A Journey Of A Thousand Eons...: 57. Inferno (The Romans, Episode Four)

Color me impressed.  Spooner pulled it off, and did it in a way that was so much smoother than I ever imagined.

As this is a wrap up episode, a lot happens in an effort to draw our three threads together.  Ian’s friend rebels against Nero’s order, resulting in a lil’ chaos in the palace, Nero deciding to burn down Rome (at the Doctor’s....advice?) and our heros fleeing the city before everything goes south and reuniting in time to set us up for our next serial.  There’s some laughs before Ian discovers that the Doctor is struggling to free the Tardis from a mysterious force that’s dragging them down to a planet.

While we’ve been playing games for an episode and change, it gets real serious, real quick.  And it gave me a massive respect for Derek Francis as an actor--when he casually kills a centurion for not fighting Ian and his pal hard enough, he’s not changing his tone from the comedic stuff he’s done so far...but there is a subtle shift that makes his antics suddenly horrifying.  And while some stuff could be construed as comedic (the way the Doctor’s glasses accidentally set fire to a map of Rome while he’s taunting Nero), but there’s a edge of menace to them, especially as we see the insanity ignite behind the emperor’s eyes.  I was impressed by how Spooner pulled everything together and still had time for some mild Ian/Barbara horseplay.

It does help loads that Michael Peake’s Tavius not only becomes an integral part of this episode, but is given a reveal that explains his motivations very eloquently.  I really liked this character loads.

I am beginning to fear that my fondness for Vicki might turn into a crush if I’m not careful.  Her attitude of wonder and excitement at traveling through time and space is something we saw in fits and starts in Susan, and her chemistry with Hartnell is just magnificent.  This is what I expect in a companion--someone who engages with the Doctor, shows glee in what she’s able to do, and being able to stand up to him.  When Vicki pointed out the Doctor may have violated one of his own rules about interfering with history, I smiled wickedly.  She. Is. Great.

So even though episode three and parts of episode two will still cause me to wince, I am pleased to report that ‘The Romans’ worked as a whole.  It bodes well for the next serial, doesn’t it?

What?

‘The Web Planet’?

That’s next?

...grumblemutter...