Writer: Geoffrey Orme
Original Broadcast Date: 14 January 1967 - 4 February 1967
Ah, The Underwater Menace! What a story! Mad scientists, Atlantis, fish people: this story is utterly unforgettable, simply because its absolutely bonkers!
With Jamie now on board, the TARDIS lands on a deserted volcanic island, where deep below the surface the lost city of Atlantis thrives. Behind the seemingly primitive civilization, a scientist plots to destroy the world.
I actually really enjoyed watching this story, but that doesn't mean it's not crap. The story was very entertaining throughout but the plot was rather daft and far-fetched to say the least. The costume design, on par with The Web Planet's Menoptra, is terrible, with the fish people, who in concept are rather scary (and make for a spine-tingling cliffhanger to Part 1), look like a child's Halloween costume stitched together the previous night. Adding to this, the costumes for the residents of Atlantis are ugly and do nothing for the serial, other than add to the existing campness.
Thanks to the late decision to bring Jamie on board the TARDIS, Orme had the job of splitting lines between the now three companions which causes some lack of characterization, most offensive in the case of Polly, who is sidelined and portrayed as a weak, whimpering shell of the real character. Not affected by this, Troughton's Doctor, now comfy in the role, is undeniably awesome, providing a brilliant opposition against Joseph Furst who plays a chillingly mad scientist, who's progression into hysteria is unnerving. Their rivalry reflects that between The Doctor and The Master, yet to come into fruition by the time of the story's broadcast. Even so Furst's strong performance failed to draw a veil over the character's lack of development, with a poor excuse behind his motivations.
The second episode of The Underwater Menace is in fact the very first surviving Troughton episode, and while I'm thankful I got to watch him oppose a mad scientist whilst Polly, Ben and Jamie are dressed in fish-themed costumes, I'd much rather have the chance to see the creepy and atmospheric Power of the Daleks or the fun romp, The Highlanders over this entertaining but beyond far-fetched adventure.
6/10
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