Obviously he's back several times in Big Finish but I think I'd like the Monk back in the TV show too. The Patrick Stewart rumour from 2009 is the closest we've come I think
This might be my favourite Hartnell story honestly. There’s just something so enthralling about it. I really hope we see The Monk come back in the show at some point, or even just a time Lord like him.
Easily my favourite Hartnell story. As you say, every part of the story sings and its a perfect first story for this new Tardis team - which, honestly, its a shame there isn't more of. I also think it marks a major change in the lore of the series, not only introducing another member of The Doctor's race (it feels wrong at this stage to say 'Time Lord', considering) and confirming that the Tardis isn't - as had previously been hinted - a unique machine of The Doctor's own creation - but also subtly changing his, and thus the programme's, attitude to time travel. In The Aztecs it was "you can't change history, not one line" - it was "utterly impossible"; here, however, it's suggested more that "you SHOULDN'T change history", which I think is the seed from which the modern Who ethos of 'the web of time', 'fixed points in time' and all that flourishes. I also really like both Vicki and Steven's chat about what will happen if The Monk succeeds and also how some of the 'changes' his made are actually things from real history, such as helping to build Stonehenge, which really help make him seem competent and capable of doing what he's trying to do (unlike so many Who villains, sadly).
All of this. It fires on all cylinders and makes the most of its 4 episodes so much so that it never ever feels in danger of running out of steam. If The Time Meddler hadn't been as good as it is then there's a chance the show could have stumbled slightly following Ian and Barbara's departure. The fact that it's spectacularly good kind of low-key ensures the shows future in a way that can get overlooked
The Time Meddler is the Hartnell story that I revisit the most! The chemistry between the 1st Doctor, Vicki, Steven and The Monk is an absolute delight.
My favorite Hartnell story and possibly my favorite B&W era story. I agree entirely with your review of this story. There’s a stark contrast between Richard Martin’s direction in The Chase and Douglas Camfield’s direction in The Time Meddler. One little thing I love is how Camfield projects moving clouds on a backdrop to create a very convincing sky. There’s a reason he was one of the most admired directors of classic Doctor Who.
Can't argue with any of this. Camfield goes on to do consistently good work too and I always forget at this point he'd also done an episode of Planet of Giants and The Crusade. A big part of why I like The Crusade is almost certainly him. I really should make the effort to discuss him more actually. (I did have a joke in this video about wanting 'Martin and Camfield' to replace 'chalk and cheese' but I cut it because it felt mean 😬)
I do feel kind of bad being critical of Richard Martin because he is still alive and by all counts a lovely man. In his defense, he did have some very ambitious stories that probably went beyond what the budget could reasonably accommodate. He did a reasonably good job with Dalek Invasion of Earth, though I wonder what Douglas Canfield or Christopher Barry could have done to make that story even better.
Love this story and not being a historical fan really enjoyed it. Vicki and Steven interactions with each other is spot on. Esp Steven's disbelief of time travel. Sadly change is in the air for the TARDIS crew - sigh. The Meddling Monk is the right level of comedy and his frustration when his plan gets delayed lol.
Peter Butterworth passed away in 1979 but I’d love to see the monk back some day in a new form.
Obviously he's back several times in Big Finish but I think I'd like the Monk back in the TV show too. The Patrick Stewart rumour from 2009 is the closest we've come I think
Rufus Hound is excellent in Big Finish. I'd love to see him as the Monk on TV.
This might be my favourite Hartnell story honestly. There’s just something so enthralling about it. I really hope we see The Monk come back in the show at some point, or even just a time Lord like him.
It is a fantastic piece of work for sure!
Easily my favourite Hartnell story. As you say, every part of the story sings and its a perfect first story for this new Tardis team - which, honestly, its a shame there isn't more of.
I also think it marks a major change in the lore of the series, not only introducing another member of The Doctor's race (it feels wrong at this stage to say 'Time Lord', considering) and confirming that the Tardis isn't - as had previously been hinted - a unique machine of The Doctor's own creation - but also subtly changing his, and thus the programme's, attitude to time travel. In The Aztecs it was "you can't change history, not one line" - it was "utterly impossible"; here, however, it's suggested more that "you SHOULDN'T change history", which I think is the seed from which the modern Who ethos of 'the web of time', 'fixed points in time' and all that flourishes.
I also really like both Vicki and Steven's chat about what will happen if The Monk succeeds and also how some of the 'changes' his made are actually things from real history, such as helping to build Stonehenge, which really help make him seem competent and capable of doing what he's trying to do (unlike so many Who villains, sadly).
All of this. It fires on all cylinders and makes the most of its 4 episodes so much so that it never ever feels in danger of running out of steam. If The Time Meddler hadn't been as good as it is then there's a chance the show could have stumbled slightly following Ian and Barbara's departure. The fact that it's spectacularly good kind of low-key ensures the shows future in a way that can get overlooked
It’s a really fun light romp perfect for weekend.
I also have a warm nostalgic glow for the 1992 repeat season, happy times and places!
I'll talk about that repeat season with every story I get to that was on it. Felt like Christmas!
I was twelve at the time of that repeat season and its effect on my life has been exceptional.
The Time Meddler is the Hartnell story that I revisit the most! The chemistry between the 1st Doctor, Vicki, Steven and The Monk is an absolute delight.
It's SUCH a good story, a big part of that is definitely that ensemble!
My favorite Hartnell story and possibly my favorite B&W era story. I agree entirely with your review of this story. There’s a stark contrast between Richard Martin’s direction in The Chase and Douglas Camfield’s direction in The Time Meddler. One little thing I love is how Camfield projects moving clouds on a backdrop to create a very convincing sky. There’s a reason he was one of the most admired directors of classic Doctor Who.
Can't argue with any of this. Camfield goes on to do consistently good work too and I always forget at this point he'd also done an episode of Planet of Giants and The Crusade. A big part of why I like The Crusade is almost certainly him. I really should make the effort to discuss him more actually.
(I did have a joke in this video about wanting 'Martin and Camfield' to replace 'chalk and cheese' but I cut it because it felt mean 😬)
I do feel kind of bad being critical of Richard Martin because he is still alive and by all counts a lovely man. In his defense, he did have some very ambitious stories that probably went beyond what the budget could reasonably accommodate. He did a reasonably good job with Dalek Invasion of Earth, though I wonder what Douglas Canfield or Christopher Barry could have done to make that story even better.
Troughton was the best Columbo in Doactor Who.
Love this story and not being a historical fan really enjoyed it. Vicki and Steven interactions with each other is spot on. Esp Steven's disbelief of time travel. Sadly change is in the air for the TARDIS crew - sigh.
The Meddling Monk is the right level of comedy and his frustration when his plan gets delayed lol.