The Ice Warriors is a curious story because for one it the debut story for the creatures that are mentioned in the title. This story is missing episodes two and three and as a result it has a slightly disjointed feel to it. The Ice Warriors is a story that shares something in common with things like The Moonbase or The Tenth Planet and that is an isolated place that is under threat from an alien threat. The slight difference is that the Ice Warriors have been there for a long time.
The design of the creatures is very good and surprisingly so for a 1960’s TV story. They lose something when they appear in colour in a few years time but in monochrome they have a certain look to them. The Ice Warriors plan is simple. They want to melt the ice so that they can release more Ice Warriors and take over the planet. As plans go, it’s pretty strong but the problem with this story is that it isn’t six episodes worthy. I think that there is an awful lot of padding needed and the story could have been four episodes long and still been better.
The main characters are very good and despite Victoria being in the group, there is a strong vibe to them. Troughton is on good form here and has quite a distinctive look with the thick coat on. Frazer Hines and Deborah Watling are also on good form though Watling does have to fall into screaming companion a few times and that is slightly disappointing. There is a sense that someone has been reminded about the time when Ian Chesterton was paralysed and couldn’t walk for a while, in this story Frazer Hines has to play Jamie who can’t walk and in one scene has to be dragged by Peter Sallis. It’s a slightly disappointing thing for the character and for Frazer to have to put up with.
Some of the supporting cast also put on a good show with Peter Barkworth as Clent being the highlight. He is the typical leader who won’t listen to anyone and expects people to follow and listen to him intently. He is a spineless character and I instantly disliked him which is what I suppose they were trying to achieve. Peter Sallis is also another actor who gives a strong performance. As Penley he is a former scientist who has ditched life in the glossy ice base and decided to rough it a bit. Not the place I would have done it but it’s a nice performance and whilst at first its easy to think of him in Last of the Summer Wine or the voice of Wallace in Wallace and Gromit but soon those thoughts are replaced with the story and his character.
The outfits that the crew at the base wear are slightly amusing because they look like a psychiatrist’s ink blot thing and it something that only could have come from the 1960’s. The idea also that the base is designed like a country mansion is like some from the 1960’s version of Changing Rooms has come in and told them how to design the place. The sets outside the base are something that deserves comment because it’s admirable of what they can achieve on a little budget and on this story they do a reasonably good job. The scenes set outside were a little boring but the rest of them were quite good and it felt like this story was taking place over a large space.
The Ice Warriors is a good story and its one of those that has changed in my opinion since the last time I watched/listen to this story. The Ice Warriors are a really good design and this is there second best story and it’s just a shame that its two episodes too long but Brian Hayles (writer) has done a good job and has created an impressive story and this fifth season is continuing to impress.
The design of the creatures is very good and surprisingly so for a 1960’s TV story. They lose something when they appear in colour in a few years time but in monochrome they have a certain look to them. The Ice Warriors plan is simple. They want to melt the ice so that they can release more Ice Warriors and take over the planet. As plans go, it’s pretty strong but the problem with this story is that it isn’t six episodes worthy. I think that there is an awful lot of padding needed and the story could have been four episodes long and still been better.
The main characters are very good and despite Victoria being in the group, there is a strong vibe to them. Troughton is on good form here and has quite a distinctive look with the thick coat on. Frazer Hines and Deborah Watling are also on good form though Watling does have to fall into screaming companion a few times and that is slightly disappointing. There is a sense that someone has been reminded about the time when Ian Chesterton was paralysed and couldn’t walk for a while, in this story Frazer Hines has to play Jamie who can’t walk and in one scene has to be dragged by Peter Sallis. It’s a slightly disappointing thing for the character and for Frazer to have to put up with.
Some of the supporting cast also put on a good show with Peter Barkworth as Clent being the highlight. He is the typical leader who won’t listen to anyone and expects people to follow and listen to him intently. He is a spineless character and I instantly disliked him which is what I suppose they were trying to achieve. Peter Sallis is also another actor who gives a strong performance. As Penley he is a former scientist who has ditched life in the glossy ice base and decided to rough it a bit. Not the place I would have done it but it’s a nice performance and whilst at first its easy to think of him in Last of the Summer Wine or the voice of Wallace in Wallace and Gromit but soon those thoughts are replaced with the story and his character.
The outfits that the crew at the base wear are slightly amusing because they look like a psychiatrist’s ink blot thing and it something that only could have come from the 1960’s. The idea also that the base is designed like a country mansion is like some from the 1960’s version of Changing Rooms has come in and told them how to design the place. The sets outside the base are something that deserves comment because it’s admirable of what they can achieve on a little budget and on this story they do a reasonably good job. The scenes set outside were a little boring but the rest of them were quite good and it felt like this story was taking place over a large space.
The Ice Warriors is a good story and its one of those that has changed in my opinion since the last time I watched/listen to this story. The Ice Warriors are a really good design and this is there second best story and it’s just a shame that its two episodes too long but Brian Hayles (writer) has done a good job and has created an impressive story and this fifth season is continuing to impress.
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