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 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 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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