The Masque of Mandragora is the first story of Season 14 and it marks the first appearance of the new console room. Written by Louis Marks (Day of the Daleks and Planet of Giants), this story is another Pseudo-historical adventures. The story is set in 15th Century Italy where a Mandragora that has gotten on board the TARDIS and has escaped when they arrive in Italy. The plot is about how the Mandragora Helix will swallow the moon and “it will be time to strike”. The story is special because of its location. It was filmed in Portmeiron which is where they filmed the cult 1960’s show ‘The Prisoner’. I thought that the location stuff was very well done and looked lovely. It’s very unusual that location filming has this effect but when its done well its worth mentioning.
The story benefits from having some very interesting characters which makes up for a rather lacklustre story. John Laurimore was very good as Count Federico and Norman Jones (previously in Dr Who and the Silurians) was very amusing as Hieronymous especially as he had what can only be described as one of the funniest beards in TV. Though I was thoroughly impressed with Tim Pigott-Smith who is very striking from start to finish. Gareth Armstrong finished off the set of actors that impressed me. As Giuliano the character was well written and played by Armstrong. The setting is quite a good one as its better than the one that we saw in The Time Warrior. That story is more science than history whereas this story is more history than science which I do find to be quite endearing.
Tom Baker is very good in this story and seems to be enjoying himself quite a lot. The moment when he is using the football rattle thing to scare the horses and assist in his escape was typical of the Doctor. There is no harm to anyone apart from the dignity of the horse rider. Elisabeth Sladen is also very good but does fall into being imprisoned and at one point was about to be sacrificed.
It would be odd not to go into greater detail about the new TARDIS console. I must admit that I rather like it and think that it suits the gothic era that Doctor Who was in. I think that whilst it doesn’t feel as big as the ‘traditional’ set that is something that I could overlook. Basically I really like the set and it’s a shame that they didn’t continue with it for much longer. I don’t really think that The Masque of Mandragora is the best story of this series but it does have a lot going for it and there is enough for me to find this an enjoyable story, I think that it is far better than the previous story but think that the duration was just the right length. The strong relationship between Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen is about to reach an end.
The story benefits from having some very interesting characters which makes up for a rather lacklustre story. John Laurimore was very good as Count Federico and Norman Jones (previously in Dr Who and the Silurians) was very amusing as Hieronymous especially as he had what can only be described as one of the funniest beards in TV. Though I was thoroughly impressed with Tim Pigott-Smith who is very striking from start to finish. Gareth Armstrong finished off the set of actors that impressed me. As Giuliano the character was well written and played by Armstrong. The setting is quite a good one as its better than the one that we saw in The Time Warrior. That story is more science than history whereas this story is more history than science which I do find to be quite endearing.
Tom Baker is very good in this story and seems to be enjoying himself quite a lot. The moment when he is using the football rattle thing to scare the horses and assist in his escape was typical of the Doctor. There is no harm to anyone apart from the dignity of the horse rider. Elisabeth Sladen is also very good but does fall into being imprisoned and at one point was about to be sacrificed.
It would be odd not to go into greater detail about the new TARDIS console. I must admit that I rather like it and think that it suits the gothic era that Doctor Who was in. I think that whilst it doesn’t feel as big as the ‘traditional’ set that is something that I could overlook. Basically I really like the set and it’s a shame that they didn’t continue with it for much longer. I don’t really think that The Masque of Mandragora is the best story of this series but it does have a lot going for it and there is enough for me to find this an enjoyable story, I think that it is far better than the previous story but think that the duration was just the right length. The strong relationship between Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen is about to reach an end.
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