Doctor Who: The Legend Of Ruby Sunday Review - 6 Ups & 4 Downs
1. DOWN - Not Such A 'Fresh Start'
This season is designed as a jumping on point for new fans, and there have been some frankly baffling choices considering this was the intention. I've already hammered on no end about the choice to scare away fans by putting two bad episodes up front, but now the first big bad of this 'reinvented' show is a one-time villain from a serial that aired in 1975?
It's clear that the bonus Tales of the TARDIS episode this week will likely be recapping Pyramids of Mars for the (let's be frank), 99% of people who haven't seen it, and that's a smart move, but if four episodes of telly from almost 50 years ago is required watching for your brand new series, I don't think you can advertise it as a fresh slate.
I know that Pyramids of Mars is very well regarded, and is even considered one of Baker's best stories (with some tough competition), but its pop culture impact is rather low comparatively - having even less notoriety than the Toymaker. Bringing back classic villains is great, I love it, I'm just not sure this was the moment. The most likely outcome for most viewers here is that they spent 45 minutes being teased a reveal only to sit there at the end and say: "Cool... who's that then?"
Not sure thats the reaction RTD was aiming for. Classic fans are dining well tonight though!