Doctor Who (TV Series) The Highlanders: Episode 3 (1966) User Reviews

Not a favourite.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 5/10 · 23 August 2022]

Polly and Kirsty meet up with The Doctor, their mission to get The Highlanders off Trask's ship.

I struggled with this one if I'm honest, it was about as subtle as a sledgehammer in a crystal factory, the humour is perhaps a little heavy handed, and a bit too in your face.

I did like The Polly and Kirsty duo, they were good together, and it was nice to see Polly bold and brave. Jamie's definitely developed as the story has gone on.

Not a favourite I'll be honest, apart from the drama of the conclusion, there's very little happening.

5/10.

This pretty solid but unexceptional comedy/drama adventure was most notable for being the last pure historical story for the next 15 years.

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 7/10 · 21 August 2014]

Review of all 4 episodes:

This is not a bad story at all and is good fun as the Doctor, Ben and Polly have adventures in Scotland during the Jacobite Rebellion in 1746.

The most important development in the story is the arrival of Jamie McCrimmon played by Frazer Hines who was to remain the companion of the Second Doctor until Patrick Troughton's departure. The rapport and warmth between the stars makes this a famous partnership for good reason.

This was sadly the last pure historical adventure in Doctor Who until Black Orchid over 15 years later. Not only is it a bit sad to drop the pure historical stories it is also a shame that although this is a solid effort, it is another example of comedic types of story which I feel did not show off the full potential of historical settings.

The comedy works at times but does not work all the time in my opinion. Comedy is much less easy to please everyone with. The comedy here is a broad, not very subtle humour - some love that and find it funny while others dislike it and call it disappointing. I actually find it overall a solid, decent level of entertainment but it isn't one of my favourites. I prefer more witty, cleverly written humour. That is just a matter of taste. I generally find this serial is ok, certainly a nice, fun adventure.

This is no classic by any means in my opinion but is an ok little story introducing a fan favourite companion.

My Ratings: All 4 Episodes - 7/10.