Tlotoxl's machinations result in both Susan and Ian being arrested.With the TARDIS once again trapped inside the tomb, the travelers' only hope for escape lies with Autloc and Cameca.Tlotoxl's machinations result in both Susan and Ian being arrested.With the TARDIS once again trapped inside the tomb, the travelers' only hope for escape lies with Autloc and Cameca.Tlotoxl's machinations result in both Susan and Ian being arrested.With the TARDIS once again trapped inside the tomb, the travelers' only hope for escape lies with Autloc and Cameca.
Photos
- Director
- Writers
- John Lucarotti
- Sydney Newman(uncredited)
- Donald Wilson(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode takes place in Mexico in the 15th century.
- GoofsAt one point during the fight between Ian and Ixta, the edge of the set can be seen on the right of the screen revealing the supports holding the backcloth.
- Quotes
Barbara Wright: We failed.
Dr. Who: Yes, we did. We had to.
Barbara Wright: Then what is the point of traveling through time and space? We can't change anything... Nothing! Tlotoxl had to win.
Dr. Who: Yes...
Barbara Wright: And the one I had respect for, I had deceived. Poor Autloc. I gave him false hope, and in the end he lost his faith.
Dr. Who: He found another faith, a better. And that's the good you've done. You failed to save a civilization, but at least you helped one man.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Designing 'The Aztecs' (2002)
The plot is very well done because it offers a lot within this simple structure. Primarily we have actual tension thanks to a very enjoyable manipulative villain (Tlotoxl) who tries to guide and twist things to his own ends. This character produces many good moments and is the central device for the plot to go the way it does. We also get action and, although the fights are rather dated in their style, there is an edge between Ian and his opposition and it does lead to a surprisingly stylish and enjoyable climax. There is also humor as well but what I liked the most is the discussion of timelines and the frustration of Barbara to try to do good but ultimately have to go with what has already happened. Although I do not see this idea being constant (since the Doctor will stop things happening "in the future" which also, in theory, have already played out without his intervention), the idea is well presented. It is perhaps a bit simple now as even basic action movies play with this idea now, but it is a nice crisp piece of sci-fi writing in this adventure serial.
The performances are better here thanks to this material. Hartnell has humor but also a tougher edge when confronting Barbara. This also brings the best out of Hill and I really enjoyed her character and performance here. Likewise Ford goes from spending the previous 6 episodes screaming to return to her much more confident character. Russell plays the manly role well and I very much enjoyed his standoffs with Cullen's Ixta. In support the cookie is very much taken by Ringham with his villain. It seemed like he would be hammy and OTT but in reality it is an enjoyably devious character and he brings a lot to the material by virtue of how well he delivers it.
Overall this is a very enjoyable story; it brings action, real tension, good performances and thoughtful material together really well. It should also be said that for all their age and sound-stage limitations, the sets and costumes are also very good.
- bob the moo
- Aug 13, 2013
Details
- Runtime25 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1