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 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 Here's a review of Doctor Who: The Edge of Destruction / The Brink of 
 Disaster (sometimes listed as simply "The Edge of Destruction"): 
  
 Background 
  
 Airing in February 1964, "The Edge of Destruction" 
 (originally titled "Inside the Ship") is the third Doctor Who serial 
 and the first written by Script Editor David Whitaker.  It marks 
 a turning point in the show,  introducing a more psychological 
 and character-driven approach to storytelling compared to the historical 
 adventures of the first two serials. 
  
 Story 
  
 The TARDIS crew - the Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara - find themselves 
 disoriented and suspicious of each other.  A broken safety switch on the 
 TARDIS disrupts the crew's mental state, leading to paranoia, fear, 
 and even violence.  The Doctor must not only fix the TARDIS 
 but also navigate the fractured relationships within his crew. 
  
 Review 
  
 "The Edge of Destruction" is a unique and experimental story in Doctor Who 
 history. Here are some key points to consider: 
  
     Psychological Thriller:  This serial departs from the sci-fi adventure 
 format of the previous stories.  It delves into the psychological effects 
  of the malfunctioning TARDIS, creating a tense and claustrophobic 
  atmosphere. 
  
     Character Development:  "The Edge of Destruction" focuses heavily 
  on character development.  We see the Doctor's resourcefulness 
  and  his struggle to maintain control.  The companions also grapple 
  with fear and suspicion,  revealing their inner strengths 
  and weaknesses. 
   
     Mixed Pacing:  The story starts slow,  establishing the mystery 
  and the characters' growing unease.  The pace picks up as the situation 
  becomes more desperate. 
  
     Controversial Elements:  Some viewers find the acting and dialogue a bit 
  over-the-top, especially the Doctor's uncharacteristically aggressive 
  behaviour. 
  
 Reception 
  
     Positive:  Praised for its originality,  psychological depth,  and 
 focus 
  on character development.  It's also considered a turning point for the 
  show's direction. 
  
     Negative:  Criticised for its slow pacing,  melodramatic acting, 
  and  departure from the established format. 
  
 Overall Thoughts 
  
 "The Edge of Destruction" is a bold experiment in Doctor Who history. 
  While not without its flaws,  it offers a unique and thought-provoking 
  story that delves into the characters' psyches.  It  represents 
  a significant step  in the show's evolution from pure sci-fi adventure 
  to a more complex and character-driven format. 
  
 Would I recommend watching it?: 
  
 If you're interested in the history of Doctor Who and seeing the show 
 evolve, 
  "The Edge of Destruction" is a valuable watch.  However,  if you prefer 
  fast-paced adventures with clear heroes and villains,  you might find it 
  slow and confusing. 
  
 Here are some additional points to consider: 
  
     The Historical Context: Remember, this serial aired in 1964. Television 
  production values and storytelling techniques have changed significantly 
  since then. 
     The Doctor's Character: This is still the early days of the First 
 Doctor. 
  His personality and relationship with his companions are still being 
  established. He might come across as more ruthless or even cruel compared 
  to later incarnations. 
  
 Ultimately,  whether you enjoy "The Edge of Destruction" depends on your 
 personal preferences.   It's a  unique  and  experimental  story  that 
 offers  a  different  flavour  of Doctor Who. 
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