Part 1: The Mysterious Planet
As you begin to watch Part 1, the thought comes to mind what is going on here. My favorite sci-fi character has been drawn into a large spaceship or space station as called in Wikipedia (1) I can see where the object the Doctor enters is a space station by the immense size of it.
The first I see this episode, I am surprised by the way the TARDIS is drawn into the space station. Of course, any fan of the show should realize it is the Timelords. As the TARDIS lands, the Doctor staggers as he exits the TARDIS. Feeling a little dazed, the Doctor sees doors and enters the court of the High Council.
Colin Baker does a tremendous job in his reaction to what is going on. His portrayal is spot on and every bit what I expected from him as the Sixth Doctor. Robert Holmes does a marvelous job on these episodes. I love the way the story progresses and keeps me wondering what is going to happen next. Baker’s does a tremendous job of showing concern as to why he is on trial.
The trial begins with the Valeyard making a case of the Doctor violating the first law of the Timelords. Therefore he uses information from the matrix to prove the Doctor has meddled in the affairs of other people and planets. The Valeyard is out for the life of the Doctor, therefore he will do anything to convict him of these crimes. The first story shows the Doctor and Peri in an adventure on the planet Ravalox. At the time the Doctor and Peri are on Ravalox in Part 1 he does not know the truth about the planet. He just sees things which show it to be Earth.
During the episode, the Doctor explains to Peri the similarities between Ravalox and earth. Because of this, he begins to realize something is amiss. So, the Doctor begins to search for answers, which in the end cause him trouble.
The acting of Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Micheal Jayston, and Lynda Bellingham along with the rest of the cast makes the story. The reactions of Baker to the ancient texts is priceless. Then Sabalom Glitz and Dibber are a perfect side story for the entire series.
The division of the tribe and the people serving the immortal or L3 robot is a good separation. It helps the story move along. The way the tribe is used makes the story better. Because of the tribe’s worship of the totem, it gives the story a medieval feeling although the totem is a black light converter of an advanced civilization.
The Doctor seems to not remember the events as shown in the matrix. He continually refutes them and has the feeling he has been set up. The concealing of information on the part of the Valeyard and the High Council here and elsewhere helps the story move along smoothly.
As you begin watching as a fan, you don’t know why the Doctor is on trial. Therefore, you need to come back every week to see what happens next. Because of the way the story leads, I came back every week so to say. Having all the characters in the story is a benefit for the series. The story within the story is grand. Therefore, you must pay attention to all of the information. Without noticing everything, you will not see the whole meaning of the series. Therefore, part 1 of The Mysterious Planet begins an interesting series of events.
