Episode 50 (K5): The Waking Ally

What does that mean, "the waking ally"? Who is waking? Whose ally are they? The episode titles for this serial have generally been rubbish, either meaningless like this one or atmospheric but general: "Day of Reckoning", "The End of Tomorrow". The only two I like are at the start: "World's End", which is both atmospheric and descriptive; and "the Daleks", which is just good advertising.

This episode is unusual because it was shot entirely on 35mm film. This was a purely practical decision, and came about because there were no available videotape machines at the BBC! Happily, there was one available William Hartnell this time around.

This is an improvement on last episode, but there is still a sense that everyone involved is tired. The script is 90% padding, the actors have upped their game only slightly from last time, the direction is still lacking much of the verve shown at the beginning of the serial - and I still don't have much enthusiasm for writing about it. Still, let me make a start.

When last we left our heroes Ian and Larry were being threatened by the slyther, but found it impossible to jump off the bottom of the set because the drop was too deep. The slyther looks more effective, but still works best in extreme closeup or when seen partially. Richard Martin makes a better attempt at this, but his efforts are rather sabotaged by the obviously fake mining bucket. This scene doesn't leave me in a hopeful mood...

...but then we see that William Hartnell's back - and involved in probably the best fight scene of the serial so far. This is a far more sensible use of the sewers, and even manages to expand on the character of David and (particularly) Tyler. Susan is pretty ineffectual; but you can't have everything, and this scene is followed by another corker as Barbara and Jenny are betrayed by the women in the woods.

Unfortunately we then go back to the mine, and writing this I realise that it's these scenes that drag the episode down. The robomen work best when they don't speak (which certainly isn't the case here); the plot's meandering; and the action is overly-melodramatic. It looks good, with plenty of extras as slave-workers; but none of it is necessary. Ian could have gone straight to the Dalek HQ from the saucer, Barbara and Jenny could have been taken to see the black Dalek when they were captured. Cut out the back-and-forth in the sewer last time and that's a whole episode saved.

Again unfortunately, the scenes of Ian and the bomb are necessary - and silly. Why would the bomb casing have a convenient man-sized space, and why would it be kept in two parts like that? It's got Plot Device written all over it. At least the model shot at the end is effective.

I've saved my favourite scene for last, though I suspect it's my son's least favourite! The bit with David, Susan and the fish is very well written and played; and the Doctor's line "I could tell something was cooking" rounds it off nicely. These quiet character moments work well as a contrast to the big action plot, and everyone (writer, actors, director) seems to take care with them.

All in all, a mixed bag. The weak parts are as bad as last time, but there are also more strong moments to enjoy.

Broadcast:
Date: Saturday, 19th December 1964
Viewers: 11.4 million
Chart Position: 18
Appreciation Index: 58

Rating:
3.5/10.

Next Time:
Will I summon up more enthusiasm for the concluding episode, Flashpoint? With luck Friday will provide the answer...