Writer: David Whitaker
Original Broadcast Date: 8 February 1964 - 15 February 1964
Completing the arc of the realisation of the Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Susan's friendship comes the third ever Doctor Who story, The Edge of Destruction and its an odd one! Back in 1964 after their budget was blown, David Whitaker was tasked with writing a 2 episode story only using the central characters and one set, that being the TARDIS and it came out with mixed results.
The serial opens with the TARDIS team all getting knocked out and the TARDIS - plunged into darkness. The episode that follows is interesting but I feel as if the themes it offers are only touched on the surface and could have been used to its full potential. Some of these ideas include something else being inside the TARDIS which I feel is not mentioned enough and when it is too fleetingly. Carole's acting in this one shows its worst side unfortunately but luckily everyone else is up to usual standards, or in Jacqueline Hill's case; higher. There is a moment of absolute brilliance though when the Doctor turns on Barbara and Ian and good ol' Babs gives Hartnell a good shout. Jacqueline Hill is fantastic in doing what is almost never done, the companion standing up to the Doctor and what an impact it makes! That scene marks the beginning of the friendship between the four travelers, knocking the Doctor back in place and setting things right.
The second episode is an improvement on the first and Barbara, yet again, is fantastic, being the first to actually realise whats going on. There are a few iffy moments, including one visual effect due to budget cuts (not their fault). William Hartnell has a wonderful scene towards the end, a soliloquy which is performed to perfection and is certainly one of his best scenes. Another stand out scene is the penultimate starring Barbara and the Doctor, which develops and cements their relationship beautifully which is maintained in such fashion right until Barbara's exit in The Chase.
Overall The Edge of Destruction is an interesting one. It's plot and direction is a bit off but there are some beautiful scenes, bringing the best out of the very first TARDIS team.
7/10
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