Doctor Who (TV Series) The Keeper of Traken: Part Two (1981) User Reviews

Such a classy production.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 22 January 2019]

It is such an engaging story, the content is so rich, it's somehow interesting to watch from a viewpoint of observing Traken culture, the writing really was that good.

The Melkur has proven to be a really great villain, he's so cold and nasty, his manipulation of poor Kassia is great. The only negative point I would have to make, is just how dim are Kassia's fellow Consuls? Didn't they notice her odd behaviour?

Great production values, The Grove and interiors look so good, it's a very stylish piece.

Loving Nyssa, easy to see why they made her a companion. Ainley has grown into the role of Tremas, and making an impact, Ruskin is still excellent as Kassia. I wonder if anyone worked out who Tremas would become.

So, so good. 9/10

The Eyes of The Melkur...

[Xstal · 9/10 · 19 July 2022]

The Melkur is taking control, knowledge, of the Time Lords it shows, something hidden within, Kassia made his thing, what secrets, will it soon disclose.

Traken Triumph

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 6 June 2022]

Review of all 4 parts continued:

The Keeper of Traken

I have strong memories of seeing this on its original broadcast. I found the Master and the Melkur creepy and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Many years later this was the first classic story that successfully thrilled my young son. So I have very positive experiences of this story.

Some fans understandably are less keen on season 18 as it is a bit less 'fun' than preceding seasons but I like dark and gritty Doctor Who and I really like most of this season. Stories occasionally show JNT's tendencies to have too many arguments between characters and aggressive scenes but Chris Bidmead (and perhaps Terrance Dicks overseeing/advising) seem to help JNT to create a serious science fiction series and this story is one of the best of the season. I also think it is actually really fun.

The story involves the elderly Keeper of Traken asking the Doctor for help as he senses his imminent successor is going to be threatened by evil. Sure enough a calcified statue - Melkur - is secretly hiding the Master who manages to take control of the incoming Keeper's body.

This new leader, Tremas, is played by Anthony Ainley as a pleasant character and father of new companion Nyssa. He then becomes the new Master and is deliciously evil. Ainley plays his differing dual roles superbly and the Master was returned in style after a long absence.

Tom Baker is great as ever and Nyssa is introduced pretty well as an intelligent companion although why JNT thought 2 highly intelligent young companions were required at the same time, with Adric having joined not long before, is a bit of a headscratcher. An early sign of JNT's poor decision making I think.

Anyway, there is sinister drama, enjoyable characterisation and nicely written dialogue. An excellent serial.

My ratings: All 4 episodes 9.5/10.