The Face Of Evil is one of those stories that is not as strong as some of the others from this period but I still have a soft spot for it anyway.

The introduction of Leela is a good one and I really like her meeting with The Doctor, and her instant use of Janis thorns which winds The Doctor up from the off.

I also like the whole idea of The Doctor having being there before and put his personality in Xoanon so that his face is then everywhere and he is known as the Evil One! I always think Tom Baker played the baddie Doctor well the several times he done it during his era, but I think this is one of the best ones he done as it required complete insanity on the part of Xoanon. I also liked the idea in the Novelisation that The Doctor's previous visit to this planet was just after his regeneration in Robot.

I also like the differences between the Seveteem and the Tesh. With the Servateem, Neeva is quite an amusing character with his motley collection of headwear and gloves which make him more the comical. Sometimes it's like watching The War Games with both him and Leslie Schofield both from that story! I like all the Horda stuff and the idea of the invisible monsters outside the boundary.

The Tesh are even more amusing characters. I wonder how many people on here watch them greet each other and then expect them to say ' We're not worthy!' Wayne's World style!

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FucbvoFFy0)

Not one of the better stories of this Season, I agree but it has enough in it to be entertaining.

A very strong story enlivened by the introduction of the 4th Doctor's best companion. Season 14 is pretty average up to this point but this story begins a run of excellence with the next two stories an even bigger step up in quality.

I really like this, it does start Leela's story as a companion I grew to love as I have watched the stories she was in. Still feel she was a bit underwritten. In many ways putting her next to the Doctor still steeped in her Savage ways, it is a good way to gauge his reactions to her. The doubletake moment when Leela knifes someone (kills them if I am correct?) is brilliant acting from Tom, also good direction and camerawork. Love it, top moment.
Face of Evil as a story in general is a good one I feel, like Tom's big old face when it is revealed. I can remember this one having a bit of humour in it, with some good one liners so I am going to view it again on DVD.
Agree with daveyboy, not the greatest story but one I am fond of. Tom Baker somewhere on a special feature said: "I was just greeted with this thing on set", referring to Leela in Savage outfit ha ha.

I like the way she hops into the TARDIS at the last second. Cheeky.

Thought it might have made it more interesting and timey-wimey if the Doctor hadn't visited the planet before, yet, from his perspective, but then it might have been impossible to explain or understand why he would have been going to do what he did... or willan doen on-when.

Just bought online, these threads have got me spending me money. Moths getting a bit of an airing! Just to bring it back on topic: "No more Janis thorns, Ever". Another good line. I'm sure he comments on his nose when he sees the face! Can't wait for the DVD to come now to remember the line!!!

This run of stories are probably my all time favourites, starting with Deadly Assassin and ending with Horror of Fang Rock. If a season consisted of just those 5 stories it would easily be my most favourite season ever.

The relationship between the Doctor and Leela is what carries the story for me.
Plus, the bit where the Doctor threatens to kill the guy with the jelly baby is a classic. Especially when the other one reponds with "Kill him then".

TB has some great lines in this story. I love the one where he is surrounded by the Sevateem just after he meets Leela. 'Do you mind if I turn round, I feel a bit silly talking to this tree.'



I think that is even the same scene with the jelly baby as you mention!

Actually I don't think this is one of the weaker ones from this series. I think it's a real gem, and I'd rate it higher than either Masque of Mandragora and Hand of Fear for sure, and maybe even above Deadly Assassin.

I love the first meeting between the Doctor and Leela; they have some terrific dialogue. "The Evil One! The Evil One!" "Well nobody's perfect, but.." "Would you like a jelly baby?" "It's true then. They say the Evil One eats babies" Pure class The best first meeting with a new companion bar none, frankly.

I also love the cliffhanger with the Doctor's face carved into the mountain. The idea for the plot is brilliant too, and really well executed.

I love every single thing about this story!

not one of my favorites but still a very enjoyable story..