The Rescue

There isn’t really a lot to be said about The Rescue, apart from that it’s the story that introduces Vicki. This is not to say that it’s a bad story by any means. Vicki is engagingly played by Maureen O'Brien, Cusick’s design work is as good as ever and it is well directed by Christopher Barry, with effective lighting (which I was able to notice in spite of the appalling transfer used for the VHS, making my admiration for the Doctor Who Restoration Team all the greater).

Dennis Spooner comes up with some cracking dialogue, although the end is a bit rushed, with the Dido people turning up and causing Bennett to fall to his death. Also, the cliff-hanger to "The Powerful Enemy" seems to be there for the sake of providing a cliff-hanger. In these days where the Doctor seems to know about every species in the Universe, it is strange to note that this is the first time the Doctor arrives on a planet that he’s been to before. This means that the natives are people that he already knows and cares about, and we see that in his rage against Bennett for the apparent genocide of the Dido people, something the Doctor would do many times again.

We are treated to some cracking work from the regulars. Look at the expressions of William Hartnell’s face just after he has asked Susan to open the TARDIS door. Ian and Barbara’s reactions to being told that they are 550 years old are priceless. Ray Barrett as Bennett, however, seems to be going through the motions somewhat.

Many people seem to see this story as being merely filler. It is a bit inconsequential, but enjoyable nevertheless and well worth taking 51 minutes of your life to check out.

NEXT: The Romans