Doctor Who: The Crusade - A Mixed Bag in the Holy Land

"The Crusade" is a four-episode historical serial from
Doctor Who's classic era, airing in 1965 as part of the
First Doctor's tenure. Here's a breakdown to help you
decide if you'd like to embark on this timey-wimey pilgrimage:

Story

The TARDIS materialises in 1191 during the Third Crusade.
The Doctor, Susan, Barbara, and Ian find themselves caught
between King Richard the Lionheart of England and Saladin,
the Muslim leader. As political intrigue and warfare
unfold, the companions get separated, and the Doctor
must navigate the complexities of the conflict while
trying to reunite with his friends.

Review

Strengths

Exploration of Historical Context: "The Crusade" attempts
to depict the Third Crusade from multiple perspectives,
offering a glimpse into the political climate
and cultural clash of the era.
Character Development: The serial allows for Barbara
to shine as her knowledge of history becomes an asset.
We also see the companions grappling with the morality
of war and the importance of tolerance.
Guest Star Performances: The serial features well-regarded
guest stars like Julian Glover and Jean Marsh, who elevate
the drama with their performances.

Weaknesses

Missing Episodes: Unfortunately, episodes 2 and 3 of "The Crusade"
exist only as photo reconstructions, which can disrupt the narrative
flow for modern viewers.
Limited Scope by Modern Standards: The historical depiction might
seem simplistic compared to modern productions with richer detail
and cultural nuance.
Slow Pacing in Parts: The story can feel slow at times,
especially during exposition scenes explaining the historical context
and political landscape.

Reception:

Positive: Praised for its attempt to tackle a complex historical
period, character development for Barbara, and strong guest star
performances. Some fans also appreciate the themes of war
and tolerance.

Negative: Criticised for its missing episodes that disrupt
the narrative, limited historical scope, and slow pacing
in certain sections.

Overall Thoughts:

"The Crusade" is an interesting experiment in historical Doctor Who.
While the missing episodes and simplistic historical depiction might
be drawbacks for some viewers, it offers a thought-provoking
exploration of war and cultural understanding through
the companions' eyes.

Would I recommend watching it?

For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10
(Especially those interested in historical stories
and character development for the companions)
For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10

If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who
and enjoy historical settings, "The Crusade"
might be worth checking out despite the missing episodes.
However, if you prefer fast-paced adventures with complete
narratives and a more nuanced approach to history,
you might find it slow and less engaging.

Additional Points to Consider:

This serial is considered significant for being the First Doctor's
first historical adventure, paving the way for future historical
stories in the show.
If you enjoy "The Crusade" for its exploration of historical conflict
and the companions' roles
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