The Green Death: Episode Two

Review of all 6 episodes:

This is 'the one with the giant maggots in South Wales' and it is etched on the memories of many fans and casual viewers alike. It is a brilliant, interesting and often exciting story with great characters and excellent acting in many guest roles as well as the terrific regular cast. It features iconic images and scenes throughout and some of it is true all time classic. It has a couple of imperfections but is a wonderful example of 70s Who magic.

The Doctor, Jo and the Brigadier travel to Llanfairfach in South Wales where a closed down coal mine has been infected with a deadly green slime. This is linked to Global Chemicals and their work in the area. A group of 1970s 'eco warriors' lead by Clifford Jones, a young, idealistic Welsh scientist oppose the company and rightly suspect environmental impact from its work. Down the mines The Doctor discovers deadly giant maggots. Meanwhile the man in charge at Global Chemicals is under the influence of a computer known as BOSS which begins to take control of those who question the company's actions. Jo begins to feel the need to leave The Doctor to pursue her own interests and love life and at the end there is a poignant parting of the ways between her and The Doctor.

The majority of this story is brilliant, classic Pertwee era Who. The maggots are fun monsters and there are some great moments with them menacing people. The character based elements involving The Doctor, Jo and UNIT are superb, some of the guest characters are excellent and the wonderful final scene when The Doctor has to accept Jo has moved on from him is moving and beautiful in its understated simplicity. There is action, humour (such as The Doctor impersonating a milkman and a cleaning lady) and excitement.

The only real fault for me is the computer 'BOSS'. It is a plot aspect I find slightly flawed and is actually unnecessary in my opinion. It would have been better if human villain Stevens had been the megalomaniac behind it all himself or if an intelligent but evil alien villain was the influence behind it. The mad computer is a drawback in my opinion as it is just less convincing.

There is a very clear and unsubtle ecological message with our use of fossil fuels, pollution, global consumption of resourses and meat eating all being clearly commented on. I have absolutely no problem with that overt message and find it part of what great science fiction always does, presenting real world issues tied up in a fictional story.

Very enjoyable story, particularly the fantastic third episode and the great send off for Jo.

My ratings: Part 1 - 9.5/10, Parts 2 & 3 - 10/10, Part 4 - 9.5/10, Part 5 - 8.5/10, Part 6 - 9.5/10. Overall 9.5/10.

Season 10 was a superb season, one of Pertwee's strongest and therefore one of the show's top 10 to 15 seasons of all time in my opinion.

My average Season 10 rating: 8.88/10.

Sarah and Bert search the mines, whilst The Doctor and Brigadier go in search of equipment to rescue them.

It's a solid second episode, there's plenty going on including a fight scene for The Doctor, and a big reveal of what's lurking in the mines.

Suspense is a big strength here, it's tantalising, the way in which the story develops, it's what I feel the new series lacks, time to development. Not that long ago, a similar story, Arachnids in the UK was released, so poor compared to this.

There is such a richness and depth to the characters, Bert for example, it's a lovely performance from Roy Evans, and all the cast.

Jon's fight scene is fun, although they could have matched the stunt man's hair up a bit better, the wig is a bit dark and ill fitting. The scenes in the mine look awesome, and those maggots are a real triumph.

More questions asked, what's that green one, and just who is The Boss?

Classic. 9/10