Right …
I’m going to do this post in two chunks: I’m starting it, now, so that I’ve got a link I can add to the video introduction that you’ve — hopefully — just watched.
One I can also add to the video version of the review: later tonight, or tomorrow.
Either way?
I’m going to turn off the music I’m playing — the 12” version of Propanga’s Dr Mabuse — then grab a cup of tea …
And watch Episode 1 of The Evil of the Daleks.
Back, soon!
Right … I’ve officially just finished watching part one.
So? Without much further ado?
Episode 1 of The Evil of the Daleks follows on from episode six of The Faceless Ones: and show us the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and Jamie (Fraser Hines) separately running after the truck that’s carrying the TARDIS out of Gatwick Airport.
The pair can’t keep up: so stop at the small garage where the TARDIS had been stored, to see if they can’t get information from Bob Hall (Alec Ross), the mechanic who’d signed the TARDIS over to the Leatherman van.
Little knowing that they — and Hall — are being listened to: by a man called Kennedy (Griffith Davies).
Jamie is worried: and deeply suspicious.
As is the Doctor: the mechanic they’d been dealing with had a suit that was too snug … and an attitude that was too friendly, when police were mentioned.
The pair have only one option when they see him vanish: to follow him.
Whilst this is going on … ?
Kennedy gets in touch with his boss: antique dealer, Edward Waterfield (John Bailey).
As Waterfield reminds employee, Mr Perry* (Geoffrey Colville), their patrons are paying very good money: especially for an especially suspicious looking police box.
Meanwhile … ?
Hall is at a small warehouse: where he’s meeting Kennedy.
Kennedy’s paid Hall £75 for his earlier meeting with the Doctor and Jamie: and an £175† extra bonus.
Kennedy wants to make sure that the pair can’t find the box.
But, in the ensuing argument, between the pair? Hall is knocked unconscious … and Kennedy makes a quick getaway.
Leaving behind a packet of cigarettes: and a book of matches from a very specific coffee bar …
~≈📺≈~
Now …
What am I thinking … ? Both of the episode, and the work done to produce it?
For starters, the work …
I’m doing my usual thing with these animated reconstructions: as with The Faceless Ones, Fury From the Deep and The Macra Terror, I’m watching the colour versions of the things, rather than the black and white versions.
I know there’s arguments for watching the monochrome version — they’re nearer to how viewers at the time would have seen the story, that black and white offers a more ‘authentic’ experience — but, having grown up in the colour era, my personal preference is for the colour versions.
As far as I can see? This opening episode of The Evil of the Daleks seems to have been made by the same animation company that did The Faceless One: and looks just as good.
Or possibly better.
I don’t know if it’s just me, or the software I’ve used to convert the blu-rays into mp4s I can stream to my Apple TV, but I think the colours look a little richer.
Again, that could just be me, or the version of HandBrake I’ve used: or the production company using animation or rendering software with a wider colour gamut.
Details caught me, as well: I found myself looking at the poster on the walls of alleyways, cans of oil in a garage, the look of money, the cigarette packets — not something you’d see the main character waving about, these days, even if it’s just to point out someone’s handedness — the detailing is amazing.
The story, itself?
Granted, I’m only on episode one: and granted, I have a rough idea of the story line. The scripts have been available for years.
But episode one presents us with an intriguing set of questions.
Why has the TARDIS been stolen? Where IS Waterfield getting his suspiciously new antiques? Where’s the money coming from?
Why is Mr Perry’s buttonhole shifting?
And where the hell did that Dalek come from … ?
Frankly?
I’m going to be watching episode two to find out: by Friday, 17th December, at the latest.
I’ll let you know if it’s earlier.
Hopefully?
I’ll have the written and video reviews up, not long after.
I’d love it if you joined me!
See you then!
Episode 1★★★★
* I have to say: I love Mr Perry’s floating buttonhole!
† That’s a grand total of £250. Back in the 1960s, that would be quite a lot of money.
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