Review of all 4 parts:
This is a tremendous serial. It had a big effect on me when I watched it on original transmission and rewatching it now I am still thrilled, entertained and moved by it. Eric Saward shows his capability to produce incredible stories as a writer.
The story features the TARDIS arriving on 26th Century Earth following a signal to a cave system where some archaologists have gone missing and a military force are investigating. The Doctor and his companions come under suspicion until they are all attacked by androids, The Doctor discovers a bomb which he defuses and we then discover the Cybermen are behind it all.
This is one of the very best Cybermen stories and their involvement was a really effective surprise. The androids before that were really a distraction to stop viewers realising the threat was from Cybermen but the androids themselves are brilliant! They are simple but very effective and really well created. In fact, it is a pity they were not subsequently used.
It is not just the androids which are well produced and effective, the whole production is superb. It makes you realise there is not much excuse for the cheap, tasteless and cheesy production that would dominate seasons 22 to 24 in particular. The impeccable taste in presenting clean, simple, believable sets, settings and costumes gives huge credibility and class to this serial. The military outfits look great, the androids work brilliantly, the Cybermen look better than ever before and the freighter spaceship is excellent. Unlike the glitzy silliness of some sets and costumes, this is more like you see in films like Alien and it really gives a sheen of quality.
The plot itself is exciting and engrossing. There are plenty of thrills, a rare occasion when Cybermen have a logical seeming plan and there is darkness and drama that is really impactful. The cliffhangers are great and the ending of the final part is as dark, hard hitting and heartbreaking as any Doctor Who story has ever been.
The acting all round is top standard. Peter Davison is fantastic as The Doctor showing all the qualities you could want and acting it all really well. The companions act really well too. Adric in his final story is absolutely at his best but so are Nyssa and Tegan. They all have important roles and deliver strong performances. Guest roles are also strong. James Warwick is totally convincing as Lieutenant Scott and Beryl Reid is interesting and striking as Briggs. Other cast are all good and the Cybermen are good too.
It is noticeable that the Cybermen are more human/emotional than you would expect in their language but this is done for dramatic reasons and can be excused. The important thing I think is that the Cybermen remain totally without conscience. They may react with human pride, annoyance etc but they are at their best here in terms of their menace and conscienceless cruelty. They aim for the furtherment of the Cyber race at the expense of all others and it all works really well.
Powerful emotion, fun action, thrilling danger and compelling drama are all in great evidence in this marvelous story. It is a top 30 classic for me.
All 4 parts 10/10.
