5. Doctor Who and the Silurians (Story 052, 1970)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m2UB1m8b28 By now most new Who fans are familiar with the Silurians, since theyve turned up a time or two during the 11th Doctors era (though apparently after having extensive cosmetic surgery). Theyre a fascinating species. Theyre the native intelligence that evolved on Earth before humanity did, and there are factions of them existing underground. Some want to co-exist peacefully with humans while others wish our destruction. This story is where that all began. It was only the second story in the Third Doctors era, and it very quickly set up this Doctor as someone who was willing, overall, to work alongside UNIT and other military organizations, but who didnt always agree with what they did. While he works his backside off in this story to try to bring peace, the Brigadier instead makes plans for war, and in the end makes a choice that nearly costs him his friendship with the Doctor. A deep and thoughtful story dragged down only slightly by some rather dodgy FX and really laughable Silurian makeup. Seriously, while I think the new series over corrected (reptiles with breasts? And how does that work, exactly?), I was't disappointed to see the change.
Chris Swanson
Chris Swanson is a freelance writer and blogger based in Phoenix, Arizona, where winter happens to other people. His blog is at wilybadger.wordpress.com
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