[daveyboy7472]

This is one of those stories that isn't perfect but I love to bits.

It's ten episode length is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, there is an enormous amount of padding, especially in the middle episodes and unashamedly in Episode 8! On the other though, it allows time for the story to breathe and develop. What starts of as apparent World War fare soon becomes something bigger. I love all the early stuff with General Smythe and all the anachronisms etc.

For me though, the last two episodes were the best. The last one is a classic and Troughton went out on a high note.

I watched this story in one hit on first viewing and it was one hell of a ride. Outside of Season 5, it ranks as one of my faves from this era.

[king yrcanos]

I love the War Games, it's my second favourite episode!

[Larry1971]

Originally Posted by daveyboy7472

This is one of those stories that isn't perfect but I love to bits.

It's ten episode length is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, there is an enormous amount of padding, especially in the middle episodes and unashamedly in Episode 8! On the other though, it allows time for the story to breathe and develop. What starts of as apparent World War fare soon becomes something bigger. I love all the early stuff with General Smythe and all the anachronisms etc.

For me though, the last two episodes were the best. The last one is a classic and Troughton went out on a high note.

I watched this story in one hit on first viewing and it was one hell of a ride. Outside of Season 5, it ranks as one of my faves from this era.

have to agree next to DMP, The War Games is the only other Doctor Who story that you can truly call epic. yes the middle 4 episodes while still engaging enough do tend to just drift along but the first and last 2 episodes are fantastic. Phil Madoc, (War Lord) Edward Brayshaw(War Chief) and James Bree (Security Chief) all give wonderfull performances as do Troughton/Hinse and Padbury

The scence at the end where the Doctor says goodbye to his friends before the Time Lords send them homre is a lovely little moment. One other thing I will say is that The War Games, is the one and only time where you are left with the feeling that the Time Lords really are an all powerful god like race.

[daveyboy7472]

Originally Posted by Larry1971

have to agree next to DMP, The War Games is the only other Doctor Who story that you can truly call epic. yes the middle 4 episodes while still engaging enough do tend to just drift along but the first and last 2 episodes are fantastic. Phil Madoc, (War Lord) Edward Brayshaw(War Chief) and James Bree (Security Chief) all give wonderfull performances as do Troughton/Hinse and Padbury

The scence at the end where the Doctor says goodbye to his friends before the Time Lords send them homre is a lovely little moment. One other thing I will say is that The War Games, is the one and only time where you are left with the feeling that the Time Lords really are an all powerful god like race.

Absolutely. Those last two episodes are superb.

Spoiler

Ep9 sees the downfall of the major plan and The Doctor running away from the Time Lords and the cliffhanger is amazing. Ep10 is even better. Loved all the TARDIS scenes. The way the Time Lords deal with the War Lord. The Doctor's trial, the misleading escape bid where you thought the regulars would pull it off and leg it in the TARDIS. Jamie and Zoe's sad goodbye before The Doctor's final stand prior to his exile. All in all a well written and structured episode

Agree that the Time Lords were at their best here. Also loved the conflict between The War Chief and the Security Chief.

As for the DMP, that was written as a 12 parter and therefore didn't need padding. The War Games I assume was initially a 6-Parter. It only be guessed how much better this story would have been at that length without all the padding.

[sovietusername]

just got the DVD! Cant wait to see it

[CoalHillJanitor]

Originally Posted by sovietusername

just got the DVD! Cant wait to see it

You'll see something that will remind you of The Doctor's Wife. Not saying what.