The Exceptional
Tomb Of The Cybermen (Season 5, Episode 1)
The only serial from Troughtons first two seasons that survives in its entirety, Tomb of the Cybermen is often overhyped. Which is not to say that it isnt good. Its a ton of fun from start to finish, features some iconic moments in Cyber-history, and shows off the creature feature style of the Troughton era to great effect. But the mountains of praise heaped upon it tend to overlook its cartoonish, over-the-top villains, its questionable plot contrivances, and its nearly unintelligible Cybermen who sound like laryngectomy patients at a drive-thru. Tomb of the Cybermen has some major flaws, but what ultimately makes it tremendously worthwhile is that it offers what might be the fullest and most engaging depiction of Troughtons Second Doctor. From his playful banter with companions Jamie and Victoria, to the dryly devastating barbs he casually tosses off to deflate the megalomaniacal antagonists mentioned above; from his subtle, strategic, background manipulation of events, to the warm and sincere words of comfort he offers a troubled Victoria, Troughton is in top form and Tomb of the Cybermen allows him to showcase his one-of-a-kind take on the character, while still remaining true to the essential qualities that make him The Doctor.
The Execrable
Of the surviving serials, most classic Doctor Who fans are quick to condemn The Krotons as one of the worst, but for all its myriad defects, there are simply too many great Doctor-y moments (especially in his interplay with Zoe) for me to warn people off. Id say, instead, steer clear of The Seeds of Death which, while not appalling, is just interminably dull. A Few Extras: To see a bit more of Troughtons Doctor, the best thing to do is pick up the Doctor Who: Lost in Time DVD set, where you can see the little that survives of his earlier seasons. The Mind Robber is a truly unique and strange story from Season 6 thats worth a look. And for a real glimpse of the Second Doctors dark side, check out Evil of the Daleks, even in its sorry telesnap state.