Planet of Giants is a bit slow moving and stagey (although the model work and sets are excellent, and really cutting-edge for the time). I think Verity Lambert (Producer) felt that a four episode script was too slow, so EITHER the third and fourth scripts were chopped together into one and they filmed an "amended" third episode, OR they filmed the scripted third and fourth episodes and then edited them into one. Either way, that would explain why the last episode felt a bit odd to you, Tiggs.

It seems so old fashioned, that story! From emory, there's a phone call that has to be connected through the local telephone exchange, with the telephonist listening in. It really is something from another time!

Dalek Invasion of Earth is DW's first epic and first masterpiece, I think. (Other than Marco Polo, which is difficult to judge in either category as I've only heard it and never seen it). I'd love to know your thoughts Tiggs!

Well it still hasn't turned up yet Chuff, so I'm a bit miffed at that as have a quiet weekend this week. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

I loved the telephone exchange from Planet of Giants, really old fashioned but bought a wonderful nostalgic feel to it all.

That system was still in place in many areas well into the 1970s. It isn't that long ago when you think about it.

No! Absolutely! It wasn't intended as a criticism at all! I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie as well as Doctor Who, so am well used to seeing phone calls being transferred through telephone exchanges!

I just intended to indicate how "ye olde" Planet of Giants feels. I can't think of any other DW story that has such a 1950s atmosphere to it, with the village busybody listening in to phone calls and the local copper wandering past. There's probably a carton of powdered egg in the telephonist's pantry, which she uses to make a sponge cake when the vicar comes round to tea. It's so "unlike" Doctor Who that we know and love that it feels as if it is from another age.

A shame you have no Dalek Invasion of Earth, Tiggs. It's a peach. To go from Planet of Giants to Dalek Invasion of Earth is an incredible step for so many reasons (as you'll see!).

I have started The Dalek Invasion of Earth. Seen the first four episodes. I understand that the Dalek emerging from the Thames is supposed to be an iconic piece of film. It was good. But I do love the Daleks in central London more. Watching them round Trafalger Square and the like was quite spooky. Is that the first time they've filmed on location? (Not counting the time they were out and about for the Reign of Terror).

Really enjoying it so far although the Slyther and the alligators in the sewers take some believing in.

And they were mining in Bedfordshire. I really must see if I can spot any Dalek relics next time I'm over that way.

Does anyone know where those scenes were filmed? Did they ever film in Bedfordshire? It's not that far from me.

And in TDIOE is the first reference to ... Dalekanium!

It is yes! I may have pointed at the screen and shouted Dalekanium! at some point.

I think Mrs J and I did the same thing...

Good to know you're still watching the old, stuff, Tiggs.

Here's the locations for TDIOE:
http://www.doctorwholocations.net/st...nvasionofearth

(Great website: easy to waste hours on it).

Let us know what you think when you get to the end of the stroy. The last couple of scenes are beautiful.

That is a really interesting site. Thank Chuff.

A pleasure!

Well we have just waved goodbye Susan, well last night actually, but it was very sad. I thought the way they ended it was very heartfelt and well acted all round. I've never really liked her but that exit even left a lump in my throat. Very sad but very wise of the Doctor. So down to 2 companions now. Until the Rescue. I've seen this a couple of times already but must watch again to keep the order.

Susan's final scene is magnificent, isn't it? That doomy, funereal music! The Doctor's speech ("One day, I shall come back.."). Susan crying to be let in. Ian and Barbara silent. The key dropped, merging into an image of a starfield. Lovely stuff. Really outstanding.

The Rescue next! "You can't come in!"

Ah yes, the one in which a homicidal Barbara viciously kills a little girl's pet...

I knew the Doctor's speech, had seen it written here before, but was lovely to actually see it in context. The whole scene played out so very well.

And I've just finished The Rescue. New traveller Vicki on board. She seems a copy cat of Susan in a way, same age same temprement. But I've only seen her in this episode so early days I guess.

I've seen this story a couple of times and I love the Grandfatherly way that the Doctor takes care of Vicki. Clearly needing a replacement for his granddaughter. Also love the ending when they fall over that cliff.

Vicki gets better. I've just seen her in The Space Museum and she was fun to watch (although maybe because all the aliens in that one were so dull). Did you get to see The Time Meddler?

no i haven't watched it yet. As it's coming up soon in the general sequence of things thought I'd wait and see it in order.

Ah, so it is.

I'm having fun with The Chase right now. As somebody has pointed out, The Chase was the last time we saw Daleks with really individualised personalities up until 'Dalek', and I must say that personal touch makes them a bit more believable and for that reason more frightening.

I have just got the Space/Chase set. Not seen it yet but am looking forward to the "um, er" stammering Dalek, and the Dalek that puffs and pants as it climbs out of the sand dune. The new series would benefit from some of that ...

Lol, mad...bad...and dangerous. That's our Barbara.

I hope to be there about the end of the month. I think the Daleks were quite individual in the new series. I mean they even had names some of them.

Hope to start the Romans (again) later and have also ordered The Web Planet.

I'd want her on my side for sure.

Hmm, last post not showing up.

Edit: That's better. Guess the tubes got clogged.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Series_of_tubes

She can be quite formidable at times.

Just watched the first episode of The Romans. The Doctor cracks me up in this.

Name rank and intention!...