2. City Of Death
General Plot: The Doctor has taken Romana to Paris for a holiday, to show her the Mona Lisa. However they soon discover that someone is interfering with time. Aided by a violent private detective named Duggan, they begin to realise that there is a connection between the crack in time and the Mona Lisa. Their investigations lead them to the cellar of Count Scarlioni, where they find six identical and genuine Mona Lisas. The Doctor begins to realise that the Count is not what he seems he is in fact, Scaroth the last of the Jagaroth, who is involved in a dangerous time experiment to save him own race, causing the human race to have never existed.
What Makes It Great: Putting it simply, the best thing about the story, is that it is the funniest Doctor Who episode ever, in my book. Every time I watch it, I still laugh at the scene with the Doctor and the Countess. It's just pure brilliance, fantastically written but also beautifully performed by Tom. The story is a really great, well written piece, but Tom and the cast really make it come alive, proving once more the reason why I love Tom Baker's Doctor. This episode just encases everything I adore about his characterisation of the Doctor a lot of the comedy is very slapstick, but I'd rather watch this story than a lot of other comedy dramas. Tom's chemistry with Lalla Ward who would later become his wife was electric. They really bounce off each other, particularly in the early stages, before they get separated later in the story. But it's not just Romana with whom he has brilliant chemistry he's equally fantastic opposite Duggan, the Count and Countess, their butler, the misguided scientist Kerensky or even Tancredi's guard. He puts on the most magical performance of his 7 year tenure as the Doctor. Maybe not his absolute best, as that belongs to the Number 1 selection, but the most magical. This is the episode that just embodies the enthusiasm, wonder and joy of Doctor Who. The story is a really intriguing one, particularly at the moment, as it circulates around a concept that was applied in The Name of the Doctor. Namely, the Count had splintered himself across time in order to save his race. Over 30 years on, Clara splinters herself throughout time and space to save the Doctor. This just goes to show what a great concept it was, and it really worked in this story. The villain, Count Scarlioni, is sophisticated and charming but totally hell-bent determined to reunite himself, and is ruthless in his quest to make sure that happens. The story, while very light and funny, does have several dark moments, particularly the regression of Kerensky to a bunch of skeletons. Tom's performance is the best thing about this episode, but the supporting cast absolutely sparkle throughout. Even the Count is funny, and that's saying something there's not many Doctor Who villains who are written to have a sense of humour. Kerensky sorry Nicola Theodore Kerensky is a barmy, misguided genius who is unwittingly aiding the Count in destroying Earth. He believes he is building a machine that will feed the world, but it is instead unknowingly aiding its destruction. Romana is fantastic in this episode, and I would say this is her best performance. Like I said, she has a great chemistry with Tom, but she is also brilliant alongside Duggan and the Count. If Jago and Litefoot are two of the best companions the Doctor never had, I would consider Duggan as the best he is an absolutely brilliant character, and had the Doctor taken Duggan with him, it would have made a brilliant dynamic. He is dry ('can anyone join in this conversation or do you need a certificate?') and he uses he fists to get out of a tight spot. I'm sure him and Leela would have gotten on great! But he was smart, used his instincts and eventually saved the day, so I was baffled as to why the Doctor didn't even extend an invitation. Plus there is an absolutely fantastic cameo from Monty Python and Fawlty Towers star John Cleese, of all people.
Memorable Quote: I can't pick one. There are so many magnificent lines. In terms of quotes, this is probably the best script in the shows history it's just pure gold.