I'm not a huge fan of robots, so I wasn't thrilled with this plot. Of course the robot had feelings and something of a conscience so it spent a goodly time talking about its prime directive and all that. This is not a unique plot concerning robots. It kind of turned into King Kong at the end, when it got very large, and put Sarah Jane on a high building. It also reminded me of Robocop, who had a similar issue with its "Prime Directive". Captain Picard was always spouting nonsense about the Prime Directive in Star Trek, too.
I'm not really sure about Tom Baker just yet. He came across as rather goofy in this one. He dressed up in funny costumes before he settled on a particular look. It was supposed to be humorous.
My expert viewer mentioned that he doesn't remember the last time when the main evil character was a woman. They haven't done that before to our recollection. What does Winters want to get out of the robot? There's a group of mad scientists about, who want the world to be a better place. So they decide to cause a massive world war, and send the robot to kill off people who are a threat to their society. That's just great.
The Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to detonate bombs in the minefield. Hasn't he done that trick before?
I thought the bucket of virus thrown onto the robot was very strange. It was as though they couldn't decide how to destroy it, so they came up with a bucket of soapy water to end its life. That was very strange.
The Doctor drove Bessie around. It just didn't seem right.
Even stranger, Harry the medical doctor, becomes a companion. Yes. That's right. We now have a male companion! We haven't had one since Jamie, so this will be very interesting. I hope they keep him for a while.
Tom Baker seems to have a dry sort of wit, like Pertwee, but Baker is more disarming. He says rude things, but in an offhand way, so you don't get the feeling you want to slap his face. He's also very energetic, always running about. I think he and Sarah Jane fit very well together. They both have a similar kind of energy. I love how the Brigadier just sort of rolls his eyes at the Doctor. He's been through this before. Actually, it's amazing that the Brigadier has met all the Doctors so far. He's even met Hartnell in The Three Doctors. Not everyone can claim that honor.
Next Up: The Ark in Space
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