10 Greatest Classic Doctor Who Stories
4. The Aztecs
The Aztecs is the finest Doctor Who serial of the William Hartnell era, and the show has struggled to better its portrayal of the ethical dilemmas caused by traveling in time.
The Massacre is obviously another cracker, but the Doctor and Steven's confrontation comes at the end. In The Aztecs, the Doctor and Barbara are constantly sparring about whether she should try and save the Aztec people from being wiped out.
It's a dark story that still finds time for humor and tenderness, through the Doctor's accidental marriage. It also turns Barbara into a goddess, which seems right, actually.
Ultimately, the Doctor and Barbara reach a compromise of sorts, which is a testament to the strength of their relationship. The Doctor respects Barbara's ability to change the mind of Autloc, saving him from the massacre in the process.
It's the first time that Doctor Who bends the "no interference" rule, allowing for small changes or little victories against the cruelty of history. It's the forerunner to Donna Noble's "just save someone" policy, and is Doctor Who's finest historical adventure.