Although this story was mostly rewritten at the hands of Malcolm Hulke, it seems fitting to note the last contribution of David Whitaker to Doctor Who. In his capacity as the program's first script editor, he played a massive role in defining the tone of the program's writing. His two Dalek stories in Season Four were some of my favorites, and show off his understanding of the essential underpinnings of the show. He's in a very small club of writers who I'd call the best at understanding what makes Doctor Who, Doctor Who.
It's sort of a shame that he doesn't go out at his strongest. This story is still very good, but not up to the standard of The Power of the Daleks, for example. There's some very strong ideas in here, and it's genuinely a stylish and memorable serial. The new production team continues to prove that they mean business. Every episode looks and feels like a totally different beast from the previous season. This helps The Ambassadors of Death out a bit, and the space center setting is pretty awesome. I enjoyed the groovy soundtrack and the expansive cast of characters, even though I think Carrington is far from the best antagonist we've had.
It's the pacing where this one suffers, with seven episodes this time just dragging on a bit too long. The number of times that UNIT and company come close to finding out who's kidnapped the ambassadors, only for some new convoluted escape to be cooked up by the villains, is beyond numbering. At least it's always exciting, even if I am still grouchy that the Doctor and Liz were separated for most of the serial. At least it makes their reunion all the happier. I'm surprised at just how much I've come to like their dynamic. Their gentle bickering, academic banter, and general sense of both being in on a big joke together at the expense of the military men around them, are all quite lovely.
I was pleased to see Cyril Shaps back again, recognizing him from The Tomb of the Cybermen. I do wish he had made it to the end of the serial instead of stupidly dying. Reegan is a significantly better villain than Carrington himself, and I actually enjoyed the way he smarms himself offscreen when arrested near the end.
I've had trouble judging Lethbridge-Stewart through this season so far, since the series can't seem to decide how much friction there should be between him and the Doctor. I was displeased (but not surprised, being fair) that aside from a catty remark in the first episode from the Doctor, no mention is made of the Brigadier's war crime at the end of Silurians. Still, the Brig's part in this serial was mostly quite good, and I appreciated him disobeying Carrington and fighting to help the Doctor despite the words of his superiors.
Once more, we're treated to an alien race that isn't innately hostile. In fact, in this instance it's clear that humankind is the sole aggressor, albeit only a small faction seeking out a personal vendetta. The aliens themselves aren't the best realized, and lose a lot of their mystique when they take off their helmets. Up until that point, however, they are pretty cool.
Mentions for the most memorable moments of the serial must go to the Doctor's inexplicable ability to transmigrate objects (never mentioned again), and Liz cheekily telling her captor "It's alright, I won't hurt you," when restrained.
All in all, a highly enjoyable serial, but sometimes frustrating. Perhaps it's one that will grow on me with time. We'll conclude the season a bit later, putting our stamp on The Last Post first.
(Modified from the original posted at Gallifrey Base on 22 March 2021.)
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