of history's darkest moments
Review: This adventure is yet another prime classic among Doctor Who adventures for intelligent writing and powerful acting. This adventure takes place immediately after the events that the Doctor and Steven had experienced during the Daleks' Master Plan, as the TARDIS materializes in late 16th century France, a time of great religious strife as tensions continue to mount between the Catholics and the Protestants. This adventure is chocked filled with all sorts of intrigue, conspiracy, political and religious machinations and manipulations, moments of intense drama, this adventure truly captured the period and to a certain extent did an admirable job in fleshing out the details behind this particular moment in history.

in an unusual move, the one who is pretty much thrust into the spotlight in Peter Purves, who portrays Steven Taylor. For the Doctor leaves his company to meet with a legendary apothecary named Charles Preslin. Steven later befriends several of the Hugenots, including a young servant girl named Anne Chaplet, and embroiled in a plot to massacre all the French Protestants. To make matters worse, one of the people involved in the horrific plot is the Abbot of Amboise who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Doctor. Since neither the Doctor nor the Abbot are seen together at the same time, it increases and deepens the mystery as to whether the Abbot is the Doctor in disguise or if the Abbot is simply the Doctor's physical double.

William Hartnell did an extraordinary job as the Abbot, showing a calm, almost cold demeanor, with a very confident air of authority and restrained maliciousness, quite different to his portrayel of the Doctor.

Peter Purves became the star of this piece, and proved himself to be quite able to carry this adventure without being second fiddle to William Hartnell. his lack of understanding of the historical situations occurring around him, allow us the chance to experience these events as Steven perceives them, from a very fresh perspective. his anger towards the Doctor near the end for allowing Anne to possibly die in the ensuing chaos is definitely worth noting, for he is in his right to be angry and upset, but only because he lacks a certain level of understanding the Doctor's reasons. And the brief monologue given by the Doctor in the TARDIS console room when he is left alone for a few moments, is so moving as we get a real glimpse of the Doctor's vulnerable emotional side, and an understanding of his loneliness.

excellent acting, excellent story.