The Space Pirates

This story is one of the lower points of Doctor Who for me. It does not have a reputation as a good story and in my opinion it is surely one of the 10-15 weakest entries in the series first 55 years. Bear in mind that I am comparing it to the immensely high standards of what I think is one of the finest TV series of all time. This story is not terrible compared to the bad TV shows out there or even the bad science fiction shows (e.g. 10.5 Apocalypse or Flash Gordon 2007), compared to a lot of dross on TV this is reasonably acceptable. For Doctor Who though this is very disappointing with cheesy delivery of dialogue, often unimpressive American accents and weak performances. As well as that the story lacks any real excitement or cleverness. I was just bored at times.

This is a 'space opera' similar to some 1960s Star Trek, based around Western motifs. It has 'Space Pirates' who are like bandits, a mining company and an old prospector type, 'Milo Clancey', who some fans see as a fun and interesting character. I see him as an embarrassment with his dodgy accent, over the top acting and poor, sometimes laughable delivery of strange Western style dialogue. There is nothing of great quality or interest in any of the guest characters, the acting or the direction. One thing which is of good quality in reconstructions (which are all that remains of most of this story) is the special effects. Almost Gerry Anderson style space ships and space stations all done very well giving some great visuals going by reviews of the original production and sequences in reconstructions. The story and script are unexceptional and nowhere near writer Robert Holmes later classics, but the direction (by Michael Hart) and delivery by the actors is what makes it dull and really cheesy.

Apart from the good effects, this is in my opinion one of the weaker stories in the series' rich history.

My Ratings: Episodes 1, 4 and 6 - 5/10, Episodes 2 & 5 - 5.5/10, Episode 3 - 4/10

Overall: 5/10

Easily the worst story of the Troughton era. It lacks all the "so bad, it's good" weirdness of "The Dominators" and the strong presence of Gemma and introduction of Zoe in, "Wheel in Space." What we get is a story that crawls particularly with the first two episodes where our heroes are left with little to nothing to do. The characters are all dull stock characters, except for Milo Clancey, who's fairly insufferable.

The story's one redeeming point is that it features a mystery, which has an obvious solution to the main question of who's behind the Space Pirates does actually have a couple twists in some minor points. Other than that, this is a dull story with very little to offer.

the worst doctor who story of all time in my opinion.

I picked up the soundtrack release of these from AudioGo (back when they existed) and have only just found the time to listen.

It is a hard thing to listen to and probably better to watch. It reminds me of Commander Buzz Corey and the SPAAAAAACE Patrol!!! That is good only fashion pulp fiction SF. Listening to it, I can see the cardboard props.

For the first half the TARDIS crew are having a small almost insignificant adevnture while space commanders and space pirates are involved in an almost unrelated story. You hear very little of the crew and mostly get the barrage of cast members that I don't care about.

I find the old soundtrack releases of the old episodes to be interesting, but not necessarily enjoyable.