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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