2 thoughts on “Doctor Who – The Krotons [DVD] [1968]”
I <3 The Krotons! Over the years “The Krotons” has come under fire from scornful fans, complaining that Troughton classics like “Fury From the Deep” were wiped while this story still exists. That’s unfair for several reasons. Firstly, when a story no longer exists it can gain an element of myth. Secondly, this story is actually a lot of fun. Whereas “The Dominators” is a truly dull drag only raised by the main cast, this is a flawed but enjoyable little self-contained story. It’s also the first story by Robert Holmes, classic Who’s finest writer. He’s still finding his feet but gives us an intriguing mystery along the way.As always the three leads are a joy, particularly when the Doctor and Zoe have a go on the learning machines. The Gonds often get a slagging but they’re okay really – Philip Madoc’s deliciously evil eyebrows make their Who debut in this story. Then there’s the Krotons themselves. Again they get mocked by fans, but with their unusual crystalline heads and roaring voices they’re actually quite effective. Admittedly in long-shot with their skirts showing they are a bit lumbery, but in their lair they are better than many Who man-in-a-suit monsters.For the time being, this is the last Troughton story to be released on DVD. I hope that like many other classic Who stories its reputation gets a more generous re-appraisal. It starts here – I openly admit my love for “The Krotons”!
The beginning of the golden era….. I first watched this as part of the 5 Faces of DR WHO season back in 1981 and loved it then-I subsequently wore out my VHS copy and had to buy a new one!The great Bob Holmes is now on board and the series future is assured.Great characters and witty monsters,even though the latter are not classic creations.However,it feels like a forerunner of all the great stories which were to follow.This was reflected in the audience appreciation for this story which was unusually high.Very recommended!
I <3 The Krotons! Over the years “The Krotons” has come under fire from scornful fans, complaining that Troughton classics like “Fury From the Deep” were wiped while this story still exists. That’s unfair for several reasons. Firstly, when a story no longer exists it can gain an element of myth. Secondly, this story is actually a lot of fun. Whereas “The Dominators” is a truly dull drag only raised by the main cast, this is a flawed but enjoyable little self-contained story. It’s also the first story by Robert Holmes, classic Who’s finest writer. He’s still finding his feet but gives us an intriguing mystery along the way.As always the three leads are a joy, particularly when the Doctor and Zoe have a go on the learning machines. The Gonds often get a slagging but they’re okay really – Philip Madoc’s deliciously evil eyebrows make their Who debut in this story. Then there’s the Krotons themselves. Again they get mocked by fans, but with their unusual crystalline heads and roaring voices they’re actually quite effective. Admittedly in long-shot with their skirts showing they are a bit lumbery, but in their lair they are better than many Who man-in-a-suit monsters.For the time being, this is the last Troughton story to be released on DVD. I hope that like many other classic Who stories its reputation gets a more generous re-appraisal. It starts here – I openly admit my love for “The Krotons”!
The beginning of the golden era….. I first watched this as part of the 5 Faces of DR WHO season back in 1981 and loved it then-I subsequently wore out my VHS copy and had to buy a new one!The great Bob Holmes is now on board and the series future is assured.Great characters and witty monsters,even though the latter are not classic creations.However,it feels like a forerunner of all the great stories which were to follow.This was reflected in the audience appreciation for this story which was unusually high.Very recommended!