Doctor Who (TV Series) The Macra Terror: Episode 3 (1967) User Reviews

The trio descend to work in the mines.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 15 November 2015]

The Doctor has pushed the Controller to the limits, and seen him dragged off by a claw. The trio of The Doctor, Jamie and Polly are ordered to work in the danger zone of the pit. The Doctor assumes the role of Supervisor, and works out a formula, the theory of which worries the authorities. Jamie manages to escape from the pit, hearing something he goes to investigate, and encounters a Macra. The Doctor aims to discover why the gas is being mined in such large quantities. Ben fights against the voices that are controlling him. Polly is terrified for Jamie as gas pours into the mine, the Doctor understands the Macra's reasons for diverting gas into the shaft. Jamie makes his escape from the slumbering Macra, but runs into another.

More serious in tone then the opening duo of episodes, a more sinister storyline which sees the crew placed in real danger. The charm of the opening episodes is lacking a little in the third segment, but it's enjoyable enough.

Worth a listen. 7/10 would be interesting to see how the Macra were realised.

Big brother is watching you .... and he is a crab!

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 8/10 · 21 August 2014]

Review for all 4 parts:

I have been able to reassess this story having seen the nice new animated reconstruction which allows me to find greater appreciation for the story and edit my earlier review.

This 4 part 'futuristic' story is set in an apparently idyllic world which has dark secrets underlying the society. It is enjoyable and interesting with strong ideas of a 'Big Brother is watching you' type society and political underlying themes about manipulation and control. The Macra creatures, often referred to as 'giant crabs' due to their claws and crustacean like forms are quite an unusual and interesting idea too, though obviously the low budget and age of this story limited their original realisation on screen. The animated version makes the Macra a good monster visually as well as conceptually.

Part 1 features the ultra cheesy musical number which I found slightly irritating along with the music throughout but to be fair it was meant to be irritating, as it represents the unthinking, unquestioning happiness of brainwashed people. All 4 parts are well written, well acted, fun and have deeper themes that add quality. The animation provides sufficiently good visuals to allow the story to be really appreciated. I always enjoyed parts 2 and 3 just as much as I did watching the animation but parts 1 and 4 went up in my estimation as the visuals enabled me to enjoy them better. Reviewing by judging an animated version which gives a fair idea of how it was intended (albeit adding colour which was unavailable to the makers in the first place but if it had been available I am sure they would have used it). I therefore think it only fair that I use the animation to help judge the original story.

Overall an entertaining if slightly unexceptional adventure with some interesting elements and some great scenes. The animated version has beautifully vibrant colour visuals.

My Ratings: Episodes 1 to 4 - 8/10.