Brief Summary
This video summarizes the second season of the original Doctor Who series, which ran from October 1964 to July 1965. The season consisted of 39 episodes across nine stories and introduced the pseudo-historical format, blending sci-fi with historical settings. Key events include the departure of the first companions, the rise of "Dalek mania," and the introduction of the Meddling Monk.
- The season marked a shift in the show's direction, moving away from pure historical and scientific educational content.
- The Daleks appeared in over a quarter of the season's episodes, highlighting their growing prominence.
- The pseudo-historical format was introduced, mixing historical settings with science fiction elements.
Planet of Giants
The first story of the season, "Planet of Giants," involves a malfunction that shrinks the TARDIS and its occupants to about an inch tall. The plot revolves around the crew's attempts to navigate a world of giant-sized threats. Originally intended as a four-part story, it was condensed into three episodes due to pacing issues. The DVD release includes a recreation of the original four-part version using existing footage, still images, original scripts, and voice acting.
The Dalek Invasion of Earth
"The Dalek Invasion of Earth" is set in the 22nd century, where the Daleks plan to remove Earth's core and convert the planet into a spaceship. This six-episode story marks the departure of Susan, who falls in love and is left behind on a desolate future Earth. The story highlights the Daleks' ambition and the Doctor's efforts to thwart their plans.
The Rescue
In "The Rescue," the TARDIS crew encounters Vicki on a wrecked ship, who becomes Susan's replacement. She is caring for an injured crew member and is threatened by an alien called Koquillion. The story is a two-part adventure that leads to Vicki joining the TARDIS crew.
The Romans
"The Romans" is a four-episode historical story set in ancient Rome, dealing with themes of slavery, gladiators, assassination, and Nero's madness during the Great Fire of Rome. The story is presented as a comedy, contrasting the serious historical events with humorous situations.
The Web Planet
"The Web Planet" is a six-episode story set on the planet Vortis, inhabited by giant insect-like creatures called the Zarbi, the Menoptera and the Animus. The story is known for its unintentionally hilarious special effects and ambitious scope. The Animus, the villain, is a cosmically powerful foe connected to the Cthulhu mythos in later books.
The Crusade
"The Crusade" is a four-part historical story featuring Richard the Lionheart and Saladin. Julian Glover, who played the bad guy in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," appears as Richard. Half of this story is missing, making it one of the incomplete stories from season two.
The Space Museum
"The Space Museum" is a four-episode story that introduces the concept of time tricks. The TARDIS crew arrives at a space museum and finds themselves on display, leading them to travel back in time to try and prevent it. The story explores themes of predestination and changing the future.
The Chase
"The Chase" is a six-episode story where the Daleks use time travel to chase the TARDIS through time and space. This story marks the departure of Ian and Barbara, who finally return to their home time. Stephen Taylor, an astronaut from the future, is introduced as their replacement. Peter Purves, who plays Stephen Taylor, also appears earlier in the story as an American tourist.
The Time Meddler
"The Time Meddler" is a pseudo-historical story that introduces the Meddling Monk, a rival Time Lord who interferes with history. In this story, the Monk plans to alter the outcome of the Battle of Hastings. The story exemplifies the pseudo-historical format by blending a historical setting with science fiction elements.
